a primitive root; to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger); go (put) out, quench.
Transliteration:kâbâh
Pronunciation:kaw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* is a primitive root carrying the fundamental meaning of cessation, specifically related to fire, light, or anything that burns. Its semantic range extends in two primary directions:
1. **Intransitive "to expire" or "to go out":** This describes a natural process where a flame, lamp, or fire ceases to burn on its own. It conveys the idea of a light diminishing and eventually extinguishing due to lack of fuel, time, or inherent weakness.
2. **Transitive "to extinguish" or "to quench":** This denotes an active, volitional act of putting out a fire or light. It implies an external force causing the cessation.
Beyond its literal application to flames, `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* is frequently employed metaphorically. It can refer to the extinguishing of life (as a "lamp" of life), the quenching of anger or wrath, or the snuffing out of hope or a lineage. The nuance often includes the idea of bringing something to an end, often with a sense of finality or destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* appears approximately 40 times in the Old Testament, revealing a rich tapestry of literal and metaphorical usage:
* **Literal Extinguishing of Fire/Light:**
* In [[1 Samuel 3:3]], it describes the lamp of God in the temple, which had "not yet gone out" before Samuel's divine encounter, signifying God's enduring presence even in a time of spiritual decline.
* [[Proverbs 20:20]] states that "the lamp of him who curses his father or his mother will be put out in deep darkness," illustrating a consequence for moral transgression. Similarly, [[Proverbs 24:20]] warns that "the lamp of the wicked will be put out," connecting the extinguishing of light with divine judgment and the end of prosperity.
* In a practical sense, it refers to the extinguishing of coals or fires, as seen in [[Isaiah 43:17]] where the Lord describes bringing out chariots and horses, "they lie down together, they cannot rise; they are extinguished, quenched like a wick."
* **Metaphorical Extinguishing of Life/Hope/Lineage:**
* Perhaps one of the most poignant uses is in [[2 Samuel 21:17]], where David's men urge him not to go out to battle again, lest he "quench the lamp of Israel." Here, David's life and leadership are likened to a lamp, whose extinguishing would plunge the nation into darkness. This highlights the vulnerability of human life and the critical role of leadership.
* The concept of anger or wrath being "quenched" is also present, though often in the negative, emphasizing its unquenchable nature. For instance, [[Jeremiah 4:4]] warns of God's wrath going out "like fire, and no one will quench it," underscoring the severity and irresistibility of divine judgment. Similarly, [[Lamentations 2:2]] describes God's wrath being poured out "like fire, and it is not quenched."
* **Messianic Prophecy:**
* Crucially, `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* appears in the famous Messianic prophecy of [[Isaiah 42:3]], "A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice." This verse beautifully portrays the gentle, compassionate, and patient character of the Servant of the Lord (the Messiah). He does not extinguish the weakest glimmer of faith or hope, nor does He crush those who are fragile or struggling. This stands in stark contrast to the destructive power often associated with the verb.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* interacts with several other significant Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Light and Darkness:** `{{H3518}}` is often contrasted with words for light (`{{H216}}` *ʾôr*) and lamp (`{{H5135}}` *nēr*), and its result is darkness (`{{H2822}}` *ḥōshek*). The extinguishing of light inherently leads to darkness, symbolizing loss, judgment, or death.
* **Fire and Burning:** It stands in opposition to words like `{{H215}}` *ʾēsh* (fire) and verbs meaning "to burn" or "to kindle" (e.g., `{{H3344}}` *yāqad*). The dynamic between kindling and quenching reveals the power to initiate or terminate.
* **Life and Death:** As seen in the "lamp of Israel" metaphor, `{{H3518}}` is conceptually linked to life (`{{H2416}}` *ḥayyîm*) and its cessation, death (`{{H4194}}` *māwet*). The going out of a lamp symbolizes the end of existence or vitality.
* **Judgment and Salvation:** The "unquenchable fire" is a powerful image of divine judgment, while the Messiah's refusal to quench a "dimly burning wick" speaks to His redemptive mercy and patience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* is profound, touching upon divine attributes, human vulnerability, and the nature of salvation and judgment:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God is ultimately the one who has the power to kindle and to quench. His wrath is frequently described as an "unquenchable fire," signifying its absolute power, irreversibility, and just nature (e.g., [[Jeremiah 4:4]], [[Ezekiel 20:48]]). This imagery conveys the terrifying reality of divine judgment for sin and rebellion.
* **Human Fragility and Dependence:** The metaphor of life or lineage as a "lamp" that can be "quenched" highlights the inherent fragility and transience of human existence and achievements. It underscores humanity's absolute dependence on God for life, sustenance, and continuation. The "lamp of the wicked" being put out serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate futility of a life lived apart from God.
* **Messianic Compassion and Grace:** The usage in [[Isaiah 42:3]] is perhaps the most theologically rich. It reveals the tender and merciful character of the Messiah. He does not extinguish the faintest spark of faith or hope, nor does He crush the broken. This portrays a God who is patient, restorative, and gracious, willing to nurture even the weakest and most vulnerable among His people. This Messianic gentleness contrasts sharply with the judgment imagery, offering hope to the struggling.
* **The Enduring Presence of God:** The "lamp of God" not going out in [[1 Samuel 3:3]] subtly points to God's faithfulness and enduring presence, even when human spirituality wanes. It suggests that while human lamps may dim or be quenched, God's light remains.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H3518}}` *kâbâh* fundamentally denotes the act of "going out" or "extinguishing," primarily concerning fire or light. Its semantic versatility allows it to describe both the natural cessation of a flame and the deliberate act of putting it out. Biblically, this verb carries significant weight, moving beyond the literal to encompass the extinguishing of life, hope, lineage, and even anger. Theologically, it serves as a powerful descriptor of divine judgment through "unquenchable fire," a stark reminder of human fragility where life is a "lamp" that can be "quenched," and, most poignantly, a revelation of the Messiah's tender compassion in His refusal to "quench a dimly burning wick," thereby nurturing the faintest spark of faith and hope. Thus, *kâbâh* encapsulates themes of divine sovereignty, human vulnerability, and the dual nature of God's justice and mercy.
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