### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâbâh**, represented by `{{H3518}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to expire or (causatively) to extinguish**. It appears 24 times in 24 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning involves quenching fire, light, or even anger, and is translated as "go (put) out" or "quench."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3518}}` is used in several key contexts. It frequently describes the unquenchable nature of God's divine wrath against sin and disobedience. The prophets warn that God's fury will come forth "like fire, and burn that none can quench it" ([[Jeremiah 21:12]], [[Jeremiah 4:4]]). This divine fire is said to be kindled against those who forsake God, and it "shall not be quenched" [[2 Kings 22:17]]. Conversely, the word is also used in a literal sense for the perpetual fire on the altar, which was commanded to "never go out" [[Leviticus 6:13]]. In a figurative sense, it describes the extinguishing of a lineage or hope, such as quenching the "light of Israel" [[2 Samuel 21:17]] or a family's last remaining heir [[2 Samuel 14:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of fire, light, and extinguishment:
* `{{H1846}}` **dâʻak** (to be extinguished): This word is often used in parallel with **kâbâh** to describe a final and complete end. For example, defeated armies "are extinct, they are quenched as tow" [[Isaiah 43:17]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, consume): This term for burning or consuming is frequently set in contrast to **kâbâh**. God's fury is described to "burn that none can quench it" [[Jeremiah 4:4]], highlighting the start and unstoppable nature of the fire.
* `{{H3341}}` **yâtsath** (to burn or set on fire): Similar to **bâʻar**, this word describes the act of kindling a fire that cannot be put out. God warns that he will "kindle a fire in the gates thereof... and it shall not be quenched" [[Jeremiah 17:27]].
* `{{H5216}}` **nêr** (a lamp or light): This word often represents the object being quenched. It can refer to a literal lamp, as when the "lamp of God went out" in the temple [[1 Samuel 3:3]], or figuratively to life or leadership, as in the plea not to "quench not the light of Israel" [[2 Samuel 21:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3518}}` is significant, primarily illustrating divine judgment and covenantal consequences.
* **Irrevocable Judgment:** The most common theological use of **kâbâh** is to describe a fire that "shall not be quenched." This signifies the finality and power of God's wrath against rebellion and evil ([[Jeremiah 7:20]], [[Isaiah 66:24]]). It represents a judgment that is beyond human ability to stop or reverse.
* **Preservation of Hope:** In a striking contrast, the prophecy of [[Isaiah 42:3]] states that a gentle servant "shall he not quench" the smoking flax. This presents a God who preserves the faint and fragile, refusing to extinguish the weakest spark of life or faith.
* **Covenantal Fire:** The command that the fire on the altar "shall not be put out" [[Leviticus 6:12]] established a symbol of Israel's continuous devotion. Conversely, the threat of an unquenchable fire being kindled by God was a direct result of breaking the covenant [[2 Kings 22:17]].
* **Figurative Extinguishing:** The term is used metaphorically to describe the loss of life or leadership. To "quench the light of Israel" [[2 Samuel 21:17]] or to "quench my coal which is left" [[2 Samuel 14:7]] signifies the destruction of a vital source of hope and continuity for the people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3518}}` **kâbâh** is a powerful and versatile word. While its base meaning is to "quench" or "extinguish," its biblical application carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark metaphor for the finality of divine judgment through unquenchable fire, while also beautifully illustrating messianic gentleness in preserving the weak. From the literal command to keep the altar fire burning to the figurative extinguishing of a nation's hope, **kâbâh** defines the boundaries between life and death, divine anger and divine grace.
TRV