### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâvâh**, represented by `{{H3554}}`, is a primitive root word meaning to **burn**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's core meaning is to prick or penetrate, which leads to the sense of being blistered or consumed by burning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3554}}` is used to describe the effect of fire on a person. In Proverbs, it illustrates a natural consequence, questioning if a **man** `{{H376}}` can **go** `{{H1980}}` on hot **coals** `{{H1513}}` without his **feet** `{{H7272}}` being **burned** [[Proverbs 6:28]]. In a contrasting context, Isaiah uses the word to convey a promise of divine protection, where God assures his people that when they **walk** `{{H3212}}` through **fire** `{{H784}}`, they will not be **burned** [[Isaiah 43:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of burning and fire:
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire (literally or figuratively)): This is the agent that causes burning. It is used both as a literal **fire** that one might walk through [[Isaiah 43:2]] and as a metaphor for God's powerful word [[Jeremiah 23:29]] and His consuming presence [[Deuteronomy 9:3]].
* `{{H1513}}` **gechel** (an ember; (burning) coal): This specifies the source of heat in [[Proverbs 6:28]]. Beyond this, **coals** are associated with the altar before the LORD [[Leviticus 16:12]] and divine judgment [[Psalms 140:10]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating)): This verb appears alongside `{{H3554}}` in [[Isaiah 43:2]], where the flame will not **kindle**. It describes the action of fire starting or consuming something, as seen with the burning bush which **burned** with fire but was not consumed [[Exodus 3:2]], and the kindling of God's wrath [[Psalms 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3554}}` is seen in its powerful contrast between natural law and divine intervention.
* **Consequence and Protection:** The word highlights a fundamental truth: actions have consequences, as one who walks on hot **coals** `{{H1513}}` will be **burned** [[Proverbs 6:28]]. In direct contrast, it is used to demonstrate God's supreme power to protect his people from harm, promising that even in the midst of **fire** `{{H784}}`, they will not be **burned** [[Isaiah 43:2]].
* **Symbol of Severe Trials:** The context of [[Isaiah 43:2]] places being **burned** alongside passing through **waters** `{{H4325}}` and **rivers** `{{H5104}}`. This frames the threat of being **burned** as a metaphor for life's most severe and dangerous trials, through which God promises His presence and preservation.
* **The Reality of Harm:** By describing a physical burn, `{{H3554}}` underscores the tangible reality of danger and pain. This makes the promise of protection in [[Isaiah 43:2]] more profound, as it is a deliverance from a very real and destructive force, not merely a symbolic one.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3554}}` is a specific and impactful term for being **burned**. Though rare, its usage creates a stark contrast between the unavoidable physical consequences of interacting with fire and the promise of God's supernatural protection for His people. It vividly illustrates that while the dangers of life's trials are real and destructive, God's presence provides deliverance and preservation through them.
TRV