### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term labbâh (`{{H3827}}`) is a rare noun, defined as "flame." Its etymology indicates it is a variant or related form of lehāvah (`{{H3852}}`), which also signifies "flame" or "blade." Both terms derive from a root concept of burning or blazing. labbâh thus carries the core semantic range of its parent term: the visible, luminous, and often consuming aspect of fire. This includes the physical properties of intense heat, light, and the capacity for destruction or purification. While lehāvah can also refer to the "blade" of a sword, labbâh appears to exclusively denote the fiery aspect, emphasizing its dynamic and active nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Uniquely within the Hebrew Bible, labbâh (`{{H3827}}`) appears only once, in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]]. This singular occurrence imbues the term with particular significance, as its context is highly poetic and theological:
> "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm;
> For love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as Sheol.
> Its flashes are flashes of fire, a flame of Yahweh."
> (Translation adapted from various versions, emphasizing "flame of Yahweh")
In this profound passage, labbâh is used to describe the unyielding and irresistible nature of love and jealousy. The phrase "a flame of Yahweh" (shalhebetyah) directly associates the intensity of this love with the divine. The preceding description, "Its flashes are flashes of fire," uses a related term, resheph (flashes/sparks), further emphasizing the fiery, irresistible quality. The context of Song of Solomon is a celebration of human love, but here it reaches a transcendent level, being described as having its origin or ultimate intensity in God Himself. This suggests that the love described is not merely human passion but possesses an enduring, consuming, and divine quality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is lehāvah (`{{H3852}}`), from which labbâh is derived or with which it shares a close relationship. Both terms denote "flame" and are often used interchangeably in contexts of fire. Broader semantic connections exist with:
* 'esh (`{{H784}}`): The general Hebrew word for "fire," encompassing all its manifestations from a small spark to a raging inferno. labbâh is a specific aspect of 'esh.
* resheph (`{{H7565}}`): "Flashes," "sparks," or "burning coals," as seen in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]], emphasizing the intense, active, and radiating nature of fire.
* qesem (`{{H7081}}`): "Divination" or "enchantment," which, though semantically distant, shares a root with qesem (a type of plant, possibly fiery in appearance or effect) and can be connected to the idea of irresistible power.
* The concept of divine fire as a manifestation of God's presence, holiness, and power, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3), the pillar of fire (Exodus 13), and the consuming fire of God's judgment and purification (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of labbâh in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]] carries immense theological weight. The description of love as "a flame of Yahweh" elevates human affection to a divine plane. This is not merely a metaphor for strong human emotion, but an attribution of its ultimate source and power to God Himself.
1. **Divine Origin of Love:** The phrase "flame of Yahweh" (shalhebetyah) suggests that true, enduring, and passionate love is not merely a human construct but originates from the very nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). This divine flame is unquenchable and irresistible, mirroring God's own steadfast love (hesed).
2. **Intensity and Purity:** The imagery of a flame speaks to the intensity, purity, and consuming nature of this love. Like fire, it purifies, consumes dross, and illuminates. It is a powerful force that cannot be extinguished by external forces ("many waters cannot quench love").
3. **Jealousy as a Divine Attribute:** The passage also links this "flame of Yahweh" to jealousy, stating that "jealousy is fierce as Sheol." While human jealousy can be destructive, divine jealousy (as seen in the Old Testament) is God's fierce commitment to His covenant and His people, allowing no rivals. Thus, the intensity of love and the protective nature of jealousy are both rooted in the divine character.
4. **A Foreshadowing of New Covenant Love:** This verse provides a profound Old Testament insight into the nature of love that resonates deeply with New Testament teachings on *agape* love. It suggests that the most profound human experiences of love are echoes of God's own being and His passionate devotion.
### Summary
Labbâh (`{{H3827}}`) is a rare Hebrew noun meaning "flame," closely related to lehāvah (`{{H3852}}`). Its singular appearance in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]] is profoundly significant, where it describes the irresistible and unquenchable nature of love as "a flame of Yahweh." This unique usage elevates human love to a divine origin, depicting it as an intense, pure, and consuming force that emanates from God Himself. The theological implication is that the deepest and most enduring forms of love are not merely human passions but reflections of God's own fervent and unwavering character, a divine fire that cannot be extinguished.
TRV