### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lahab**, represented by `{{H3851}}`, refers to a flash or gleam. It is used to describe a **flame** of fire or, figuratively, a sharply polished **blade** or point of a weapon. It appears 12 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating its dual meaning of both fire and glittering metal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{H3851}}` is used in two primary contexts. Firstly, it depicts the **flame** of divine judgment, as when the LORD's rebuke is rendered "with **flames** of fire" [[Isaiah 66:15]] and His visitation includes "the **flame** of devouring fire" [[Isaiah 29:6]]. Secondly, it denotes the glittering edge of a weapon, such as the **blade** of a dagger [[Judges 3:22]] or a "bright **sword**" [[Nahum 3:3]]. It can also signify a supernatural event, as when the angel of the LORD ascended in the **flame** from the altar [[Judges 13:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H3851}}` is used:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): As a "cutting instrument," this word is directly linked to the "blade" meaning of **lahab**. It appears alongside it to describe a "bright **sword**" in the context of battle [[Nahum 3:3]].
* `{{H2595}}` **chănîyth** (spear): This term for a "lance" or "javelin" is used to describe a "glittering **spear**" [[Job 39:23]], highlighting the weaponized aspect of **lahab**'s gleam.
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This word for fire is frequently paired with **lahab** when it means flame, such as the LORD's "flames of **fire**" [[Isaiah 66:15]] and the "flame of devouring **fire**" [[Joel 2:5]].
* `{{H3857}}` **lâhaṭ** (to blaze, burn up): As the likely root, this verb meaning "to set on fire" is used to describe how a creature's breath **kindleth** coals, from which a **flame** `{{H3851}}` goes out [[Job 41:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3851}}` is tied to its depiction of divine power and judgment.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The word is repeatedly used to illustrate the power of God's anger. His rebuke comes with "flames of fire" [[Isaiah 66:15]], and his glorious voice is accompanied by "the **flame** of a devouring fire" [[Isaiah 30:30]].
* **Sign of Supernatural Presence:** The presence of a divine being is confirmed when the angel of the LORD ascends to heaven within the **flame** of an altar, a sight that causes Manoah and his wife to fall on their faces [[Judges 13:20]].
* **Symbol of Destructive Power:** Whether as a weapon or a fire, **lahab** symbolizes overwhelming force. It is the "bright **sword**" of a horseman in battle [[Nahum 3:3]] and the "noise of a **flame** of fire that devoureth the stubble" [[Joel 2:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3851}}` is a dynamic word that conveys concepts of intensity and power through its dual meanings. It is the destructive **flame** that executes the LORD's judgment and the polished **blade** that brings about slaughter in battle. From the consuming fire of God's rebuke to the flash of a glittering spear, **lahab** illustrates how a single term can capture the terrifying and awesome power of both divine and earthly forces.
TRV