or לַהֶבֶת; feminine of לַהַב, and meaning the same; {a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of aweapon}; flame(-ming), head (of a spear).
Transliteration:lehâbâh
Pronunciation:leh-aw-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לֶהָבָה (lehâbâh, `{{H3852}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root לַהַב (lahab, `{{H3851}}`), meaning "to blaze" or "to burn." Its primary and most literal meaning is "flame" or "blaze," referring to the visible, incandescent gaseous part of a fire. This denotes intense heat, light, and often destructive power. Beyond its literal sense, lehâbâh extends metaphorically to describe something that is sharp, gleaming, or intensely focused, specifically "the head of a spear" or a "sharply polished blade." This figurative usage highlights the visual intensity—the flash or gleam—and the piercing, decisive nature associated with a flame's tip or a weapon's point. Thus, the semantic range encompasses both the consuming power of fire and the piercing sharpness of a weapon, united by a common thread of intense, focused energy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word lehâbâh appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Divine Manifestation and Presence:** In [[Judges 13:20]], the Angel of the LORD ascends to heaven "in the flame" (*belahebeth*) of the altar, signifying a divine, miraculous departure. This portrays lehâbâh as an element associated with the numinous and the transcendent, a visible sign of God's presence and power.
* **Judgment and Destruction:** Lehâbâh frequently describes the destructive power of fire, often as an instrument of divine judgment. [[Isaiah 5:24]] speaks of "the flame of fire" consuming stubble, and [[Joel 2:5]] likens an invading army's advance to "the flame of fire" devouring stubble. In these instances, the flame symbolizes swift, complete, and irresistible destruction.
* **Intense Passion and Love:** Perhaps one of the most profound uses is found in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]], where love is described as "a very flame of the LORD" (*shalhebetyah*). This unique compound term emphasizes love's divine origin, its unquenchable nature, and its intense, consuming power, akin to the most potent and sacred fire. It highlights love's irresistible force and its capacity to purify or consume all in its path.
* **Military Imagery:** The figurative sense of lehâbâh as the "head of a spear" or a "gleaming blade" appears in contexts of warfare. In [[Nahum 3:3]], it describes "the flash of the sword and the gleam of the spear," vividly portraying the terrifying sight of weapons in battle. This usage underscores the sharpness, destructive potential, and visual impact of a weapon's point.
### Related Words & Concepts
Lehâbâh is closely related to several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **`{{H3851}}` (לַהַב / lahab):** This is the masculine form of lehâbâh, often used interchangeably or in parallel to denote "flame," "blaze," or "blade." The close relationship underscores a shared semantic core of intense light, heat, or sharpness.
* **`{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ / 'esh):** The general Hebrew word for "fire." Lehâbâh specifies a particular aspect of fire—the visible flame—often highlighting its dynamic, consuming, or illuminating qualities, rather than just the state of burning.
* **`{{H3397}}` (יָרַק / yaraq):** To gleam, flash. This verb captures the visual intensity implied by lehâbâh when it refers to a polished blade or a flash of light.
* **Concepts:** The term evokes broader theological concepts such as:
* **Theophany:** The manifestation of God, often accompanied by fire or flame (e.g., the burning bush, Sinai).
* **Divine Judgment:** Fire as an agent of purification and destruction of evil.
* **Divine Jealousy/Passion:** God's intense, consuming love and zeal for His people and His covenant.
* **Warfare and Power:** The destructive force of weapons and the swiftness of battle.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of lehâbâh is multifaceted and profound:
* **Holiness and Unapproachability of God:** The flame often serves as a visible sign of God's presence, signifying His absolute holiness and the awe-inspiring nature that makes Him unapproachable to the unholy (e.g., [[Judges 13:20]]). It speaks to the consuming fire of His being.
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** As a consuming fire, lehâbâh powerfully symbolizes God's righteous judgment against sin and His purifying work. It represents the divine force that consumes what is impure, rebellious, or contrary to His will, preparing the way for renewal (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:24]]).
* **The Intensity of Divine Love:** The unparalleled expression in [[Song of Solomon 8:6]]—"a very flame of the LORD"—elevates love, particularly covenantal and passionate love, to a divine attribute. It suggests that true love is not merely human emotion but a reflection or emanation of God's own unquenchable, powerful, and zealous love. This love is irresistible, all-consuming, and eternal.
* **God's Active Power and Vengeance:** In its application to weaponry, lehâbâh points to God's active power in judgment and warfare. It underscores the swift, decisive, and overwhelming nature of divine retribution against His enemies or those who oppose His purposes (e.g., [[Nahum 3:3]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word לֶהָבָה (lehâbâh, `{{H3852}}`) is a potent term primarily denoting "flame" or "blaze," but also extending to the "head of a spear" or a "sharply polished blade." Its semantic range captures the essence of intense light, heat, and sharpness. Biblically, lehâbâh serves as a powerful symbol of divine manifestation, signifying God's holy and awe-inspiring presence. It frequently represents the consuming and purifying power of divine judgment, swiftly eradicating evil. Most profoundly, in the Song of Solomon, it describes love as an unquenchable, divinely originated "flame of the LORD," highlighting its irresistible and consuming nature. The use of lehâbâh in military contexts further emphasizes its association with decisive power and destructive force. Collectively, lehâbâh paints a vivid picture of intense, focused energy, whether manifesting as divine presence, righteous judgment, passionate love, or military might, revealing profound aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
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