### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâhaṭ**, represented by `{{H3857}}`, describes an intense and consuming fire. Its base definition is to lick, which implies a fire that blazes, burns up, and kindles. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses, often depicting a powerful and divinely initiated combustion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3857}}` is frequently used to illustrate divine judgment and power. It describes God's anger as a fire that will **set on fire** the foundations of the mountains [[Deuteronomy 32:22]] and the coming day of the LORD that will **burn them up**, referring to the proud and wicked [[Malachi 4:1]]. The word is also used to portray the devastating advance of an army, where a fire devours before them and a flame **burneth** behind them [[Joel 2:3]]. Metaphorically, it can describe people who are "set on fire," whose malicious words are like weapons [[Psalms 57:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the concept of this consuming fire:
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This is the general term for fire and is often used in conjunction with `{{H3857}}`. For example, a **fire** `{{H784}}` goes before the LORD and **burneth up** `{{H3857}}` His enemies [[Psalms 97:3]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating)): This word often appears in parallel with `{{H3857}}` to describe divine wrath. A fire **was kindled** `{{H1197}}` in the company of the rebellious, and the flame **burned up** `{{H3857}}` the wicked [[Psalms 106:18]].
* `{{H3852}}` **lehâbâh** (flame): This noun describes the visible result of the action of `{{H3857}}`. A **flame** `{{H3852}}` has **burned** `{{H3857}}` all the trees of the field [[Joel 1:19]].
* `{{H7179}}` **qash** (stubble): This word identifies the material consumed by the fire of `{{H3857}}`, representing those who are subject to judgment. The proud and wicked shall be **stubble** `{{H7179}}` which the day of the LORD will **burn them up** `{{H3857}}` [[Malachi 4:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3857}}` is primarily connected to God's holiness and judgment.
* **Divine Wrath:** The word is a potent descriptor of God's righteous anger against sin. This fire is poured out on those who rebel, as seen when the LORD's anger **set him on fire** `{{H3857}}` round about, yet he did not lay it to heart [[Isaiah 42:25]].
* **Consuming Judgment:** `{{H3857}}` signifies an irreversible and complete judgment. In the final day, the wicked will be burned up so thoroughly that it will leave them neither root nor branch [[Malachi 4:1]]. A fire **burneth up** `{{H3857}}` His enemies round about [[Psalms 97:3]].
* **Agents of Divine Power:** The imagery is also applied to God's agents. He makes His ministers a **flaming** `{{H3857}}` fire, showing that they carry His authority and power [[Psalms 104:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3857}}` is more than a simple word for burning; it signifies an intense, all-consuming, and often divine blaze. It serves as a powerful biblical illustration of God's judgment against wickedness, the consequences of rebellion, and the formidable power wielded by God and His ministers. From the foundations of the earth to the fate of the ungodly, **lâhaṭ** depicts a fire that is final and absolute.
TRV