or לַפִּד; from an unused root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame; (fire-) brand, (burning) lamp, lightning, torch.
Transliteration:lappîyd
Pronunciation:lap-peed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לַפִּיד (lappîyd, `{{H3940}}`) derives from an unused root that likely conveys the idea of "to shine." This etymological root firmly anchors the word's primary meaning in the realm of light and illumination. Its semantic range is notably diverse, encompassing various forms of intense light or heat:
* **Flambeau/Torch:** A portable source of light, often made of a stick with combustible material at one end. This is its most common literal application.
* **Lamp:** While often distinct from a torch, *lappîyd* can sometimes overlap with the general concept of a light-giving device.
* **Flame:** Referring to the visible, gaseous part of a fire that emits light and heat.
* **Fire-brand:** A piece of burning or smoldering wood, often used destructively or as a symbol of destruction/remnant.
* **Lightning:** A powerful, sudden flash of light in the sky, a natural phenomenon of immense power.
The unifying thread across these definitions is a dynamic, active manifestation of light or intense heat, often with a sense of striking visibility or powerful impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *lappîyd* in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its varied semantic applications:
* **Divine Presence and Covenant:** Perhaps the most profound use is in [[Genesis 15:17]], where a "smoking furnace and a flaming torch" (לַפִּיד אֵשׁ) pass between the divided animals, symbolizing God's solemn and self-maledictory oath to Abraham. Here, the flaming torch is a visible manifestation of Yahweh's presence, confirming the irrevocability of the covenant. This is a clear instance of a theophany, where the divine is revealed through a tangible, fiery sign.
* **Military Strategy and Warfare:** In [[Judges 7:16]] and [[Judges 7:20]], Gideon's stratagem against the Midianites involves his 300 men carrying torches (לַפִּידִים) concealed within jars. The sudden revelation of these torches, combined with the breaking of the jars and the shout, creates a dramatic and disorienting effect, leading to the Midianites' rout. This demonstrates the practical use of torches in ancient warfare, not merely for illumination but as a psychological weapon.
* **Prophetic Imagery and Divine Judgment:** The term appears metaphorically in prophetic literature. In [[Isaiah 62:1]], Zion's "righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch" (כְּלַפִּיד יִבְעָר). Here, the torch symbolizes the radiant, unmistakable clarity and power of God's redemptive work for His people, implying a visible and undeniable manifestation. Similarly, in [[Zechariah 12:6]], Jerusalem is described as "like a flaming torch among sheaves," highlighting its destructive power against its enemies, much like fire consumes dry stubble.
* **Visionary Descriptions:** In the divine vision of [[Ezekiel 1:13]], the appearance of the living creatures is described as "like the appearance of torches" (כְּמַרְאֵה הַלַּפִּידִים), moving among them. This conveys an image of intense, dynamic, and perhaps awe-inspiring light associated with the divine glory. In [[Daniel 10:6]], the eyes of the angelic being are described as "like flaming torches" (כְּלַפִּידֵי אֵשׁ), emphasizing the piercing intensity and divine authority of his gaze.
* **Natural Phenomena:** While less frequent for *lappîyd* specifically, the definition includes "lightning." This connection underscores the word's capacity to describe sudden, powerful flashes of light, often associated with divine power or judgment, as seen in broader biblical descriptions of storms and theophanies.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Lappîyd* is semantically related to several other Hebrew terms concerning light, fire, and illumination:
* **אֵשׁ (ʾēsh, `{{H784}}`):** The general word for "fire," often appearing in conjunction with *lappîyd* (e.g., לַפִּיד אֵשׁ, "flaming torch," [[Genesis 15:17]]). This pairing emphasizes the fiery, burning aspect of the torch.
* **אוֹר (ʾôr, `{{H216}}`):** "Light" in its most general sense, encompassing creation's light, divine light, and the light of knowledge or prosperity. While *lappîyd* describes a source or manifestation of light, *ʾôr* is the light itself.
* **נֵר (nēr, `{{H5051}}`):** "Lamp" or "candle," typically referring to a smaller, more contained source of light used for domestic or ritual purposes. While *lappîyd* can sometimes mean "lamp," it often implies a more substantial or dynamic light source.
* **בָּרָק (bārāq, `{{H1300}}`):** "Lightning," which aligns with one of *lappîyd*'s defined meanings. Both terms describe sudden, intense flashes of light, often associated with divine power or judgment.
* **Concepts of Divine Presence:** *Lappîyd* contributes to the broader biblical motif of God manifesting Himself through fire or brilliant light, similar to the burning bush ([[Exodus 3:2]]), the pillar of fire ([[Exodus 13:21]]), or the glory on Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 24:17]]).
* **Concepts of Judgment and Purity:** Fire is a pervasive biblical symbol for both divine judgment and purification. As a "fire-brand" or "flaming torch," *lappîyd* can embody this destructive or refining aspect.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *lappîyd* is multi-faceted, drawing on its various contextual uses:
* **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant:** In [[Genesis 15:17]], the flaming torch passing through the covenant pieces is a profound visual testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. It represents God's active, self-implicating presence in the covenant, guaranteeing its fulfillment even at the cost of His own being. This is a unique and powerful depiction of divine oath-taking.
* **Manifestation of Divine Glory and Power:** In prophetic visions (Ezekiel, Daniel), *lappîyd* describes the intense, radiant glory and formidable power of divine or angelic beings. This highlights the ineffable, awe-inspiring nature of God and His heavenly hosts, whose presence is often characterized by brilliant, consuming light.
* **Symbol of Divine Judgment and Protection:** When used metaphorically for a nation or individual (e.g., [[Zechariah 12:6]]), *lappîyd* signifies a powerful, destructive force against enemies, reflecting God's sovereign power to execute judgment and protect His people. It can also imply a remnant saved from destruction, like a brand plucked from the fire.
* **Illumination and Revelation:** While not its primary theological use, as a "torch" or "lamp," *lappîyd* implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of light as revelation, guidance, and truth. The righteousness of Zion shining like a torch ([[Isaiah 62:1]]) speaks to the visible and undeniable nature of God's redemptive work, illuminating the world.
* **Active and Dynamic Presence:** Unlike static light, the "flaming torch" or "lightning" aspect of *lappîyd* conveys a sense of dynamic action and powerful movement. This underscores God's active involvement in human history, whether in covenant-making, judgment, or salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לַפִּיד (lappîyd, `{{H3940}}`) signifies an intense, dynamic source of light or heat, ranging from a practical "torch" or "lamp" to a "flame," "fire-brand," or "lightning." Its core meaning stems from an unused root implying "to shine," underscoring its connection to visible illumination and powerful energy. Biblically, *lappîyd* is most profoundly used to signify the active, visible presence of God in covenant-making ([[Genesis 15:17]]), serving as a symbol of divine faithfulness and irrevocable promise. It also appears in contexts of military strategy ([[Judges 7:16]]), prophetic imagery representing divine judgment or radiant salvation ([[Isaiah 62:1]], [[Zechariah 12:6]]), and visionary descriptions of divine or angelic glory ([[Ezekiel 1:13]], [[Daniel 10:6]]). Theologically, *lappîyd* powerfully communicates God's manifest presence, His sovereign power in judgment and protection, and the awe-inspiring nature of His glory. It consistently conveys a sense of intense visibility and dynamic force in its various applications.
TRV