### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʼăkôleth**, represented by `{{H3980}}`, is defined as **fuel**, or something eaten by fire. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within the book of Isaiah. Its meaning is drawn from the concept of being eaten or consumed, poetically describing the material for a fire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3980}}` illustrates the consequences of divine action. In [[Isaiah 9:5]], it is used to contrast the typical result of human conflict—garments `{{H8071}}` rolled `{{H1556}}` in blood `{{H1818}}`—with a future, decisive end that will be characterized by "burning `{{H8316}}` and **fuel** of fire `{{H784}}`." Later, in [[Isaiah 9:19]], the word takes on a metaphorical weight, where the people `{{H5971}}` themselves become the **fuel** for the fire of God's wrath `{{H5678}}`, resulting in a society where "no man `{{H376}}` shall spare `{{H2550}}` his brother `{{H251}}`."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the meaning of `{{H3980}}`:
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This word for fire is paired with `{{H3980}}` in both of its occurrences, identifying the consuming force for which **maʼăkôleth** serves as fuel ([[Isaiah 9:5]], [[Isaiah 9:19]]).
* `{{H5678}}` **ʻebrâh** (wrath): This term, meaning an outburst of passion or rage, is the cause for the people becoming fuel. It is the **wrath** of the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` that darkens the land [[Isaiah 9:19]].
* `{{H2550}}` **châmal** (to spare): The result of the people becoming fuel is a total loss of compassion. The text states that "no man shall **spare** his brother," highlighting the severity of the internal strife caused by this judgment [[Isaiah 9:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3980}}` is centered on the theme of divine consumption.
* **Fuel for Divine Judgment:** The word is used to powerfully illustrate the consequences of God's wrath `{{H5678}}`. The people are not merely afflicted by fire; they become the very **fuel** that feeds it, showing a judgment that consumes a nation from within [[Isaiah 9:19]].
* **A Symbol of Complete Resolution:** In [[Isaiah 9:5]], the imagery of battle remnants becoming **fuel** for fire suggests a final and total cleansing from war. Unlike bloodstains that remain, fire consumes completely, pointing to a definitive end to conflict.
* **The Catalyst for Societal Collapse:** The use of **fuel** as a metaphor is directly tied to the breakdown of human relationships. The fire of judgment, fed by the people, leads to a state where brother turns against brother, and no one is spared [[Isaiah 9:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **maʼăkôleth** `{{H3980}}` is a rare but potent biblical term for **fuel**. Though appearing only twice in scripture, it conveys a profound theological message in the book of Isaiah. It symbolizes both the purifying fire that brings a final end to human warfare and the consuming fire of judgment where a people become the very substance of their own destruction. The word stands as a stark image of consumption, whether for purification or as a consequence of divine wrath.
TRV