### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **massâʼâh**, represented by `{{H4858}}`, carries a dual meaning of **burden** and **conflagration**, suggesting the rising of smoke. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant for understanding its specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H4858}}` is used to describe the awesome and terrible coming of God in judgment. The prophet Isaiah states, "Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the **burden** thereof is heavy" [[Isaiah 30:27]]. Here, the word portrays the weighty and intense nature of the Lord's presence, which is characterized by burning (`{{H1197}}`) anger (`{{H639}}`), full lips (`{{H8193}}`) of indignation (`{{H2195}}`), and a tongue (`{{H3956}}`) like a devouring fire (`{{H784}}`).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its context in [[Isaiah 30:27]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H4858}}`:
* `{{H3514}}` **kôbed** (weight, multitude, vehemence): This word directly modifies `{{H4858}}` in the phrase "the burden thereof is **heavy**" [[Isaiah 30:27]], emphasizing the severe and overwhelming nature of the divine manifestation. A similar sense of weight is found in the proverb, "A stone is **heavy**" [[Proverbs 27:3]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume): The "conflagration" aspect of `{{H4858}}`'s definition is reinforced by the description of the Lord's anger as "**burning**" [[Isaiah 30:27]]. This links the burden to an active, consuming fire, such as the fire that **burned** in the bush without consuming it [[Exodus 3:2]].
* `{{H2195}}` **zaʻam** (fury, indignation): The Lord's lips are described as full of **indignation** [[Isaiah 30:27]]. This word specifies the nature of the burden as an expression of God's displeasure, a theme echoed when God promises to pour upon the nations His **indignation** [[Zephaniah 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4858}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **The Gravity of Divine Judgment:** By describing the manifestation of the Lord as a "heavy" (`{{H3514}}`) **burden** `{{H4858}}`, the text conveys that God's judgment is not a light or trivial matter but an event of immense gravity and vehemence.
* **A Fiery Theophany:** The word encapsulates a fiery appearance of God. The "burden" is inseparable from the "conflagration," as the Lord's approach is detailed with imagery of a "devouring" (`{{H398}}`) "fire" (`{{H784}}`) and "burning" (`{{H1197}}`) anger (`{{H639}}`).
* **The Authority of God's Name:** The entire event is initiated by the "name (`{{H8034}}`) of the LORD (`{{H3068}}`)" coming from afar (`{{H4801}}`). This connects the heavy, fiery burden directly to the very character, authority, and honor that God's name represents [[Isaiah 30:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4858}}` is a uniquely descriptive term whose rarity enhances its impact. Though appearing only once, it powerfully merges the concepts of a heavy **burden** and a consuming **conflagration**. Its use in [[Isaiah 30:27]] fixes its meaning as a depiction of the weighty and fiery nature of divine judgment, illustrating how a single word can convey a profound and fearsome theological reality.
TRV