### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **misrâphâh**, represented by `{{H4955}}`, refers to a **burning**. Derived from the root word `{{H8313}}` **sâraph**, meaning to set on fire, it describes an act of combustion. It appears only **2 times** in 2 unique verses, where it is used to signify either a ceremonial cremation or the calcination of lime.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H4955}}` present contrasting images. In [[Jeremiah 34:5]], the LORD `{{H3068}}` promises King Zedekiah that he will die in **peace** `{{H7965}}` and receive the customary royal **burnings** of honor, just like the **former** `{{H7223}}` **kings** `{{H4428}}`. This event is associated with a public lament, "Ah **lord**!" `{{H1945}}` `{{H113}}`. Conversely, in [[Isaiah 33:12]], the word is used in a prophecy of judgment, where the **people** `{{H5971}}` are to become "as the **burnings** of **lime**" `{{H7875}}`, consumed completely like **thorns** `{{H6975}}` **burned** `{{H3341}}` in the **fire** `{{H784}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of **misrâphâh**:
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to be...on fire): This is the root verb from which `{{H4955}}` is derived. It describes the action of burning, as seen in the promise that they "shall **burn** odours for thee" [[Jeremiah 34:5]].
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This word for literal or figurative **fire** is the agent of destruction in [[Isaiah 33:12]], where the people will be burned in the **fire**.
* `{{H7875}}` **sîyd** (lime): This word is central to the metaphor in [[Isaiah 33:12]]. The "burnings of **lime**" depicts an intense, transformative process of calcination, illustrating the thoroughness of the judgment.
* `{{H5594}}` **çâphad** (to lament): This term is linked to the honorable **burnings** in [[Jeremiah 34:5]], where the people "will **lament** thee," showing that the burning was part of a respectful funeral rite.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4955}}` is seen in its two distinct applications:
* **Divine Judgment:** In [[Isaiah 33:12]], **misrâphâh** is a powerful symbol of God's judgment. The image of people becoming like the "burnings of lime" or like **thorns** `{{H6975}}` **cut up** `{{H3683}}` and burned signifies a complete and irreversible end for the wicked.
* **Promised Honor:** In [[Jeremiah 34:5]], the term represents a promise from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. The "burnings" are not a punishment but an act of royal honor, signifying a peaceful death and a proper burial according to the customs of the fathers, as confirmed by God's own **word** `{{H1697}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4955}}` **misrâphâh** is a specific term for "burning" that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant meaning. It is used to illustrate two opposite ends of divine action: the honor bestowed in a promised, peaceful death [[Jeremiah 34:5]] and the finality of fiery judgment upon a people [[Isaiah 33:12]]. The word demonstrates how the act of burning can symbolize either reverence or ruin, depending on the context of God's will.
TRV