### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsârebeth**, represented by `{{H6867}}`, refers to a **conflagration (of fire or disease); burning, inflammation**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying both a literal and a figurative meaning related to destructive heat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H6867}}` is split between figurative speech and literal diagnosis. In a figurative sense, it describes the destructive nature of an ungodly man's words, where his lips are compared to a "burning fire" [[Proverbs 16:27]]. In a literal, medical context within Levitical law, it is used twice to identify a specific type of skin condition. It is described as a "burning boil" [[Leviticus 13:23]] or an "inflammation of the burning" [[Leviticus 13:28]] that does not spread, allowing a priest to pronounce the person clean.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H6867}}` is used:
* `{{H7822}}` **shᵉchîyn** (boil, botch): This word for an ulcer or boil is directly linked to the physical manifestation of `{{H6867}}`. In [[Leviticus 13:23]], the condition is specifically identified as a "burning boil."
* `{{H1100}}` **bᵉlîyaʻal** (ungodly (men), wicked): This term describes the character of the man whose speech is like a "burning" [[Proverbs 16:27]]. It connects the destructive power of fire with worthlessness and wickedness, as seen when the "sons of Belial" knew not the Lord [[1 Samuel 2:12]].
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure, cleanse, pronounce clean): This word represents the outcome of a diagnosis involving `{{H6867}}`. When a priest determines a skin condition is a non-spreading "inflammation," he is to "pronounce him clean" ([[Leviticus 13:23]], [[Leviticus 13:28]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6867}}` is twofold, touching on themes of destructive speech and divine order.
* **The Burning of Wicked Words:** The term is used to illustrate the harmful and destructive power of evil speech. An "ungodly man" `{{H1100}}` is one who "diggeth up evil" `{{H7451}}`, and his lips are the source of a "burning" `{{H6867}}` conflagration [[Proverbs 16:27]].
* **Ceremonial Cleanliness and Diagnosis:** In Leviticus, `{{H6867}}` plays a key role in the laws of purity. It defines a specific, contained skin inflammation that a priest `{{H3548}}` must distinguish from more serious, spreading diseases.
* **The Principle of Discernment:** The use of `{{H6867}}` highlights the importance of careful observation. A condition identified as this type of "inflammation" does not spread `{{H6581}}` and allows the afflicted person to be pronounced "clean" `{{H2891}}`, contrasting with conditions that would render them unclean ([[Leviticus 13:23]], [[Leviticus 13:28]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6867}}` is a specific term for a "burning" or "inflammation" that is applied both metaphorically and literally. It illustrates the destructive nature of wicked speech while also serving as a precise diagnostic term within the Levitical laws of purity. Its use demonstrates how a single concept of "burning" can signify both the uncontained fire of evil and a contained physical ailment that can be deemed clean.
TRV