### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâdach**, represented by `{{H6919}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to inflame; burn, kindle**. It appears only **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, but its usage is potent, often describing the initiation of a powerful, consuming fire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6919}}` is consistently associated with the kindling of a fire, particularly as a metaphor for divine judgment. In both Deuteronomy and Jeremiah, a fire is **kindled** in God's anger against disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 32:22]]; [[Jeremiah 15:14]]; [[Jeremiah 17:4]]). The word is also used to illustrate a display of immense power, where a fire **burneth** with such intensity that it causes waters to boil `{{H1158}}`, making God’s name known to His adversaries [[Isaiah 64:2]]. A unique usage in Isaiah shows people who **kindle** a fire of their own making, only to be told they must walk in its light and ultimately lie down in sorrow [[Isaiah 50:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of fire and kindling:
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): This is the most common word for fire and is the object that is "kindled" `{{H6919}}` in all of its occurrences. It can represent God's presence, judgment, or a literal flame [[Deuteronomy 32:22]].
* `{{H3344}}` **yâqad** (to burn): This word often describes the action of the fire after it has been kindled by `{{H6919}}`. The fire kindled in God's anger "shall **burn** unto the lowest hell" [[Deuteronomy 32:22]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume): A verb with a similar meaning, it appears in [[Isaiah 50:11]] to describe the sparks that people have **kindled**, complementing the fire they started with `{{H6919}}`.
* `{{H3857}}` **lâhaṭ** (to blaze; set on fire): This word describes a more intense and active burning. The fire kindled by God in [[Deuteronomy 32:22]] will **set on fire** the foundations of the mountains.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6919}}` is concentrated in its depiction of divine and human action.
* **The Ignition of Divine Judgment:** The primary use of `{{H6919}}` is to mark the starting point of God's fiery wrath. This is not a slow burn but an active kindling in response to sin, which leads to judgment that consumes the earth `{{H776}}` with its increase `{{H2981}}` and reaches even to the lowest hell `{{H7585}}` [[Deuteronomy 32:22]].
* **A Display of Overwhelming Power:** The kindling of fire serves as a demonstration of God's might, intended to make His name `{{H8034}}` known and cause nations `{{H1471}}` to tremble before His presence `{{H6440}}` [[Isaiah 64:2]].
* **The Futility of Human-Made Fire:** [[Isaiah 50:11]] uses `{{H6919}}` to show mankind kindling its own fire. This act symbolizes reliance on human-made solutions and sources of light, which ultimately leads not to salvation but to sorrow `{{H4620}}` from God's hand `{{H3027}}`.
### Summary
In summary, while rare, `{{H6919}}` **qâdach** is a powerful term that signifies the act of starting a fire with profound consequences. It overwhelmingly illustrates the beginning of God's righteous anger against sin, a fire that is all-consuming and demonstrates His ultimate power. It also serves as a warning against the folly of humanity attempting to kindle its own flames for guidance, which leads only to sorrow.
TRV