from קָדַח; inflammation, i.e. febrile disease; burning ague, fever.
Transliteration:qaddachath
Pronunciation:kad-dakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun קַדַּחַת (qaddachath), Strong's number `{{H6920}}`, is derived from the verb קָדַח (qadach), `{{H6919}}`, meaning "to kindle," "to burn," or "to inflame." This etymological root is crucial for understanding its core meaning. Qaddachath itself denotes an "inflammation" or "febrile disease," specifically a "burning ague" or "fever." The semantic range is therefore tightly focused on conditions characterized by internal heat, a sensation of burning, and the debilitating effects of a high temperature within the body. It describes a severe, consuming illness, emphasizing the intense heat and distress associated with such a condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term qaddachath appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances occurring within the "curse" sections of the Mosaic Law, underscoring its role as a divinely appointed affliction.
1. **[[Leviticus 26:16]]**: "I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption, and fever (qaddachath) that waste the eyes and cause sorrow of heart." Here, qaddachath is listed alongside שַׁחֶפֶת (shachepheth), `{{H7829}}`, "consumption" or "wasting disease," as a consequence of covenant disobedience. The description "that waste the eyes and cause sorrow of heart" vividly portrays the debilitating and demoralizing effects of such an illness, suggesting not only physical suffering but also profound emotional distress and despair. It is a direct result of God's "appointing" judgment.
2. **[[Deuteronomy 28:22]]**: "The Lord will strike you with consumption, with fever (qaddachath) and inflammation and fiery heat, and with the sword and with blight and with mildew, and they will pursue you until you perish." In this passage, qaddachath is part of a litany of diseases and calamities that will befall Israel if they forsake the covenant. It is grouped with דַּלֶּקֶת (dalleqeth), `{{H1817}}`, "burning fever" or "inflammation," and חַרְחֻר (charchur), `{{H2730}}`, "scorching heat" or "burning fever," emphasizing the severe, feverish nature of the affliction. The context is one of comprehensive divine judgment, where various forms of physical suffering and destruction are promised to those who rebel against God's commands.
In both contexts, qaddachath is not merely a natural illness but a divinely administered judgment, a tangible consequence of breaking faith with YHWH. Its placement among other severe diseases highlights the comprehensive nature of the curses.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb קָדַח (qadach), `{{H6919}}`, meaning "to kindle," "to burn," or "to inflame." This connection firmly establishes qaddachath as an illness characterized by intense internal heat.
Other related terms appearing in parallel or conjunction with qaddachath include:
* שַׁחֶפֶת (shachepheth), `{{H7829}}`: "consumption" or "wasting disease" (Leviticus 26:16; Deuteronomy 28:22). This term often accompanies qaddachath, indicating a broader category of debilitating illnesses.
* דַּלֶּקֶת (dalleqeth), `{{H1817}}`: "burning fever" or "inflammation" (Deuteronomy 28:22). This word is very close in meaning to qaddachath and appears immediately after it, possibly serving as a near-synonym or further specifying the nature of the fever.
* חַרְחֻר (charchur), `{{H2730}}`: "scorching heat" or "burning fever" (Deuteronomy 28:22). Another term emphasizing the intense, burning aspect of the illness.
Thematic concepts related to qaddachath include:
* **Divine Judgment**: The overarching context for both occurrences.
* **Covenant Disobedience**: The cause of these afflictions.
* **Physical Suffering**: The direct result of the illness.
* **Sickness as Consequence**: The biblical understanding that illness can be a direct result of sin or divine displeasure, in contrast to modern medical views.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qaddachath lies primarily in its role as an instrument of divine judgment. It is not merely a random sickness but a specific, divinely "appointed" or "struck" consequence for Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant.
1. **God's Sovereignty over Disease**: The inclusion of qaddachath in the curses demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty not only over life and death but also over health and sickness. He is the one who can "strike" with illness or "appoint" it, revealing His control over the natural world and human well-being.
2. **Consequences of Disobedience**: Qaddachath serves as a tangible, painful manifestation of the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. It underscores the seriousness with which God views disobedience and the breaking of His commands. The "burning" nature of the fever reflects the intensity of divine displeasure.
3. **Physical Manifestation of Spiritual State**: In a theological framework where physical well-being is often linked to spiritual obedience, qaddachath symbolizes a state of being "burnt" or consumed by the consequences of sin. It represents a physical deterioration that mirrors a spiritual estrangement from God.
4. **Warning and Deterrent**: The detailed listing of such afflictions, including qaddachath, serves as a potent warning and deterrent for the Israelites, urging them towards obedience and faithfulness to YHWH. It highlights the stark choice between blessing (health, prosperity) and curse (sickness, destruction).
### Summary
Qaddachath (`{{H6920}}`) is a Hebrew noun meaning "fever" or "burning inflammation," derived from the verb "to kindle" or "to burn." It appears exclusively in [[Leviticus 26:16]] and [[Deuteronomy 28:22]], both instances within the sections detailing curses for covenant disobedience. In these contexts, qaddachath is presented as a severe, debilitating illness, characterized by intense heat and consumption, directly sent by God as a consequence for unfaithfulness. Its theological significance underscores God's sovereignty over health and disease, the dire consequences of disobedience, and the physical manifestation of spiritual estrangement. It serves as a powerful reminder of the covenant's seriousness and the painful reality of divine judgment.
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