### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼeshshâh**, represented by `{{H800}}`, is a specific term for **fire**. It is the feminine form of `{{H784}}` ʼêsh. Appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, its meaning is tightly bound to its singular, symbolic context in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H800}}` is in [[Jeremiah 6:29]], which describes a futile attempt at metallurgical refining. The verse states, "The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the **fire**; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away." Here, the **fire** is part of a divine judgment where the effort to purify a people is shown to be useless, as their wickedness cannot be separated or removed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding passage clarify the metaphorical scene of failed purification:
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): The base word from which **ʼeshshâh** is derived, this more common term for fire is used to describe God's presence, power, and role as a "consuming **fire**" [[Deuteronomy 9:3]] and a means of refinement [[Malachi 3:2]].
* `{{H6884}}` **tsâraph** (to fuse (metal), i.e. refine): This word signifies the act of refining or the refiner himself. The process of using fire to purify is central, but in this context, the **founder** fails in his task [[Jeremiah 6:29]], whereas elsewhere God successfully refines His people [[Zechariah 13:9]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This term identifies the substance that the fire is meant to remove. The entire effort is in vain precisely because the **wicked** are not removed by the process [[Jeremiah 6:29]], highlighting a state of unredeemable corruption.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H800}}` is tied entirely to its single, potent use in Jeremiah:
* **The Inefficacy of Judgment:** The central theme is one of futility. The **fire** is applied, but the intended purification does not occur. This illustrates a state of profound corruption where even the process of divine refining fails because the **wicked** are not "plucked away" [[Jeremiah 6:29]].
* **A Symbol of Wasted Effort:** The scene portrays a complete breakdown of the refining process. The "bellows are burned" `{{H2787}}` and the founder "melteth in vain" `{{H7723}}`. The **fire** `{{H800}}` thus becomes a symbol of judgment that reveals, rather than removes, the unrighteousness of the people.
* **Unremovable Corruption:** The lead `{{H5777}}` is "consumed" `{{H8552}}` by the fire, but the evil `{{H7451}}` remains. This powerful metaphor suggests a people whose wickedness is so integrated that it cannot be separated.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H800}}` **ʼeshshâh** is a highly specific term whose entire biblical meaning is derived from one powerful metaphor. It is not simply fire, but a fire of failed refinement. Its sole appearance in [[Jeremiah 6:29]] paints a stark picture of divine judgment, where the tools of purification are themselves consumed and the wickedness of the people proves to be inseparable and unremovable. The word serves as a critical element in illustrating a state of hopeless corruption.
TRV