### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sᵉrêphâh**, represented by `{{H8316}}`, refers to a **burning** or **cremation**. It is derived from the root word for burning, `{{H8313}}`. Appearing **13 times** in **12 unique verses**, `{{H8316}}` describes events of intense burning, ranging from divine judgment to ceremonial practices and human industry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8316}}` is used to describe several forms of burning. It depicts God's destructive judgment, as when the land is described as "brimstone, and salt, and **burning**," explicitly compared to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah [[Deuteronomy 29:23]]. Amos reinforces this, describing the remnant of Israel as "a firebrand plucked out of the **burning**" [[Amos 4:11]]. The word also applies to funerary rites, where a "very great **burning**" was made to honor a king [[2 Chronicles 16:14]], while the absence of one was a sign of disgrace [[2 Chronicles 21:19]]. In a ritual context, it signifies the holy fire used for the red heifer offering [[Numbers 19:6]] and the sacred fire from which hallowed censers were rescued [[Numbers 16:37]]. It is even used in a practical sense for thoroughly firing bricks [[Genesis 11:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of burning and its consequences:
* `{{H8313}}` **śâraph** (to be...on fire; burn): As the primitive root of `{{H8316}}`, this verb signifies the action of burning. It is used alongside `{{H8316}}` to describe the process, as when the house of Israel is to "bewail the **burning** `{{H8316}}` which the LORD hath **kindled** `{{H8313}}`" [[Leviticus 10:6]].
* `{{H181}}` **ʼûwd** (a poker; (fire-) brand): This noun describes something pulled from a fire. Its connection is direct, as seen in the description of the people being like "a **firebrand** `{{H181}}` plucked out of the **burning** `{{H8316}}`" [[Amos 4:11]].
* `{{H4114}}` **mahpêkâh** (a destruction; overthrow): This term for catastrophic destruction is directly associated with `{{H8316}}` in descriptions of God's judgment, linking the "burning" of the land to the "overthrow" of Sodom [[Deuteronomy 29:23]].
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This verb connects the act of "burning" to human intention and action. It is used to describe the people's refusal to perform a royal funerary rite when they "**made** `{{H6213}}` no **burning** `{{H8316}}` for him" [[2 Chronicles 21:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8316}}` is seen in its varied applications of fire.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is a powerful symbol of God's wrath against sin. The land becoming a "burning" is presented as a curse and a direct consequence of disobedience, paralleling the ultimate destruction of Sodom [[Deuteronomy 29:23]]. The Lord declares a "destroying mountain" will become a "**burnt** `{{H8316}}` mountain" [[Jeremiah 51:25]].
* **Ritual Sanctity and Purification:** Beyond judgment, `{{H8316}}` is central to holy rituals. The "burning of the heifer" produces ashes for purification [[Numbers 19:17]], and the "burning" from which the censers are taken is a holy event [[Numbers 16:37]]. The fire in Leviticus is specifically "the **burning** which the LORD hath kindled," marking it as divinely initiated and sacred [[Leviticus 10:6]].
* **Sign of Honor or Shame:** In a social and royal context, a "burning" served as a public measure of a king's legacy. A great burning signified honor and a life well-lived [[2 Chronicles 16:14]], whereas its absence was a posthumous mark of a wicked reign [[2 Chronicles 21:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8316}}` is a multifaceted term that encapsulates the power of fire in the biblical narrative. It is not merely about destruction but carries meanings of divine judgment, ritual necessity, and human honor. From the desolation of a cursed land [[Deuteronomy 29:23]] to the reverent funeral of a king [[2 Chronicles 16:14]], **sᵉrêphâh** illustrates how the concept of "burning" can signify both the terrifying wrath of God and a consecrated act of reverence and purification.
TRV