דְּלַק (de.laq)
de.laq
to burn
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb delaq means simply to burn. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Daniel 7:9, where it describes the fiery nature of the Ancient of Days’ throne. This single usage places the word firmly within a vision of divine majesty and judgment, highlighting the intense, consuming presence of God.
As an Aramaic form related to the Hebrew dalak (H1814), delaq shares the core meaning of burning or pursuing with fire. While dalak can describe both the physical act of kindling a flame and the metaphorical pursuit by enemies, delaq in Daniel focuses strictly on the imagery of fire. The text uses it to depict the throne as "burning with fire," emphasizing purity, power, and awe.
Translators typically render this word as "burning" or "with fire." Its rarity makes this occurrence particularly significant, serving as a vivid snapshot of apocalyptic imagery in Daniel. The word underscores the terrifying beauty of God’s throne room, where fire is not destruction but a symbol of holy authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word delaq appears just once in Scripture, painting a striking picture in Daniel’s vision. It describes the throne of the Ancient of Days as burning with fire. This image is not about destruction or anger, but about pure, holy authority. The fire signifies that God’s presence is intense, real, and utterly separate from human weakness.
When we read this, it reminds us that God is both near and awe-inspiring. His throne is stable yet consuming. For believers, this offers comfort. We approach a God who is powerful enough to judge the world, yet He invites us into His presence. The fire purifies rather than harms those who seek Him.
This single usage highlights the majesty of heaven. It calls us to reverence in our prayers and worship. Knowing that our God sits on a throne of fire encourages us to live with integrity and hope, trusting in His eternal rule.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- burning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָּלִֽק\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:9
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
The term delaq specifically modifies the wheels of the throne, emphasizing that even the moving parts of God’s royal seat are consumed by holy fire.