דַּלֶּ֫קֶת (dal.le.qet)
dal.le.qet
inflammation
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun dal.le.qet refers specifically to inflammation, appearing only once in the Old Testament at Deuteronomy 28:22. In this context, it describes a physical affliction that serves as one of the consequences for covenant unfaithfulness. The word points to a state of bodily heat and swelling, illustrating the tangible reality of divine judgment.
Its occurrence is limited to this single verse within the blessings and curses section. This rarity highlights the precision with which the text enumerates potential sufferings. By naming inflammation alongside other ailments, the passage emphasizes that spiritual consequences can manifest in immediate, physical ways.
The term’s root suggests a burning or glowing sensation, aligning with the medical reality of inflamed tissue. Translators typically render it as "inflammation" to preserve this specific imagery of heat and swelling. This precise vocabulary helps readers understand the concrete nature of the warnings given in Deuteronomy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dal.le.qet describes a specific physical reality: inflammation. It appears only once in Scripture, in Deuteronomy 28:22. There it stands alongside fever and blight as part of a sobering list of consequences for turning away from God. This rarity reminds us that the Bible does not shy away from describing the tangible weight of sin on the human body.
For believers today, this word offers a quiet comfort rather than fear. We do not live under the covenant curses of ancient Israel. Instead, we live in the grace of Christ, who took upon Himself the full burden of our failures. When illness strikes, it is rarely a direct punishment from God. Often, it is simply part of a fallen world that awaits restoration.
Understanding this term helps us read Scripture with honesty. We see the seriousness of spiritual health without assuming every sickness is divine judgment. This clarity frees us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to trust God’s goodness even when pain lingers. May you find peace in knowing that no affliction separates you from His love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ with <the>/ inflammation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַ/דַּלֶּ֗קֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:22
Yahweh will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with fiery heat, with the sword, with blight, and with mildew. They will pursue you until you perish.
This verse uniquely uses the term to specify a burning, swollen condition as one of several specific physical judgments listed for covenant unfaithfulness.