לָהַט (la.hat)
la.hat
to kindle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb lahat describes the act of kindling a fire or causing something to blaze up with intense heat. In the Old Testament, it appears in seven verses, primarily within poetic and prophetic books like Psalms, Isaiah, and Joel. The word captures the sudden, vigorous nature of flames catching light, whether referring to physical burning or metaphorical intensity.
Its usage often conveys a sense of scorching or blazing power. For instance, in Psalm 18:7, it describes how smoke rises from God’s presence as He responds to cries for help, illustrating divine intervention with fiery imagery. Similarly, in Joel 1:20, the word paints a vivid picture of parched land where streams have dried up under the sun’s harsh glare. These examples highlight its capacity to evoke both physical destruction and awe-inspiring majesty.
Translators typically render lahat as "blaze" or "kindle," emphasizing its dynamic quality. The term carries theological weight by linking God’s actions to dramatic natural phenomena, reminding readers of His sovereignty over creation. Whether depicting judgment or deliverance, this verb underscores the raw energy associated with divine activity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lahat describes fire that suddenly catches light and blazes with intense heat. It is not a slow, gentle warmth but a sudden, vigorous ignition. In Scripture, this imagery often points to God’s powerful presence or His response to the cries of His people. When we see fire kindled in anger or judgment, it reminds us that God is holy and takes sin seriously. Yet, it also shows His active involvement in history, ready to intervene with overwhelming force.
For your faith life, this word invites trust in a God who is not distant or passive. He sees the struggles of His people, whether they are physical droughts like those in Joel or spiritual blindness like in Isaiah. The fire that burns adversaries also purifies and reveals truth. We can rest knowing that our Sovereign Lord holds all power over creation, using even the most dramatic natural phenomena to accomplish His purposes. This assurance brings comfort when we face uncertainty.
When you encounter this term, remember that God’s actions are both awe-inspiring and purposeful. He uses fire to judge evil but also to manifest His glory. This duality encourages us to approach Him with reverence, knowing He is just yet merciful. Let this understanding deepen your reliance on His wisdom and strength in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it sets ablaze1×
- it has set ablaze1×
- it burned up1×
- flaming1×
- and/ it set ablaze/ it1×
- and/ it may burn up1×
- and/ it has set ablaze1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּלַהֵ֥ט1×
- תְּלַהֵ֣ט1×
- לֹהֵֽט\׃1×
- לִהֲטָ֖ה1×
- וּ/תְלַהֵ֖ט1×
- וַ/תְּלַהֵ֖ט1×
- וַ/תְּלַהֲטֵ֤/הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:22
For a fire is kindled in my anger, that burns to the lowest Sheol, devours the earth with its increase, and sets the foundations of the mountains on fire.
This verse uses the word to describe God's anger as a fire that reaches the deepest depths, emphasizing the totality of His judgment.
-
Psalms 106:18
A fire was kindled in their company. The flame burned up the wicked.
Here, the kindling of fire within a company illustrates how sin can quickly spread and consume those who rebel against God.
-
Joel 2:3
A fire devours before them, and behind them, a flame burns. The land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them, a desolate wilderness. Yes, and no one has escaped them.
The word appears in a vivid description of an invading army, showing how divine judgment can transform fertile land into desolation.