קָדַח (qa.dach)
qa.dach
to kindle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qādaḥ means to set fire to something or to catch fire itself. It appears in only four verses, primarily in the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Isaiah, as well as in Deuteronomy. The word carries a sense of sudden ignition, whether describing the physical act of lighting a flame or the metaphorical spreading of divine judgment.
In its most striking usage, qādaḥ describes God’s anger burning like fire. For instance, Jeremiah 4:11 speaks of a wind from the heights that will blow over the mountains, kindling (qādaḥ) a fierce storm. Similarly, Isaiah 10:17 portrays the Light of Israel as a fire that burns and consumes thorns and briars. This imagery links human conflict or divine wrath to an uncontrollable blaze.
The root likely relates to heat or burning, emphasizing intensity rather than gentle warmth. Translators often render it as "kindle" or "burn," capturing both the active lighting of a fire and its passive consumption. The brevity of its biblical appearance underscores how specific this metaphor is reserved for moments of intense, consuming power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qādaḥ describes a sudden, intense ignition, often used to depict the consuming nature of divine judgment. In Deuteronomy 32:22, it illustrates that God’s anger is not a fleeting temper but a powerful force that reaches even the deepest places. This imagery reminds us that sin has serious consequences, yet it also highlights the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness.
Isaiah 50:11 offers a sobering contrast between human-made fires and divine reality. Those who kindle their own torches of self-reliance or rebellion ultimately face sorrow. The passage invites reflection on what we choose to fuel in our lives. True light comes from trusting God’s guidance rather than relying on our own fleeting sources of warmth.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the gravity of turning away from God. It calls us to examine the motives behind our actions and to seek alignment with His will. By recognizing the intensity of divine holiness, we are drawn closer to the hope found in repentance and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it has been kindled2×
- you have kindled1×
- [who] kindle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֹ֥דְחֵי1×
- קָדְחָ֥ה1×
- קָדְחָ֣ה1×
- קְדַחְתֶּ֥ם1×
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 qādaḥ to emphasize the depth and reach of God's anger, showing it extends to the lowest Sheol.
-
Isaiah 50:11
Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves, walk in the flame of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You will have this from my hand: you will lie down in sorrow.
Here the word contrasts human self-reliance with divine judgment, warning that those who kindle their own fires will face sorrow.
-
Jeremiah 17:4
You, even of yourself, will discontinue from your heritage that I gave you. I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don’t know, for you have kindled a fire in my anger which will burn forever.”
The verse links persistent rebellion to a fire kindled in God's anger that burns forever, leading to exile.