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Flame

Nature

What is the meaning of Flame in the Bible?

Flame refers to the visible, gaseous phase of combustion characterized by heat and light. In biblical Hebrew, this phenomenon is described using distinct terms including lahabh (flame or blaze), mas'eth (burning or brand), kalil (flame or spark), shalhebheth (flame or firebrand), and shabhibh (flame or spark).

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the specific Hebrew words for flame allows readers to grasp the nuanced imagery of divine presence and action in Scripture. These terms clarify metaphors where fire represents God's purifying judgment, His sovereign power, and the intensity of spiritual experiences, providing deeper insight into the theological weight of these passages.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Flame were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Flame in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Flame clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Flame." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/flame/
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