Biblica Analytica

לַ֫הַט

la.hat (H3858)

flame

1 verses 1 books OT 1 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Analysis of לַהַט (lahát) The Hebrew word *lahát* (Strong's H3858) denotes a **flame**—specifically the visible fire or blaze that rises from a burning source. Based on the lexical data provided, this term carries the straightforward physical meaning of fire in its flickering, luminous form rather than designating fire as a general element or force. The word's presence in biblical Hebrew appears to be quite limited, occurring only once in the surviving biblical text. This single occurrence suggests that *lahát* may have been a less common or more specialized term for describing flames compared to other Hebrew words for fire (*esh*) that appear far more frequently throughout Scripture. The rarity of its use indicates it likely served a particular descriptive purpose—perhaps emphasizing the visual or dynamic quality of flames—rather than functioning as a standard vocabulary item for discussing fire in general contexts. Given the minimal attestation in the biblical corpus, *lahát* represents a specialized vocabulary choice for authors seeking to evoke the image of bright, visible flames. Its significance lies not in frequency of use but in its precision: when biblical writers selected this particular word, they were drawing attention specifically to flame as a visual phenomenon rather than treating fire as a generic force or element.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Genesis 3:24

So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.