Lexical Summary
esh: fire, flaming, fires
Original Word:אֵשׂ
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:esh
Pronunciation:aysh
Phonetic Spelling:(aysh)
KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot
NASB:fire, flaming, fires, blazing, burning, burning coals, fiery
Word Origin:[a primitive word]
1. fire (literally or figuratively)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot
A primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively) -- burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitiona fire
NASB Translationblazing (1), burned* (1), burning (1), burning coals (1), fiery (1), fire (362), fires (2), flame (1), flaming (3), flashing (1), man (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
377Exodus 9:23 (
Jeremiah 48:45;Psalm 104:4; is dubious:
Numbers 16:18 read for 2nd (B);
Jeremiah 20:9 see Ges
§ 132 d;
Jeremiah 48:45 read (many MSS.,
Numbers 21:23) ;
Psalm 104:4 read perhaps (Ol Du): , or ;
Job 20:26 see Ges
§ 145 u (or 121 b): compare Albr
ZAW xvi {1896}. 63. &
Jeremiah 20:9;Job 20:26) (Assyrian
išatu COT
Gloss, Syriac
, Ethiopic
derivatives from II. ,
, sociable, friendly element (MV Wetzst in De
Psalmen, ed. 4, p. 888 Lag
BN 68 compare
,
), improbable especially in view of Assyrian; daghesh probably secondary; compare also Sta
§ 189 b) — absolute
Exodus 9:24 +; construct
Leviticus 6:2 + (seldom); suffix
Deuteronomy 4:36;
Job 18:5;
Isaiah 50:11;
Isaiah 66:24; —
fire, of conflagration, e.g. in briers, endangering or destroying cropsExodus 22:5; compareExodus 3:2 (both E); more often of deliberate destruction by fire, especially ( with qam. preton.) object golden calfExodus 32:20 (J), other idolsDeuteronomy 7:5,25, AsherimDeuteronomy 12:3, chariotsJoshua 11:6,9;2 Kings 23:1, houseJudges 12:1;Judges 14:15, towerJudges 9:52, city-gatesNehemiah 1:3;Nehemiah 2:3,13,17, cityJoshua 6:24;Judges 18:27 compareIsaiah 1:7 +; alsoAmos 1:4,7,10 +;Judges 1:8;Judges 20:48 compare2 Kings 8:12;Joshua 8:8,19;Jeremiah 17:27 +, compareJudges 9:49;2 Samuel 14:30,31 (of field, compareExodus 22:5 above)
Exodus 3:2;Exodus 19:18 (both J E)Deuteronomy 4:11,12,15,33,36 +; specificallyExodus 13:21,22;Exodus 14:24 (all J E)Nehemiah 9:12,19 compareDeuteronomy 1:33 (seeNumbers 9:15,16 P); of destructive fire fromNumbers 11:1,2,3 (J)Numbers 26:10 (P)Leviticus 10:2 (P); compare in simile of Yahweh's gloryExodus 24:17 (E)Deuteronomy 4:24;Deuteronomy 9:3; see also1 Kings 18:24,38;2 Kings 1:10 (twice in verse);2 Kings 1:12 (twice in verse);2 Kings 1:14;Job 1:16 (perhaps lightning intended), compare further of lightningExodus 9:23,24 (JE)Psalm 18:13;Psalm 18:14;Psalm 148:8 etc.
, etc.roasted at a fireExodus 12:8,9 (P) compareLeviticus 2:14; 2Chronicles 35:13;Isaiah 44:16,19; of tinder for lighting fireGenesis 22:6,7 (E); of fire for melting (gold for the idolatrous calf)Exodus 32:24; for refiningJeremiah 6:29, where read with Qr ; compareMalachi 3:2 (simile of purifying work of messenger of cov't).
especially of altar-fireLeviticus 1:7 (twice in verse);Leviticus 6:2;Leviticus 6:3;Leviticus 6:5;Leviticus 6:6 +; in offering incenseLeviticus 10:1, alsostrange fire, i.e. an incense not commanded, offered presumptuouslyLeviticus 10:1;Numbers 3:4;Numbers 26:61; fire from consuming sacrifice (compare )Leviticus 9:24; 2Chronicles 7:1,3; of fire in child-sacrifice (usually )2 Kings 16:3;2 Kings 21:6; compare2 Kings 17:17;2 Kings 23:10; 2Chronicles 33:6; also2 Kings 17:31, 2Chronicles 28:3.
figurative of Yahweh's angerPsalm 89:47 (simile) compareNahum 1:6;Lamentations 2:4Ezekiel 21:36;Ezekiel 22:31;Ezekiel 38:19,Ezekiel 36:5; see alsoIsaiah 66:15;Psalm 79:5;Psalm 89:47 etc.; of word ofJeremiah 23:29; figurative of outbursting emotionPsalm 39:4; of flagrant wickednessIsaiah 9:17, etc:
,Genesis 15:17 (J)a torch of fire (compare Di);Exodus 3:2flame of fire,Joel 2:5, (in simile)Daniel 10:6 compareZechariah 12:6,Psalm 29:7Isaiah 66:15 comparePsalm 105:32,Isaiah 4:5 compareHosea 7:6;spark of his fireJob 18:5 compareJob 41:11;Psalm 21:10oven of fire,Zechariah 12:6;light of firePsalm 78:14;flaming firePsalm 104:4;Isaiah 5:24tongue of fire,Ezekiel 1:13coals of fire, soEzekiel 10:2, compareSongs 8:6; onEzekiel 28:14,16 see ;Deuteronomy 33:2, literallyfire of a law, orfire was a law, butlaw is Persian & late; read perhaps [] compareExodus 20:18 or [] compareIsaiah 65:5.
(Biblical Hebrew ; K§ 55, 5. 2 b thinks emphatic from onomatopoetic √ ; D161 Buhl √ compare , , Syriac
; —Daniel 7:11.
, see []. above
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scopeאֵשׂ (ʾēš) designates literal flame, heat, or burning material and is used figuratively for passion, anger, judgment, purification, and divine presence. It occurs about 377 times, making it one of the most vivid motifs in the Hebrew canon.
First Mention and Theological Foundations
Genesis 3:24 introduces fire indirectly through the “flaming sword” guarding Eden. The first explicit appearance isGenesis 19:24, where the LORD rains down “sulfur and fire” on Sodom and Gomorrah. From the outset, fire is associated with holiness that protects and with judgment that eradicates sin.
Manifestation of God’s Presence
•Exodus 3:2 – “The Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush.”
•Exodus 19:18 – The Sinai theophany: “The LORD had descended on it in fire.”
•Exodus 13:21; 14:24;Numbers 9:15-16 – Pillar of fire guiding and protecting Israel.
•Ezekiel 1:4; 1:27 – Divine throne vision “like glowing metal, as if full of fire.”
•Daniel 7:9-10 – A river of fire flows from the heavenly throne.
Fire thus signals the nearness of the Holy One while simultaneously warning of His unapproachable purity.
Fire in Worship and Sacrifice
•Genesis 22:6-7 – Abraham carries the fire for Isaac’s sacrifice.
•Exodus 29:13-14;Leviticus 1–7 – Burnt, sin, fellowship, and grain offerings all require flame.
•Leviticus 6:13 – “The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished.”
•Leviticus 10:1-2 – Strange fire brings death to Nadab and Abihu, underscoring that worship must conform to divine prescription.
•2 Chronicles 7:1 – At Solomon’s Temple dedication, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering.”
Perpetual altar fire embodies continuous atonement and access to God, pointing ultimately to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.
Instrument of Divine Judgment
•Numbers 16:35 – “Fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men” of Korah’s rebellion.
•2 Kings 1:10-12 – Elijah calls down fire on hostile captains.
•Psalm 97:3 – “Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.”
•Isaiah 66:15-16 – Final judgment with “fire and His chariots like a whirlwind.”
•Ezekiel 38:22;Amos 1;Micah 1:4 – Nations judged by fiery wrath.
The pattern reveals that unrepentant sin draws consuming flame, whether on cities, nations, or the earth itself (Zephaniah 3:8).
Means of Guidance and Covenant Affirmation
•Exodus 24:17 – Israel beholds “a consuming fire on the mountaintop.”
•Deuteronomy 4:11-24 – Moses warns: “The LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
•Judges 13:19-21 – Manoah’s offering ascends in fire, confirming Samson’s call.
Fire authenticates covenant moments and seals divine promises.
Symbol of Purification and Testing
•Numbers 31:22-23 – Metals purified “by passing through the fire.”
•Psalm 66:10 – “You refined us like silver.”
•Isaiah 6:6-7 – A live coal purges Isaiah’s lips.
•Zechariah 13:9 – “I will bring this third through the fire; I will refine them.”
•Malachi 3:2-3 – The Messiah is “like a refiner’s fire.”
Purifying fire removes dross from communities and individuals, anticipating sanctification through the Spirit (Matthew 3:11).
Common Domestic and Agricultural Usage
•Exodus 12:8-9 – Passover lamb roasted by fire.
•1 Kings 17:12 – Widow of Zarephath prepares a meal with a handful of flour and a little oil “and gather a couple of sticks.”
•Proverbs 26:20-21 – “Without wood a fire goes out,” illustrating speech dynamics.
•Isaiah 44:15-16 – Wood used both for idol making and warming oneself by fire, exposing idolatry’s folly.
Everyday use underscores human dependence on flame for light, warmth, and sustenance.
Metaphorical and Poetic Uses
•Song of Solomon 8:6 – “Love is as strong as death… its flashes are flashes of fire.”
•Jeremiah 5:14 – God makes His word “a fire” in the prophet’s mouth.
•Jeremiah 20:9 – The word is “like a fire shut up in my bones.”
•Psalm 39:3 – “My heart grew hot within me… the fire burned.”
•Proverbs 6:27-29 – Adultery likened to carrying fire in one’s bosom.
Such imagery communicates intensity, passion, and the unstoppable nature of divine truth.
Prophetic and Eschatological Horizons
•Joel 2:30 – Portents of “blood and fire and columns of smoke.”
•Zechariah 2:5 – The LORD promises to be “a wall of fire around her.”
•Isaiah 30:27-33; 66:15-16 – Final reckoning by flame.
Old Testament expectation of fiery judgment forms the backdrop for New Testament teaching on the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15) and the fiery dissolution preceding the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:10-13).
Christological Foreshadowing
The altar fire perpetually burning, the coal that cleanses, and the fiery judgment all converge in the person of Jesus Christ. At Pentecost, “tongues like flames of fire” (Acts 2:3) rest on believers, signifying the sanctifying presence once confined to tabernacle and temple now indwelling the church. Revelation portrays Christ with eyes “like blazing fire” (Revelation 1:14), affirming His role as both purifier and judge foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Ministry Applications for Today
1. Holiness: Leaders must ensure that worship remains according to Scriptural pattern, avoiding the figurative “strange fire” of self-styled innovations.
2. Zeal: Jeremiah’s experience encourages believers to let the word burn within until it is proclaimed.
3. Purity: Trials are understood as refining fires (1 Peter 1:7), fostering perseverance and holiness.
4. Warning: The certainty of eschatological fire mandates urgent evangelism and faithful teaching on judgment.
5. Assurance: The God who shields with a wall of fire still guards His people, empowering them through the Holy Spirit’s flame.
Summary
אֵשׂ threads through Scripture as revelation of God’s holiness, instrument of worship, agent of judgment, means of purification, and symbol of divine passion. Its multifaceted witness calls every generation to reverence, repentance, and renewed fervor in the service of the living God “who makes His ministers flames of fire” (Psalm 104:4).
Forms and Transliterations
אִשּֽׁוֹ׃ אִשּׁ֣וֹ אֵ֑שׁ אֵ֔שׁ אֵ֖שׁ אֵ֗שׁ אֵ֚שׁ אֵ֛שׁ אֵ֜שׁ אֵ֝֗שׁ אֵ֞שׁ אֵ֡שׁ אֵ֣שׁ אֵ֤שׁ אֵ֥שׁ אֵ֨שׁ אֵ֬שׁ אֵ֭שׁ אֵֽשׁ׃ אֵשׁ֙ אֵשׁ֮ אֵשׁ־ אֶשְׁכֶ֗ם אש אש־ אש׃ אשו אשו׃ אשכם בְּאֵ֖שׁ בְּאֵ֣שׁ בְּאֵ֥שׁ בְּאֵ֨שׁ בְּאֵשׁ־ בְאֵשׁ־ בָ֭אֵשׁ בָּאֵ֑שׁ בָּאֵ֔שׁ בָּאֵ֖שׁ בָּאֵ֜שׁ בָּאֵ֞שׁ בָּאֵ֣שׁ בָּאֵ֣שׁ ׀ בָּאֵ֥שׁ בָּאֵֽשׁ׃ בָּאֵשׁ֒ בָּאֵשׁ֙ בָאֵ֑שׁ בָאֵ֔שׁ בָאֵ֖שׁ בָאֵ֗שׁ בָאֵ֜שׁ בָאֵ֣שׁ בָאֵ֥שׁ בָאֵֽשׁ׃ בָאֵשׁ֙ באש באש־ באש׃ הַאִשׁ֙ הָאֵ֑שׁ הָאֵ֔שׁ הָאֵ֖שׁ הָאֵ֗שׁ הָאֵ֛שׁ הָאֵ֜שׁ הָאֵ֤שׁ הָאֵ֥שׁ הָאֵ֨שׁ הָאֵֽשׁ׃ הָאֵשׁ֙ האש האש׃ וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ וְ֭אֵשׁ וְאִשָּׁם֙ וְאֵ֕שׁ וְאֵ֖שׁ וְאֵ֣שׁ וְאֵ֥שׁ וְאֵשׁ־ וְהָאֵ֖שׁ וְהָאֵ֗שׁ וְהָאֵ֨שׁ וָאֵ֑שׁ וָאֵ֔שׁ וּבְאֵשׁ֙ וּבָאֵ֕שׁ ואש ואש־ ואשם ובאש והאש כְּאֵ֣שׁ כְּאֵ֥שׁ כָּאֵ֖שׁ כָּאֵשׁ֙ כָאֵ֔שׁ כָאֵ֜שׁ כָאֵשׁ֙ כאש לְאֵ֑שׁ לְאֵ֔שׁ לְאֵ֗שׁ לָאֵ֔שׁ לָאֵ֖שׁ לָאֵ֤שׁ לאש מֵאֵֽשׁ׃ מֵהָאֵ֣שׁ מאש׃ מהאש ’êš ’êš- ’eš·ḵem ’ešḵem ’iš·šōw ’iššōw bā’êš ḇā’êš bā·’êš ḇā·’êš baEsh bə’êš bə’êš- ḇə’êš- bə·’êš bə·’êš- ḇə·’êš- beEsh chaEsh Esh eshChem hā’êš ha’iš hā·’êš ha·’iš haEsh haIsh ishSho kā’êš ḵā’êš kā·’êš ḵā·’êš kaEsh kə’êš kə·’êš keEsh lā’êš lā·’êš laEsh lə’êš lə·’êš leEsh mê’êš mê·’êš mê·hā·’êš meEsh mêhā’êš mehaEsh ū·ḇā·’êš ū·ḇə·’êš ūḇā’êš ūḇə’êš uvaEsh uveEsh vaEsh veEsh vehaEsh veishSham wā’êš wā·’êš wə’êš wə’êš- wə’iššām wə·’êš wə·’êš- wə·’iš·šām wə·hā·’êš wəhā’êš
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