Original Word: יָקַד
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: yaqad
Pronunciation: yah-KAHD
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-kad')
KJV: (be) burn(-ing), X from the hearth, kindle
NASB: burning, burn, burns, hearth, kindled
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to burn

be burning, from the hearth, kindle

A primitive root; to burn -- (be) burn(-ing), X from the hearth, kindle.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be kindled, to burn
NASB Translation
burn (2), burning (3), burns (2), hearth (1), kindled (1).

[יָקַד] verb be kindled, burn (Aramaic יְקַד, , burn, intransitive; Arabic , id.) —

Qal Imperfect3masculine singular יֵקַד Isaiah 10:16; 3feminine singular וַתִּיקַד Deuteronomy 32:22; Participle active feminine יֹקֶ֫דֶת Isaiah 65:5; passive יָקוּד Isaiah 30:14; — be kindled, figurative of judgment, יֵקַד יְקֹד כִּיקוֺד אֵשׁ Isaiah 10:16; so burn, Deuteronomy 32:22 a fire hath been kindled (קָֽדְחָה) in my wrath, וַּתִּיקַד עַדשְֿׁאוֺל and it burneth unto Sh®°ôl; figurative of people displeasing to ׳י, אֵלֶּה עָשָׁן בְּאַמִּי אֵשׁ יֹקֶדֶת כָּלהַֿיּוֺם Isaiah 65:5; participle יָקוּד kindled, as substantive לַחְתּוֺת אֵשׁ מִיָּקוּד Isaiah 30:14 to take fire from that which is knidled, i.e. from the hearth (Lg^{BN 60}).

Hoph`al Imperfect3feminine singular תּוּקַד Leviticus 6:2; Leviticus 6:5; Leviticus 6:6; תּוּקָ֑ד Jeremiah 15:14; Jeremiah 17:4; — be burning, burn, of (perpetual) altar-fire Leviticus 6:2; Leviticus 6:5; Leviticus 6:6 (P); figurative of ׳יs judgment, אֵשׁ קָֽדְחָה בְּאַמִּי עֲלֵיכֶם תּוּקָ֑ד Jeremiah 15:14, similarly Jeremiah 17:4 (compare Deuteronomy 32:22 above, as probably source of both).

[יְקַד] verb burn (see Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Participle active feminine יָקִדְ תָּא Daniel 3:6,11,15,17,20,21,23,26.

Scope and Distribution

The verb appears nine times, always describing the kindling or maintenance of literal or figurative fire. Its contexts fall naturally into two groups: the perpetual sacrificial fire in Leviticus and the fire of divine wrath in the song of Moses and the prophets.

The Perpetual Altar Fire: Leviticus 6:9, 12, 13

The opening use sets the pattern for worship in Israel. Three successive commands underline priestly responsibility:
• “The fire of the altar must be kept burning on it” (Leviticus 6:9).
• “The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out” (6:12).
• “The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not be extinguished” (6:13).

Historically, this continuous flame signified ongoing atonement. It proclaimed that reconciliation with God could never be a sporadic event; the altar must always be ready to receive sacrifice. In ministry, the passage still calls the church to guard a ceaseless devotion—the priesthood of believers ensures that worship and intercession never lapse (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

A Fire Kindled in Divine Wrath: Deuteronomy 32:22

“For a fire has been kindled in My wrath, and it burns to the depths of Sheol”. Moses’ song teaches that covenant-breaking awakens a consuming energy as relentless as the altar fire but directed toward judgment. Historically this provided the theological lens through which later prophets interpreted national disaster. Pastorally it reminds hearers that grace does not nullify holiness; sin lights a fuse whose terminus only repentance can extinguish.

Prophetic Expositions of the Kindled Fire

• Isaiah 10:16: Assyria’s pride draws a flame that devours its “glory.” Political supremacy cannot shield from a fire started by the Lord of Hosts.
• Isaiah 30:14: Judah’s trust in Egypt will shatter “so ruthlessly that among its fragments no fragment will be found for scooping coals from a hearth.” The failure of worldly alliances leaves no ember for true warmth.
• Isaiah 65:5: Self-righteous worshipers become “a fire that burns all day long,” offending the Lord. Religious superiority, even when cloaked in ritual purity, stokes divine displeasure.
• Jeremiah 15:14; 17:4: Judah’s rebellion “kindle[s] a fire that will burn against you,” a blaze no human power can quench. Exile proves the point—when covenant people persist in sin, the very inheritance meant for blessing turns to fuel.

Theological Themes

1. Continuity of Fire: Whether sacrificial or punitive, the flame is continuous. Holiness never sleeps; it either purifies or consumes.
2. Human Agency: Priests must feed the altar flames, yet only God can ignite or quench the fires of judgment. Responsibility and sovereignty meet without contradiction.
3. Moral Polarity: The same metaphor affirms mercy (atonement) and justice (retribution). Scripture speaks with one voice; no conflict exists between the God who sustains the altar and the God who scorches unrepentant hearts.

Christological and Eschatological Horizons

The perpetual fire anticipates the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose offering never cools (Hebrews 10:12-14). Conversely, the prophetic flames foreshadow the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15). At Calvary, wrath and atonement meet—the fire falls on the substitute so that believers may stand purified before God.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Worship Leaders: Guard corporate gatherings so that prayer, Scripture, and sacrament keep the flame alive.
• Preachers: Declare both comfort and warning; the God who invites the weary also threatens the impenitent.
• Disciples: Tend the hearth of personal devotion. Neglect permits embers to die; negligence in holiness invites the spark of discipline.
• Evangelists: Present salvation not as escape from fire only, but as admission to the altar where the eternal flame of Christ’s intercession burns on our behalf.

וַתִּיקַ֖ד ותיקד יֵקַ֥ד יֹקֶ֖דֶת יקד יקדת מִיָּק֔וּד מיקוד תּ֥וּקַד תּֽוּקַד־ תּוּקַ֥ד תּוּקָֽד׃ תוקד תוקד־ תוקד׃ mî·yā·qūḏ miyaKud mîyāqūḏ tū·qaḏ tū·qāḏ tū·qaḏ- Tukad tūqaḏ tūqāḏ tūqaḏ- vattiKad wat·tî·qaḏ wattîqaḏ yê·qaḏ yeKad yêqaḏ yō·qe·ḏeṯ yoKedet yōqeḏeṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts