Original Word: אֶשְׁדָּת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: eshdath
Pronunciation: aysh dath
Phonetic Spelling: (esh-dawth')
Definition: Fiery law
Meaning: a fire-law

fiery law

From 'esh and dath; a fire-law -- fiery law.

see HEBREW 'esh

see HEBREW dath

Word Origin
from esh and dath
Definition
fire of a law
NASB Translation
flashing lightning (1).

Word Origin: Derived from the combination of two Hebrew words: אֵשׁ (esh, meaning "fire") and דָּת (dath, meaning "law" or "decree").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for אֶשְׁדָּת in the Septuagint or the New Testament. However, concepts related to divine law and fire can be found in Greek terms such as νόμος (nomos, meaning "law") and πῦρ (pyr, meaning "fire"). These terms are used in various contexts to describe God's commandments and the purifying or judgmental aspects of fire in the New Testament.

Usage: This term is used in the context of divine law or commandment, emphasizing its powerful and consuming nature.

Context: • The term אֶשְׁדָּת appears in the Hebrew Bible in Deuteronomy 33:2, where it is part of the blessing of Moses upon the tribes of Israel. The verse describes the LORD coming from Sinai, shining forth from Seir, and appearing from Mount Paran, accompanied by myriads of holy ones, with a "fiery law" at His right hand. This imagery conveys the majesty and authority of God's law, delivered with the intensity and purity of fire. The "fire-law" symbolizes the divine origin and the consuming power of God's commandments, which are meant to guide and purify His people.
• In the context of Deuteronomy 33:2, the "fire-law" underscores the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the law is not merely a set of rules but a divine mandate that shapes the identity and conduct of the nation. The fiery aspect of the law highlights its role in refining and testing the people, much like fire refines metal.
• The use of אֶשְׁדָּת in this passage is unique, and its interpretation has been the subject of various scholarly discussions. Some suggest it emphasizes the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's revelation at Sinai, while others see it as a metaphor for the enlightening and purifying effects of divine instruction.

דָּ֖ת דת Dat dāṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts