Lexical Summary yeqad: blazing Original Word: יְקַד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance burning (Aramaic) corresponding to yaqad -- burning. see HEBREW yaqad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to yaqad Definition to burn NASB Translation blazing (8). Topical Lexicon Definition within Narrative Context Strong’s Hebrew 3345 occurs exclusively in Daniel Chapter 3 and functions as the regular Aramaic adjective for a fire that is blazing or fiercely burning. Its eightfold repetition underlines both the intensity of the furnace Nebuchadnezzar prepared and the theological point that the king’s power seems absolute—until confronted by the living God. Historical Setting The action takes place in sixth-century Babylon after the first deportation of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar erects a gold image on the plain of Dura and commands all officials to worship it (Daniel 3:1–7). Refusal leads to death “in the midst of a blazing fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:6). The phrase with יְקַד paints a vivid backdrop typical of Mesopotamian kilns, which could be heated by bellows to extreme temperatures for smelting or brickmaking. Babylon’s famed glazed-brick architecture lends plausibility to such a furnace being readily available for public executions. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Power 2. Faith Tested and Vindicated 3. Christological Foreshadowing 4. Eschatological Echoes Literary Function • Repetition of יְקַד in Daniel 3 structures the narrative into key movements: – Decree (3:6, 3:11) – Defiance (3:15, 3:17) – Execution order (3:20) – Binding and casting (3:21, 3:23) – Miraculous outcome (3:26) The cycle reinforces suspense and climactic reversal. Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • Perseverance under pressure: Believers may face cultural “furnaces” demanding compromise. The text offers assurance that God is present “in the fire.” Practical Ministry Uses • Children’s lessons: The vivid imagery makes Daniel 3 accessible for teaching God’s protection. Intertextual Links • Isaiah 43:2 “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.” Summary Strong’s 3345 amplifies Daniel’s portrayal of a furnace so lethal that it consumes the executioners (Daniel 3:22). Yet in that very blaze, God manifests His saving presence, turning the symbol of judgment into a testimony of grace. The word therefore becomes a beacon of hope: no matter how fiercely the world heats its furnaces, God’s people are secure in the One who walks with them through the fire. Forms and Transliterations יָֽקִדְתָּ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּ֑א יָקִֽדְתָּ֛א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא׃ יָקִֽדְתָּא֒ יקדתא יקדתא׃ yā·qiḏ·tā yaKidTa yāqiḏtāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:6 HEB: אַתּ֥וּן נוּרָ֖א יָקִֽדְתָּֽא׃ NAS: of a furnace of blazing fire. KJV: into the midst of a burning fiery INT: of a furnace fire of blazing Daniel 3:11 Daniel 3:15 Daniel 3:17 Daniel 3:20 Daniel 3:21 Daniel 3:23 Daniel 3:26 8 Occurrences |
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