אָח

a fire-pot or chafing dish

Definition

The Hebrew word אָח refers to a portable heating device used in ancient times, specifically a fire-pot or chafing dish. It describes a brazier or hearth that held burning coals for warmth, as seen in Jeremiah 36:22-23, where King Jehoiakim sits by one during the winter. The term does not appear to have extended metaphorical meanings in the biblical text, remaining a straightforward reference to this household object. Its usage is limited to these two verses in Jeremiah, providing a vivid detail about the setting of a significant event.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:22, 36:23). It describes the 'hearth' or brazier in the king's winter quarters, providing a specific cultural detail about royal domestic life. The context is narrative, setting the scene for King Jehoiakim's defiant act of burning the scroll containing Jeremiah's prophecies.

Etymology

The etymology of אָח is uncertain. It may be related to a root implying 'to glow' or 'to burn,' but this is not definitively established. No clear cognates in other Semitic languages are widely recognized, leaving its derivation obscure.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Near East, a fire-pot or brazier was a common household item for heating, especially in cooler seasons. King Jehoiakim's use of one in his winter apartment (Jeremiah 36:22) highlights a detail of royal comfort and domestic setting. This object differs from a fixed fireplace; it was likely a movable metal container for holding hot coals.

אֵשׁ (ʼēsh, H784) — The general word for 'fire,' whereas אָח is the specific container holding the fire. כִּיּוֹר (kîyôr, H3595) — A basin or laver, sometimes of metal, but typically for washing, not for holding fire.

Word Details

Scripture References