### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâʼâh**, represented by `{{H3811}}`, primarily means **to tire** or **to be weary**. It appears **19 times** across **18 unique verses**, illustrating a state of exhaustion that can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Its meaning extends beyond simple tiredness to include being figuratively **disgusted**, to **faint**, to **grieve**, or to **lothe** an action or situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3811}}` is used to describe various forms of exhaustion. It can depict physical fatigue, as when Jeremiah is asked, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have **wearied** thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?" [[Jeremiah 12:5]]. The word also portrays a state of loathing, such as when the Egyptians shall **lothe** to drink from the river [[Exodus 7:18]]. It describes the weariness of futile effort, as when the men of Sodom **wearied** themselves to find the door after being struck with blindness [[Genesis 19:11]]. Critically, it is even applied to God, who declares, "I am **weary** with repenting" in response to persistent disobedience [[Jeremiah 15:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the causes of the exhaustion expressed by `{{H3811}}`:
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift, bear): Weariness can result from carrying a heavy load. God describes Israel's religious feasts as a burden he is **weary** to **bear**, connecting the feeling of exhaustion to the act of endurance [[Isaiah 1:14]].
* `{{H5162}}` **nâcham** (to repent, console): The term is used to express God's emotional exhaustion. He declares He is **weary** with **repenting** from judgment due to Israel's unfaithfulness, showing a deep divine grief [[Jeremiah 15:6]].
* `{{H6102}}` **ʻâtsêl** (slothful, sluggard): In a contrasting sense, weariness can be self-inflicted through inaction. For the **slothful** man, even the simple act of bringing his hand to his mouth **grieveth** him, illustrating a weariness born of laziness [[Proverbs 26:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3811}}` is significant, revealing insights into the nature of God, sin, and human struggle.
* **The Weariness of God:** Scripture uses this human emotion to describe God's response to sin. He becomes **weary** of empty religious observances [[Isaiah 1:14]] and of the people's unending rebellion, to the point of being **weary** with repenting [[Jeremiah 15:6]]. This language conveys God's deep frustration and grief over sin.
* **The Futility of Sin:** Pursuing iniquity is portrayed as an exhausting endeavor. The people of Jerusalem **weary** themselves to commit iniquity [[Jeremiah 9:5]], and the men of Sodom **wearied** themselves in a futile attempt to find Lot's door [[Genesis 19:11]]. This suggests that a life of sin is ultimately a draining and fruitless pursuit.
* **The Burden of the Prophetic Call:** The prophets themselves experience this exhaustion. Jeremiah feels so **weary** with forbearing God's word that he cannot hold it in [[Jeremiah 20:9]], and he is filled with the Lord's fury to the point of being **weary** with holding it in [[Jeremiah 6:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3811}}` is a multifaceted term that expresses more than just physical tiredness. It encompasses the emotional exhaustion of grief, the disgust of loathing, and the spiritual weariness caused by sin and futility. It is applied to humans in their suffering, their sin, and their service to God, as seen in the experiences of Job and Jeremiah. Most profoundly, it is used to describe God's own exhaustion with empty ritual and persistent rebellion, making **lâʼâh** a powerful word that conveys the draining cost of iniquity on both God and humanity.
TRV