a primitive root; to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted; faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves).
Transliteration:lâʼâh
Pronunciation:law-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3811 (לָאָה, *lâʼâh*) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense of "to tire" or "to be weary." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical exhaustion to encompass a deeper, often emotional or spiritual, weariness. Figuratively, it can mean "to be disgusted," "to loathe," or "to grieve," reflecting a profound sense of being worn out by something or someone. This weariness can be self-inflicted, imposed by circumstances, or even attributed anthropomorphically to God in response to human actions. The root can express both the state of being weary and the act of causing weariness in others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H3811 appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Exhaustion:** In [[Deuteronomy 25:18]], the term describes the physical weariness of the Israelites attacked by Amalek, highlighting their vulnerability and the cruelty of the assault. Similarly, in [[Job 4:2]], Eliphaz asks if Job will be "impatient" or "weary" if he speaks, implying a state of being too exhausted to listen or respond.
* **Spiritual and Emotional Weariness:** The word frequently denotes a deeper, internal exhaustion. In [[Isaiah 7:13]], God, through the prophet Isaiah, declares, "Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?" Here, Israel's persistent unbelief and testing of God's patience are described as "wearing out" the divine patience, an anthropomorphic expression of divine displeasure.
* **Weariness from Sin and Disobedience:** H3811 is used to describe the burden of sin. [[Malachi 2:17]] states, "You have wearied the LORD with your words," referring to the people's cynical questioning of God's justice. This indicates that human unfaithfulness and hypocrisy can indeed "tire" or "disgust" the Holy One.
* **God's Inexhaustibility:** Crucially, H3811 is also used to affirm God's unchangeable nature. [[Isaiah 40:28]] proclaims, "The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." This verse provides a powerful contrast, emphasizing that while humanity and even creation can grow weary, God's power and wisdom are boundless and inexhaustible.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of weariness (H3811) is often found in proximity to other Hebrew terms that describe states of physical or spiritual debilitation, or conversely, those that speak of strength and renewal.
* **Physical Weakness/Fainting:** Related terms include `{{H5774}}` (*ʿāyēph*), meaning "faint" or "thirsty," often indicating extreme physical exhaustion (e.g., [[Judges 8:4]]).
* **Burden/Heaviness:** The root `{{H3513}}` (*kābad*) can describe something "heavy" or "burdensome," which can lead to weariness.
* **Rest and Refreshment:** Concepts like *nuach* (rest, `{{H5117}}`) and *shaqaṭ* (quiet, `{{H8252}}`) stand in contrast to the weariness expressed by H3811, highlighting the divine provision for renewal.
* **Strength and Endurance:** Words like *koach* (strength, `{{H3581}}`) or *chazaq* (strong, `{{H2388}}`) represent the opposite of weariness, often attributed to God as the source of human perseverance.
The semantic field of H3811 thus interacts with a network of terms that describe the human condition of frailty and the divine attribute of enduring power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3811 is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the reality of human limitation, and the dynamics of the covenant relationship.
1. **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The frequent use of H3811 for human weariness underscores the inherent limitations of humanity. Whether from physical exertion, emotional distress, or the burden of sin, humans are prone to exhaustion. This highlights the need for divine strength, rest, and sustenance, pointing to God as the ultimate source of renewal.
2. **Anthropomorphic Expression of Divine Patience:** When God is described as "wearied" by human actions (e.g., [[Isaiah 7:13]], [[Malachi 2:17]]), it is a powerful anthropomorphism. It does not imply that God literally tires or loses energy, but rather expresses the depth of His righteous indignation, His long-suffering patience stretched to its limit by persistent human rebellion and unfaithfulness. It serves as a severe warning against presuming upon God's grace.
3. **God's Inexhaustible Nature:** The explicit statement in [[Isaiah 40:28]] that God "does not faint or grow weary" is a foundational theological truth. It assures believers of God's unchanging power, unwavering commitment, and infinite capacity to sustain His creation and His people. This provides immense comfort and hope, as believers can rely on a God who is never too tired or too weak to act on their behalf.
4. **Consequence of Sin:** The concept of "wearing out" God emphasizes that sin is not a trivial matter. It has real, albeit anthropomorphically described, effects on the divine-human relationship, straining the covenant bond and provoking divine displeasure.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3811 (לָאָה, *lâʼâh*) conveys the multifaceted concept of "to tire" or "to be weary." Its semantic range encompasses physical exhaustion, emotional burden, and spiritual weariness, extending even to an anthropomorphic description of God's patience being "worn out" by human sin. Contextual analysis reveals its use in depicting human vulnerability, the severity of persistent disobedience, and, most importantly, the inexhaustible nature of God. Theologically, H3811 serves to highlight humanity's inherent frailty and dependence on God, while simultaneously affirming God's infinite power and unchanging nature as the One who never tires. It underscores the gravity of sin in "wearing out" divine patience and directs believers to the ever-present strength found in the Lord.
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