### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâʼaṭ**, represented by `{{H3813}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to muffle; cover**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a distinct and powerful image of profound personal grief.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for `{{H3813}}` is found in the narrative of King David mourning the death of his son, Absalom. The scripture states, "But the king **covered** his face, and the king cried with a loud voice" [[2 Samuel 19:4]]. Here, the act of covering the face is a physical manifestation of David's overwhelming sorrow and anguish, a gesture of turning away from the world in a moment of unbearable personal loss.
### Related Words & Concepts
The scene in which `{{H3813}}` appears is enriched by several related words that convey the depth of the king's grief:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This term identifies the one performing the action. The fact that it is a **king** who covers his face emphasizes that even a great and powerful ruler is overcome by paternal sorrow.
* `{{H6440}}` **pânîym** (the face): This is what is being covered by the king. The face often represents one's presence and identity, so to cover it is an act of deep mourning and withdrawal.
* `{{H2199}}` **zâʻaq** (to shriek (from anguish or danger)): This word for crying is used in direct parallel with the act of covering, linking the physical gesture with the audible sound of extreme distress [[2 Samuel 19:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and emotional weight of `{{H3813}}` is derived entirely from its specific, poignant context:
* **The Physicality of Sorrow:** The use of this word illustrates how scripture portrays deep emotional states through physical actions. Covering the face is a universal sign of grief or shame, and its documentation here gives a powerful depiction of human suffering.
* **A Portrait of Grief:** The action provides a vivid portrait of a father's heartbreak. David, the **king** `{{H4428}}`, sets aside his royal dignity to fully express his devastation, muffling his face as he cries out.
* **Inward and Outward Expression:** The term works in tandem with the "loud voice" (`{{H1419}}`, `{{H6963}}`) and the cry of anguish `{{H2199}}` to show a complete picture of grief, where the internal sorrow is expressed through both a physical covering and an audible shriek.
### Summary
In summary, **lâʼaṭ** `{{H3813}}` is a narrowly used but impactful word. Its single appearance in scripture captures a moment of intense and private sorrow made public. By describing how King David covered his face, the term powerfully illustrates how a simple physical gesture can communicate the profound depth of human grief, providing a timeless and relatable image of a father's love and loss.
TRV