from לָאַט (or perhaps for active participle of לוּט); properly, muffled, i.e. silently; softly.
Transliteration:lâʼṭ
Pronunciation:lawt
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3814 (לָאט, lâʼṭ) is an adverb derived from a root suggesting concealment or muffling. Its primary semantic range encompasses actions performed in a quiet, gentle, or soft manner. The underlying idea is a reduction in intensity, whether of sound, force, or visibility. It implies a deliberate lack of harshness, haste, or clamor. The base definition "properly, muffled, i.e. silently; softly" captures this essence, pointing to a subdued or restrained quality in the action described.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3814 appears in two significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each illuminating its core meaning:
1. **[[2 Samuel 18:5]]**: "And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' And all the people heard when the king gave all the commanders orders concerning Absalom."
Here, לָאט is translated as "gently." King David's instruction to his military commanders regarding his rebellious son, Absalom, emphasizes a careful, non-violent, and merciful approach. Despite Absalom's treason, David desires restraint and a lack of harshness in his treatment. The word underscores a plea for caution and compassion, preventing excessive force or vengeance.
2. **[[Isaiah 8:6]]**: "Because this people has rejected the waters of Shiloah that flow gently and rejoice in Rezin and the son of Remaliah."
In this prophetic context, לָאט describes the flow of the waters of Shiloah, which nourish Jerusalem. The "gently flowing" waters stand in stark contrast to the mighty, overwhelming waters of the Euphrates, symbolizing the Assyrian empire, whose aid Judah sought. The gentle flow of Shiloah represents God's quiet, steady, and sufficient provision and presence, which Judah, in its lack of faith, rejected in favor of human alliances and power. This highlights the subtle yet reliable nature of divine sustenance.
In both instances, לָאט conveys a sense of quietness, gentleness, or measured action, whether in human interaction or as a metaphor for divine activity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of H3814 points to roots associated with covering or concealment:
* לָאַט (la'at) `{{H3813}}`: The verb "to wrap, muffle, conceal," from which H3814 is derived. This connection reinforces the idea of a subdued or hidden quality, leading to quietness or gentleness.
* לוּט (lut) `{{H3874}}`: Another related verb meaning "to wrap, enfold, envelop," further solidifying the concept of something being covered or made less apparent.
Concepts that stand in contrast to לָאט include:
* Loudness or clamor (e.g., `{{H1993}}` *hamon*, noise, multitude; `{{H7442}}` *ra'ash*, trembling, noise).
* Violence or harshness (e.g., `{{H2555}}` *hamas*, violence; `{{H7185}}` *qasheh*, hard, severe).
* Overwhelming force or speed.
Related theological concepts include divine patience, gentle leading, quiet trust, and the wisdom of restraint.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3814 is profound, particularly in its metaphorical use in Isaiah and its ethical implication in 2 Samuel.
1. **Divine Modus Operandi**: Isaiah 8:6 presents God's provision and presence not as a roaring torrent of overwhelming power, but as the "gently flowing waters of Shiloah." This imagery speaks volumes about God's preferred way of working: often in quiet, steady, and subtle ways, rather than through dramatic, overt displays. It teaches that divine faithfulness and sustenance are consistently present, even if not always sensational. The rejection of these "gentle" waters by the people of Judah signifies their spiritual blindness and their preference for human strength and worldly alliances over quiet trust in God. This underscores the need for spiritual discernment to perceive God's work in the mundane and the gentle.
2. **Ethical Conduct and Mercy**: David's command in 2 Samuel 18:5 to "deal gently" with Absalom, despite his rebellion, highlights a divine principle of mercy and restraint. Even in the face of grave offense, the desire for a non-violent, compassionate approach is emphasized. This reflects God's own character, who is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([[Psalm 103:8]]). It calls believers to emulate divine patience and to exercise gentleness, even towards those who are hostile or deserving of judgment, seeking reconciliation and avoiding unnecessary severity.
In essence, לָאט points to the power and wisdom found in quietness, gentleness, and restraint, both in God's character and as an ideal for human conduct.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3814 (לָאט, lâʼṭ) denotes an action performed quietly, gently, or softly, stemming from roots that imply muffling or concealment. Its two biblical occurrences provide rich insight: in [[2 Samuel 18:5]], it describes King David's plea for his son Absalom to be "dealt with gently," emphasizing mercy and restraint. In [[Isaiah 8:6]], it characterizes the "gently flowing waters of Shiloah," a metaphor for God's quiet, steady, and sufficient provision, which Judah rejected in favor of human might. Theologically, לָאט illuminates God's character as one who often works through subtle, consistent, and gentle means, contrasting with human desires for overt power. It also serves as an ethical imperative for believers to cultivate gentleness, patience, and restraint in their interactions, reflecting the divine nature. The word thus encapsulates a profound truth about the quiet strength of God and the call to emulate His gentle ways.
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