xlit lᵉôm corrected to lᵉʼôm; or לְאוֹם; from an unused root meaning to gather; a community; nation, people.
Transliteration:lᵉʼôm
Pronunciation:leh-ome'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3816 (לְאֹם, lᵉʼôm) denotes a "community," "nation," or "people." Derived from an unused root, its underlying sense is understood to be "to gather," thereby emphasizing the collective nature of the entity it describes. Unlike some other Hebrew terms for "nation" or "people" that might carry specific connotations (e.g., `{{H1471}}` *goy* often referring to non-Israelite nations, or `{{H5971}}` *'am* frequently referring to Israel as God's chosen people), לְאֹם tends to be a more general term for distinct groups of humanity. It highlights the idea of a cohesive, identifiable body of people, whether in a national, ethnic, or broader communal sense. Its semantic range thus encompasses any gathered collective, from a nascent people group to a well-established nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3816 appears 14 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in poetic and prophetic books, with one notable exception in the Pentateuch.
One of its most significant occurrences is in [[Genesis 25:23]], where Rebekah is told concerning her unborn twins, Jacob and Esau: "Two nations (לְאֹם) are in your womb, and two peoples (לְאֹם) from within you shall be divided; the one people (לְאֹם) shall be stronger than the other people (לְאֹם), and the older shall serve the younger." Here, לְאֹם clearly delineates two distinct, even antagonistic, ethnic groups or proto-nations emerging from a single lineage, underscoring their separate destinies.
In the Psalms, לְאֹם often refers to the assembled peoples or nations in a universal sense, subject to God's divine authority. For instance, [[Psalm 7:7]] speaks of "the assembly of the peoples (לְאֹם)" surrounding the Lord, while [[Psalm 108:13]] declares God's power to "tread down our adversaries," which are implicitly the nations.
The term finds frequent use in the prophetic books, particularly Isaiah, where it contributes to the grand scope of God's universal plan. [[Isaiah 17:12]] describes "the roar of many peoples (לְאֹם), they roar like the roaring of the sea," depicting the tumultuous world. Conversely, [[Isaiah 41:1]] calls upon "the peoples (לְאֹם)" to "renew their strength," hinting at a divine challenge or restoration. [[Isaiah 55:4]] highlights the Messiah as a "leader and commander for the peoples (לְאֹם)," signifying His universal dominion. In [[Isaiah 60:2]], the prophet foresees a time when "darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples (לְאֹם), but the Lord will arise upon you." This juxtaposition emphasizes God's light breaking through global spiritual darkness.
Jeremiah also employs לְאֹם to describe nations in the context of divine judgment or the gathering of diverse peoples, as seen in [[Jeremiah 51:44]], where "the nations (לְאֹם)" are said to flow to Babylon. Habakkuk uses the term to describe nations toiling in vain or facing divine judgment, as in [[Habakkuk 2:13]], where "peoples (לְאֹם)" "toil for fire," indicating their futile efforts against God's will.
Across its occurrences, לְאֹם consistently refers to distinct groups of people, often in relation to divine action, whether in the context of their formation, their rebellion, or their ultimate submission to God's sovereign plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H3816 (לְאֹם, lᵉʼôm) is distinct, its meaning overlaps with other Hebrew terms for human collectives, providing nuances in the biblical text:
* `{{H1471}}` (גּוֹי, goy): This is the most common Hebrew word for "nation" or "gentile." While goy can sometimes carry a negative or neutral connotation (especially in contrast to Israel), לְאֹם tends to be more general, simply denoting a distinct people group. In some contexts, they are used synonymously, but לְאֹם often emphasizes the internal cohesion and distinct identity of the group.
* `{{H5971}}` (עַם, 'am): Meaning "people," this term frequently refers to Israel as God's chosen people, or a specific populace. While לְאֹם can also refer to Israel, its broader usage often encompasses all human collectives, highlighting their diversity. לְאֹם might emphasize the distinctness between groups, whereas עם might emphasize the unity within a group.
* **Concepts:** The study of לְאֹם is intrinsically linked to broader biblical concepts such as:
* **National Identity:** The formation and distinctiveness of various peoples.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's rule over all nations and peoples.
* **Universalism:** The idea that God's plan and salvation extend beyond Israel to all לְאֹם.
* **Judgment and Blessing:** How God interacts with different peoples based on their actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3816 (לְאֹם, lᵉʼôm) is profound, touching upon God's universal dominion, His covenant relationship with Israel, and His ultimate redemptive plan for humanity.
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over All Peoples:** The consistent use of לְאֹם in prophetic and poetic literature underscores God's absolute authority over all human collectives. He is not merely the God of Israel, but the sovereign Lord who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations ([[Isaiah 17:12]], [[Habakkuk 2:13]]). This emphasizes a monotheistic worldview where all peoples are accountable to the one true God.
2. **The Mystery of Distinctness and Unity:** [[Genesis 25:23]] is foundational, establishing the divine decree that even within a single family, two distinct לְאֹם would emerge. This highlights God's role in shaping national identities and destinies. Yet, while distinct, these peoples are ultimately part of a larger divine narrative, either in opposition to God's purposes or eventually drawn into them.
3. **Scope of Redemption and Judgment:** לְאֹם are not only subjects of divine judgment for their wickedness ([[Habakkuk 2:13]]), but also potential recipients of God's grace and salvation. The prophetic vision of [[Isaiah 55:4]] points to a future where the Messiah serves as a "leader and commander for the peoples (לְאֹם)," implying a universal reach for God's redemptive work. This anticipates the New Testament emphasis on the gospel being proclaimed to all nations (Matthew 28:19).
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The references to לְאֹם often carry an eschatological dimension, portraying a future where all peoples will either acknowledge God's rule or face His final judgment. This contributes to the grand narrative of biblical prophecy, where the ultimate culmination of history involves God's interaction with the entirety of humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3816 (לְאֹם, lᵉʼôm) signifies a "community," "nation," or "people," emphasizing a gathered, distinct collective. Its root meaning "to gather" underscores its focus on cohesive groups. Found primarily in poetic and prophetic texts, with a crucial early appearance in [[Genesis 25:23]] to describe the nascent nations of Jacob and Esau, לְאֹם serves to highlight the distinct identities of various human collectives. Theologically, לְאֹם is vital for understanding God's universal sovereignty over all peoples, His role in shaping national destinies, and the comprehensive scope of His judgment and redemptive plan that extends beyond Israel to encompass all humanity. It speaks to both the diversity of human groups and their ultimate accountability and potential inclusion within God's overarching purposes.
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