a primitive root; properly, to be enclosed (as if with fat); by implication (as denominative from לֵבָב); to unheart; also as denominative from לָבִיבָה i.e.; (in a good sense) transport (with love), or (in a bad sense) stultify; to make cakes; make cakes, ravish, be wise.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâbab**, represented by `{{H3823}}`, is a primitive root with a range of distinct meanings. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses**. Based on its context, it can mean to transport with love (ravish), to stultify or be wise, or simply to make cakes. Its core sense is related to being enclosed, and its applications are derived from words for "heart" and "cake".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3823}}` demonstrates remarkable versatility. It is used in a literal, domestic sense when Amnon asks his sister Tamar to **make** him cakes [[2 Samuel 13:6]], an act she performs in the following verse [[2 Samuel 13:8]]. In a starkly different context, the word conveys intense romantic captivation in Song of Solomon, where the speaker declares twice, "Thou hast **ravished** my heart" [[Song of Solomon 4:9]]. Finally, it is used in a philosophical sense in the book of Job, which states that a vain man would **be wise** [[Job 11:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H3823}}` is found:
* `{{H3834}}` **lâbîybâh** (cake): This noun is directly linked to `{{H3823}}`, as it is the object being made in the narrative of Amnon and Tamar. The request to make `{{H3823}}` cakes `{{H3834}}` is central to the account [[2 Samuel 13:6]].
* `{{H3888}}` **lûwsh** (to knead): This verb describes an action performed alongside `{{H3823}}`. Tamar took flour and **kneaded** it before she made the cakes [[2 Samuel 13:8]], illustrating the practical process.
* `{{H269}}` **ʼâchôwth** (sister): This term of relation is present in two key uses of `{{H3823}}`. It is used as a term of endearment in Song of Solomon, "my **sister**, my spouse" [[Song of Solomon 4:9]], and as the literal relationship between Amnon and Tamar [[2 Samuel 13:6]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H3823}}` lies in its ability to express vastly different ideas depending on the narrative.
* **Emotional Overwhelm:** In its most positive sense, the word describes being utterly captivated by love. To have one's heart "ravished" `{{H3823}}` is to be completely transported and won over by another [[Song of Solomon 4:9]].
* **Deceptive Action:** In the story of Amnon, the act to **make** `{{H3823}}` cakes is not one of care but a key component of a deceitful plan. The mundane action serves a sinister purpose [[2 Samuel 13:6]].
* **Futile Aspiration:** The word is used with irony in Job to comment on human foolishness. A "vain man" who would **be wise** `{{H3823}}` highlights the gap between human pretense and true understanding [[Job 11:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3823}}` is a rare word whose meaning is heavily dependent on its context. It can refer to the simple act of baking, the profound experience of being captivated by love, or the foolish desire to attain wisdom. This single root demonstrates the capacity of biblical Hebrew to convey a spectrum of meaning, from the literal and domestic to the deeply emotional and philosophical.
TRV