a primitive root; also as denominative from לְבֵנָה; to be (or become) white; to make bricks; make brick, be (made, make) white(-r).
Transliteration:lâban
Pronunciation:law-ban'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H3835 (לָבַן, *lâban*) is a primitive root with a dual semantic range. Its primary meaning is "to be (or become) white," encompassing both a change in color and a state of being. This sense is foundational, linking lâban directly to the concept of whiteness, purity, and brightness. The secondary meaning, "to make bricks," is understood as a denominative verb derived from the noun `{{H3843}}` (לְבֵנָה, *lᵉbēnāh*), meaning "brick." This connection is likely due to the light or whitish color of the clay used for bricks, or their appearance once dried or fired. Thus, lâban bridges the literal physical characteristic of color with the human activity of construction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H3835 in the Hebrew Bible reflect its dual meaning:
* **"To be (or become) white":**
* In the context of **leprosy**, lâban is frequently used to describe skin or hair turning white, a diagnostic sign of the disease according to the Mosaic law (e.g., [[Leviticus 13:3]], [[Leviticus 13:16]], [[Leviticus 13:19]], [[Leviticus 13:20]], [[Leviticus 13:25]], [[Leviticus 13:26]]). This literal physical change carries significant ritual implications regarding impurity.
* It describes the color of **manna** in [[Exodus 16:31]], noting its whiteness, contributing to its description as a miraculous provision.
* In the narrative of Jacob's flocks, lâban appears in relation to **sheep and goats** that are "white" or "speckled" (e.g., [[Genesis 30:35]], [[Genesis 30:37]], [[Genesis 30:39]]), indicating a specific physical trait.
* The most profound usage is metaphorical, particularly in the Psalms and Daniel. In [[Psalm 51:7]], the psalmist prays, "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Here, lâban signifies **spiritual purification and cleansing from sin**, moving beyond physical whiteness to represent a state of absolute purity before God.
* In the prophetic book of Daniel, lâban describes the **purification and refinement** of God's people through tribulation. [[Daniel 11:35]] states that some "shall fall, to refine them, and to purify them, and to make them white," and [[Daniel 12:10]] reiterates, "Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined." This points to a divinely orchestrated process of sanctification.
* **"To make bricks":**
* This meaning is prominently featured in the Book of Exodus, detailing the **oppressive labor of the Israelites in Egypt**. Pharaoh commands his taskmasters to no longer give straw for making bricks, forcing the Israelites to gather it themselves while still maintaining the same quota of bricks (e.g., [[Exodus 5:7]], [[Exodus 5:14]], [[Exodus 5:18]], [[Exodus 5:19]]). This highlights the severity of their bondage and foreshadows divine intervention.
* In [[Nahum 3:14]], the command "make strong your brickwork" (or "make bricks") is given in the context of preparing for siege, illustrating a practical application of the skill.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root לָבַן is foundational to several related Hebrew words, enriching its semantic field:
* **`{{H3836}}` (לָבָן, *lābān*):** An adjective meaning "white," often used for the color itself (e.g., [[Genesis 49:12]] "whiter than milk"). It is also the name of Jacob's father-in-law, Laban, possibly reflecting a physical characteristic or perhaps a symbolic association.
* **`{{H3843}}` (לְבֵנָה, *lᵉbēnāh*):** The noun for "brick," from which the denominative verbal meaning of H3835 is derived. This word directly connects the root to construction and labor.
* **`{{H3842}}` (לְבָנָה, *lᵉbānāh*):** Poetically refers to the "moon," likely due to its prominent white or pale appearance.
* **`{{H3844}}` (לְבֹנָה, *lᵉbōnāh*):** Refers to "frankincense," a white or pale resin used in incense and offerings, possibly named for its color or the white smoke it produces.
Conceptually, lâban is linked to:
* **Purity and Cleansing:** Especially in ritual and spiritual contexts (e.g., leprosy, sin).
* **Refinement and Sanctification:** The process of becoming pure through divine action or human endurance.
* **Oppression and Labor:** The arduous work of brick-making in Egypt.
* **Color Symbolism:** Whiteness often signifying purity, light, or even a lack of color.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3835 is profound, particularly in its association with "whiteness."
* **Divine Purification and Forgiveness:** The most powerful theological application is seen in [[Psalm 51:7]]. The plea to be made "whiter than snow" encapsulates the radical nature of God's forgiveness. It signifies a complete, inner cleansing from sin that goes beyond outward appearances, rendering the individual pure in God's sight. This anticipates the New Testament concept of being washed clean and made righteous through Christ's atoning work.
* **Sanctification Through Suffering:** In the book of Daniel, lâban highlights God's use of trials and tribulations to "purify" and "make white" His people ([[Daniel 11:35]], [[Daniel 12:10]]). This reveals a divine purpose in suffering: not merely punishment, but a refining process that removes impurities and brings believers closer to a state of holiness and readiness for God's kingdom.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Oppression:** The "brick-making" context in Exodus serves as a stark reminder of human cruelty and oppression. However, it also underscores God's deep awareness of His people's suffering and His ultimate power to deliver them from bondage. The forced labor of making bricks becomes a backdrop against which God's mighty acts of redemption are magnified, demonstrating His justice and faithfulness to His covenant.
* **Holiness and Divine Presence:** While not always explicit, the concept of "whiteness" often aligns with divine attributes of holiness, glory, and light. The purified state, "whiter than snow," reflects a restored relationship with a holy God.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H3835 (לָבַן, *lâban*) is a versatile root with two primary semantic fields: "to be (or become) white" and "to make bricks." Its application in the biblical text reveals significant theological depth. The meaning "to be white" is employed literally for physical characteristics (e.g., leprosy, manna, animal markings) but powerfully extends to spiritual purification. Passages like [[Psalm 51:7]] and [[Daniel 12:10]] illustrate God's transformative power to cleanse from sin and refine His people through tribulation, making them spiritually "whiter than snow." Conversely, the meaning "to make bricks" is most notably found in the Exodus narrative, depicting the harsh oppression endured by the Israelites under Pharaoh's command ([[Exodus 5:7]]). This dual usage of lâban thus encapsulates both the divine work of inner purification and the historical reality of human suffering and divine deliverance, portraying God as both the Holy Purifier and the Sovereign Deliverer.
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