from לָבַן; properly, (the) white, i.e. the moon; moon. See also לְבָנָא.
Transliteration:lᵉbânâh
Pronunciation:leb-aw-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לְבָנָה (lᵉbânâh - `{{H3842}}`) is derived from the root לָבַן (lavan - `{{H3835}}`), which means "to be white" or "to make white." Consequently, לְבָנָה literally translates to "the white one." This etymological connection highlights the primary characteristic by which the object is identified: its prominent white or bright appearance. In all its biblical occurrences, לְבָנָה exclusively refers to the moon, distinguishing it from the sun (שֶׁמֶשׁ - `{{H8121}}`) by its cooler, reflected light. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely denoting the celestial body that illuminates the night sky.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term לְבָנָה (lᵉbânâh - `{{H3842}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its usage is consistently precise and often laden with poetic or prophetic significance.
1. **[[Song of Solomon 6:10]]**: "Who is this that looks forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners?" Here, the beloved's beauty is extolled through a series of comparisons to celestial bodies. Being "fair as the moon" emphasizes her radiant, serene, and captivating beauty, akin to the moon's gentle glow in the night sky. The pairing with the sun (`{{H8121}}`) creates a comprehensive image of overwhelming splendor.
2. **[[Isaiah 24:23]]**: "Then the moon will be confounded and the sun ashamed, for the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his elders, glory." This verse is part of a prophetic oracle describing cosmic upheaval and judgment preceding the establishment of God's universal reign. The "confounding" of the moon and the "shaming" of the sun signify that even the most glorious created lights will dim and lose their luster in the overwhelming presence of Yahweh's unparalleled glory. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation.
3. **[[Isaiah 30:26]]**: "Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the LORD binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound." In this eschatological prophecy of restoration and healing for God's people, the moon's light is depicted as being dramatically intensified, matching that of the sun. This miraculous increase in luminosity symbolizes an era of unprecedented divine blessing, clarity, and the pervasive presence of God's glory, where even the natural order is transformed to reflect His abundant grace.
Across these contexts, לְבָנָה consistently refers to the physical moon, serving as a powerful symbol in poetic description and prophetic declaration concerning divine judgment, glory, and restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for לְבָנָה (lᵉbânâh - `{{H3842}}`) is its root:
* **לָבַן (lavan - `{{H3835}}`)**: "to be white," "to make white." This root is foundational, explaining why the moon is called "the white one." Other derivatives include "white" (as a color), "brick" (made from white clay), and "frankincense" (due to its white appearance).
Other related biblical terms and concepts include:
* **שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh - `{{H8121}}`)**: The sun. Often paired with לְבָנָה to denote the totality of celestial bodies or to contrast their respective lights and roles.
* **כּוֹכָב (kokab - `{{H3556}}`)**: Star. Another celestial body, often mentioned alongside the sun and moon.
* **מָאוֹר (ma'or - `{{H3974}}`)**: Light, luminary, light-bearer. A general term for celestial bodies that give light, used in Genesis 1:16 for both the sun and the moon.
* **Creation**: The moon, like all celestial bodies, is a product of God's creative act, testifying to His power and design (e.g., [[Genesis 1:16]]).
* **Cosmic Order/Disorder**: The moon's regular cycles signify divine order, while its prophetic transformation or dimming indicates a disruption of that order by God's direct intervention.
* **Idolatry**: While לְבָנָה itself is not inherently tied to idolatry in its definition, the worship of the moon was a common pagan practice in the ancient Near East (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[Job 31:26-28]]). The biblical text consistently portrays such worship as an abomination, implicitly affirming Yahweh's sole claim as Creator and Sovereign over all celestial bodies.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לְבָנָה (lᵉbânâh - `{{H3842}}`) is multifaceted, reflecting its role as a created entity within God's cosmos.
1. **Testimony to Divine Sovereignty and Power**: The very existence and function of the moon, the "white one," bears witness to the awesome power and wisdom of God as the Creator. It is not an independent deity but a created luminary, subject to the divine will. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic worship of celestial bodies prevalent in the ancient world, firmly establishing Yahweh as the sole Lord of the heavens.
2. **Symbol of Beauty and Light**: In its poetic usage, such as in [[Song of Solomon 6:10]], the moon symbolizes radiant beauty and gentle illumination. It signifies a pure, serene, and captivating aesthetic, reflecting a facet of God's design for beauty in creation.
3. **Eschatological Sign and Transformation**: In prophetic literature, particularly Isaiah, the moon serves as a powerful indicator of future divine action. Its "confounding" and "shaming" in [[Isaiah 24:23]] signify the overwhelming glory of God's eschatological reign, before which all created splendor pales. Conversely, its light being intensified to that of the sun in [[Isaiah 30:26]] points to a time of profound blessing, restoration, and intensified divine presence, where even the natural order is miraculously transformed to reflect the abundance of God's grace and glory. This transformation highlights that God is not bound by the created order but can transcend and reshape it according to His redemptive purposes.
4. **Divine Control over Creation**: The moon's role in these prophecies underscores God's ultimate control over all creation. He can dim its light as a sign of judgment or intensify it as a sign of blessing, demonstrating that the cosmos itself is an instrument in His sovereign plan for humanity and history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לְבָבָה (lᵉbânâh - `{{H3842}}`), meaning "the white one," is the biblical term for the moon, deriving its name from its luminous appearance. Though appearing infrequently, its usage is consistently significant, serving as a celestial marker in both poetic expressions of beauty (e.g., [[Song of Solomon 6:10]]) and profound prophetic declarations. In the latter, particularly in Isaiah, the moon's behavior—whether "confounded" by God's glory ([[Isaiah 24:23]]) or having its light miraculously intensified ([[Isaiah 30:26]])—serves as a powerful eschatological sign. Theologically, לְבָנָה underscores God's absolute sovereignty as Creator over all celestial bodies, distinguishing Him from pagan deities. It functions as a symbol of created beauty and, more profoundly, as an instrument and sign of divine judgment, glory, and ultimate restoration, pointing to a future where God's light and presence will transcend all created illumination.
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