from an usused root meaning to gleam; a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of aweapon; blade, bright, flame, glittering.
Transliteration:lahab
Pronunciation:lah'-hab
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3851 (לַהַב, *lahab*) derives from an unused root signifying "to gleam" or "to flash." This etymological root immediately suggests concepts of light, brightness, and intense, often sudden, illumination or heat. Its primary semantic range encompasses a "flash" or "flame," denoting a burst of light or fire. Figuratively, *lahab* extends to describe the "sharply polished blade or point of a weapon," capturing the reflective quality (gleam) and the inherent danger or sharpness of such an object. Thus, *lahab* carries a dual significance: it can refer to a literal fiery manifestation or the keen edge of a destructive instrument. English translations often render it as "blade," "bright," "flame," or "glittering," each reflecting a facet of its multifaceted meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3851 appears in various biblical contexts, illustrating both its literal and figurative applications.
In references to fire or divine presence:
* In [[Exodus 3:2]], the angel of the Lord appears to Moses "in a flame of fire" (בְּלַבַּת אֵשׁ, *b'labat esh*) from the midst of a bush. Here, *lahab* denotes the visible manifestation of divine power and presence, a consuming yet non-consuming fire that signifies holiness.
* [[Psalm 104:4]] describes God making "his ministers a flaming fire" (מְשָׁרְתָיו אֵשׁ לֹהֵט, *m'shar'tav esh lohet*). While the exact form here is related (H3857 *lehavah* or H3858 *lahat*), the concept of divine agents embodying intense, fiery power is consistent with the semantic range of *lahab*. The passage vividly portrays God's majestic power and the swiftness of His divine messengers.
* [[Isaiah 30:27]] speaks of the Lord's "anger burning" and His "flame of devouring fire" (וְלַהַב אֵשׁ אֹכֵלָה, *v'lahab esh okhelah*). This context underscores *lahab* as an instrument of divine judgment and consuming wrath against the wicked.
In references to weapons or sharp implements:
* [[Judges 3:22]] describes Ehud thrusting his sword into Eglon, stating, "the blade also went in after the handle" (וַיָּבֹא גַם הַלַּהַב אַחַר הַנִּצָּב, *vayavo gam ha'lahab ahar ha'nitzav*). Here, *lahab* clearly refers to the sharp, cutting part of the sword, emphasizing its penetrating power.
* [[Nahum 3:3]] paints a vivid picture of battle: "the flashing sword" (וְלַהַב חֶרֶב, *v'lahab cherev*) and "the glittering spear." The term highlights the visual impact of weapons in combat, their polished surfaces reflecting light, adding to the terror and chaos of war.
* [[Ezekiel 21:15]] (or 21:20 in some versions) uses *lahab* to describe the "glittering" (לַהַב, *lahab*) of the sharpened sword of judgment. This emphasizes both the visual terror and the prepared readiness of the instrument of divine retribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3851 is closely intertwined with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts.
* **Fire and Flame:** `{{H784}}` (אֵשׁ, *esh*), meaning "fire," is frequently found in conjunction with *lahab* to form phrases like "flame of fire." `{{H3857}}` (לֶהָבָה, *lehavah*) and `{{H3858}}` (לַהַט, *lahat*), both meaning "flame" or "blaze," are very closely related and sometimes used interchangeably or as derivatives, sharing the core concept of intense heat and light.
* **Light and Brightness:** Words like `{{H216}}` (אוֹר, *or*), "light," and `{{H5051}}` (נֹגַהּ, *nogah*), "brightness" or "radiance," share the visual aspect of *lahab*, particularly in its sense of "gleaming" or "glittering."
* **Weapons and Warfare:** `{{H2719}}` (חֶרֶב, *cherev*), "sword," is a common companion to *lahab* when describing the blade of a weapon. Concepts of sharpness, cutting, and piercing are inherent in this association.
* **Divine Power and Judgment:** The use of *lahab* in contexts of divine fire connects it to the broader biblical themes of God's consuming holiness, His righteous judgment, and His irresistible power. This often overlaps with the concept of God's "wrath" (`{{H639}}`, אַף, *aph*).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3851 is profound, primarily manifesting in two major areas: divine revelation and judgment.
Firstly, as "flame," *lahab* serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and holiness. The burning bush in [[Exodus 3:2]] is a foundational example, where the unconsumed flame signifies God's immanence and transcendence, His purity, and His awe-inspiring nature. This fiery manifestation speaks to the unapproachable yet drawing character of the Almighty, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts of divine encounter. It underscores God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign power.
Secondly, *lahab* as "flame" or "blade" frequently denotes divine judgment and irresistible power. The "flame of devouring fire" ([[Isaiah 30:27]]) illustrates God's righteous wrath against sin, a consuming force that purifies and destroys. Similarly, the "glittering" or "flashing sword" ([[Ezekiel 21:15]], [[Nahum 3:3]]) represents the swift and decisive instrument of divine justice, often wielded by God's own hand or by agents of His will. This imagery communicates the inevitability and severity of God's judgment, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation and His commitment to justice. In both aspects—revelation and judgment—*lahab* conveys intensity, power, and a profound sense of the divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3851 (לַהַב, *lahab*) is a versatile term with a core meaning related to "gleaming" or "flashing." Its semantic range extends from a literal "flame" or "flash of fire" to the figurative "sharply polished blade" of a weapon. This duality allows *lahab* to describe both intense light/heat and the keen edge of an instrument of power or destruction. Biblically, it frequently appears in contexts depicting divine manifestations (such as the burning bush) and divine judgment (as a consuming fire or a glittering sword). Theologically, *lahab* powerfully symbolizes God's holy presence, His awe-inspiring power, and the swift, decisive nature of His righteous judgment. Its usage underscores the intensity and transformative power inherent in both divine revelation and divine retribution.
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