plural of לַהַב; flames; Lehabim, a son of Mizraim, and his descendants; Lehabim.
Transliteration:Lᵉhâbîym
Pronunciation:leh-haw-beem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**Lᵉhâbîym** (לְהָבִים, `{{H3853}}`) is presented as the plural of **lahav** (לַהַב, `{{H3852}}`), which primarily signifies "flame," "blaze," or "blade (of a sword)." Thus, its literal meaning, if treated as a common noun, would be "flames." However, the biblical usage of **Lᵉhâbîym** exclusively functions as a proper noun. It designates "Lehabim, a son of Mizraim, and his descendants," thereby referring to a specific people group or tribe. This demonstrates a semantic shift from a concrete, physical phenomenon to an ethnonym. The underlying root, "flame," might subtly suggest a characteristic of this people, though the text does not elaborate. Therefore, the semantic range for **Lᵉhâbîym** in Scripture is confined to its role as a tribal or national designation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term **Lᵉhâbîym** appears in two primary genealogical passages, both within the "Table of Nations" that delineates the descendants of Noah's sons. In both instances, it functions as an ethnonym, identifying a distinct people group.
* **[[Genesis 10:13]]**: "Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim..." Here, Lehabim is listed as one of the direct descendants of Mizraim, the progenitor of the Egyptians. This places the Lehabim squarely within the Hamitic lineage, specifically among those peoples associated with Egypt or its immediate geographical and cultural sphere.
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:11]]**: "Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim..." This verse is a direct parallel to the Genesis account, reaffirming the genealogical position of Lehabim.
In both contexts, **Lᵉhâbîym** is part of a list of peoples, signifying their existence and origin within the divinely ordered framework of nations. The biblical text offers no further narrative details regarding their history, geographical location beyond their association with Egypt, or specific interactions with Israel. Their inclusion serves primarily to complete the comprehensive genealogical record of humanity's dispersion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **lahav** (לַהַב, `{{H3852}}`): This is the singular noun from which **Lᵉhâbîym** is derived, meaning "flame" or "blade." While the direct connection between "flames" and the people "Lehabim" is not explicitly made in Scripture, the etymological link is notable.
* **Mizraim** (מִצְרַיִם, `{{H4714}}`): Meaning "Egypt," this is the crucial progenitor from whom the Lehabim are said to descend. This connection firmly places the Lehabim within the broader family of nations originating from ancient Egypt, alongside other groups like the Ludim, Anamim, and Naphtuhim.
* **Table of Nations (Genesis 10, 1 Chronicles 1):** The overarching literary context for **Lᵉhâbîym** is the comprehensive genealogical record of humanity after the Flood. Their inclusion underscores the biblical emphasis on the common origin of all peoples and their subsequent diversification into distinct ethnic and national groups, all under divine providence.
* **Ethnonyms:** As an ethnonym, **Lᵉhâbîym** belongs to a category of words that name specific peoples or tribes, reflecting the biblical interest in the origins and relationships of the nations of the world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of **Lᵉhâbîym** is primarily derived from its presence within the divinely inspired Table of Nations. While no specific theological doctrines or prophetic utterances are directly tied to this particular people group, their inclusion serves several important purposes:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The listing of **Lᵉhâbîym** alongside other nations affirms God's comprehensive knowledge of and sovereignty over all human history and the formation of every people group. It underscores that the dispersion and development of nations are part of God's overarching plan.
* **Unity of Humanity:** By tracing the Lehabim, like all other nations, back to Noah and ultimately to Adam, the biblical record emphasizes the common origin and inherent unity of all humanity. This counters any notion of separate creations for different races or peoples.
* **Meticulousness of Scripture:** The inclusion of even seemingly obscure groups like the Lehabim demonstrates the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the biblical genealogies. It speaks to the historical accuracy and thoroughness with which God's Word records the early history of the world and its inhabitants.
* **God's Universal Concern:** While not a central player in the narrative of Israel, the mere mention of Lehabim reminds us that God's plan extends beyond a single nation, encompassing all peoples and their origins within His created order.
### Summary
**Lᵉhâbîym** (לְהָבִים, `{{H3853}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, etymologically rooted in the plural of **lahav** (לַהַב, `{{H3852}}`), meaning "flames." However, its exclusive biblical usage is as an ethnonym, designating a specific people group, "Lehabim, a son of Mizraim, and his descendants." Found in the genealogical lists of [[Genesis 10:13]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:11]], the Lehabim are identified as descendants of **Mizraim** (מִצְרַיִם, `{{H4714}}`), placing them within the Hamitic lineage and associating them with ancient Egypt. Their significance lies not in any narrative action but in their inclusion within the comprehensive Table of Nations. This inclusion profoundly underscores God's universal sovereignty over the formation and dispersion of all peoples, affirming the common origin of humanity and the meticulous nature of the biblical record in tracing the early history of the world under divine providence.
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