### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâham**, represented by `{{H3859}}`, is a primitive root that properly means to burn in, or figuratively, to rankle or **wound**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used specifically to describe a type of injury that is not superficial but penetrates deeply into a person's being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3859}}` is used in two identical verses to create a powerful metaphor for the effects of gossip. Both [[Proverbs 18:8]] and [[Proverbs 26:22]] state, "The **words** `{{H1697}}` of a **talebearer** `{{H5372}}` are as **wounds** `{{H3859}}`". The passage continues by explaining the nature of these wounds, noting that "they go down `{{H3381}}` into the innermost parts `{{H2315}}` of the belly `{{H990}}`". This context explicitly links the act of slander to inflicting a deep, internal injury that rankles within a person.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the devastating impact described by `{{H3859}}`:
* `{{H5372}}` **nirgân** (talebearer, whisperer): This word identifies the source of the wounds. A **talebearer** is not only one who speaks harmful words but is also shown to be one who "separateth chief friends" [[Proverbs 16:28]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word; a matter): While God's **words** can bring joy and life [[Jeremiah 15:16]], this term in the context of `{{H3859}}` refers to the weapon used to inflict the wound, highlighting the power of speech for destruction [[Proverbs 18:8]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (to descend; go downwards): This verb describes the trajectory of the wound. It does not stay on the surface but actively goes **down**, emphasizing its penetrating and invasive nature [[Proverbs 18:8]].
* `{{H2315}}` **cheder** (an apartment; inner chamber, innermost part): This specifies the destination of the wounds. The **innermost parts** represent the core of a person, a place the LORD's candle can search [[Proverbs 20:27]], signifying that a talebearer's words defile one's deepest self.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3859}}` is focused on the moral and spiritual implications of speech.
* **The Power of Words:** The use of **lâham** demonstrates that words are not empty but carry the power to inflict deep, lasting harm. The wound it describes is internal and festering, a direct result of what a **talebearer** `{{H5372}}` says [[Proverbs 18:8]].
* **The Violation of the Inner Self:** The wound penetrates to the "innermost parts `{{H2315}}` of the belly `{{H990}}`". The Bible presents this inner area as the very center of one's being, formed by God in the womb [[Isaiah 44:2]]. Therefore, the wounds from gossip are portrayed as a violation of a person's core identity.
* **Internalized Harm:** Unlike a physical blow, the wound of **lâham** is one that is carried "within" `{{H990}}`. It "goes down" `{{H3381}}` and becomes part of a person's inner experience, illustrating the profound and personal damage caused by slander and malicious talk [[Proverbs 26:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3859}}` is a highly specific term for a wound that rankles and penetrates. Its exclusive use in Proverbs to describe the words of a talebearer serves as a potent warning. It illustrates that speech can be a weapon that causes deep, internal damage, violating the very core of a person's being. The word **lâham** powerfully conveys the unseen but severe spiritual and emotional injury inflicted by gossip.
TRV