probably from an unused root meaning to gather; an assembly; company.
Transliteration:lahăqâh
Pronunciation:lah-hak-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לַהֲקָה (lahăqâh), Strong's number `{{H3862}}`, is a rare noun derived from an unused root believed to mean "to gather." Its core meaning, as suggested by its etymology, points to the concept of an "assembly" or "company." Unlike more common terms for congregation or assembly, lahăqâh seems to denote a specific, perhaps more intimate or personal, gathering or collection. The precise nuance of its semantic range is somewhat constrained by its limited occurrences in the biblical text, requiring careful contextual analysis to fully apprehend its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word lahăqâh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes:
* [[Ecclesiastes 2:8]]: "I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got for myself male and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men, many concubines." (ESV translation)
In this sole instance, lahăqâh is translated in various ways across different English versions. The King James Version renders it as "musical instruments, and that of all sorts," suggesting a collection of instruments or perhaps a company of musicians. However, many modern translations (e.g., ESV, NASB, NIV, NLT) interpret it as "many concubines," "many wives," or "many women." This latter interpretation aligns more closely with the Strong's definition of "assembly" or "company," implying a large group of women acquired for personal pleasure. The context of [[Ecclesiastes 2:8]] describes Qoheleth's (Solomon's) extensive pursuit of all forms of earthly pleasure and luxury, including wealth, entertainment, and a large harem. The acquisition of a "company" or "assembly" of women fits seamlessly within this narrative of comprehensive indulgence, representing a significant personal collection. While the KJV's "musical instruments" is an intriguing alternative, the consensus among scholars and modern translations leans towards a "company" of persons, specifically women, as the more probable meaning given the broader context of Qoheleth's exhaustive search for satisfaction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the rarity of lahăqâh and its derivation from an unused root, direct linguistic cognates are not readily apparent. However, its core concept of "gathering" or "assembly" connects it to a broader semantic field of Hebrew words for groups of people. These include:
* `{{H6951}}` (qāhāl): A very common term for a "congregation" or "assembly," often used for the formal gathering of Israel for religious or national purposes (e.g., "the assembly of the Lord").
* `{{H5712}}` (ēdâ): Another frequent word for "congregation" or "community," typically referring to the collective body of Israel.
* `{{H622}}` (ăsūppâ): Meaning "collection" or "assembly," as seen in [[Ecclesiastes 12:11]] ("masters of assemblies"). This term also denotes a gathering, but perhaps with a sense of being "collected" or "brought together."
Unlike qāhāl or ēdâ, which often carry connotations of a formal, public, or religiously significant gathering, lahăqâh in [[Ecclesiastes 2:8]] appears to describe a more personal, perhaps even private, collection or company. Its specific use in the context of Solomon's personal acquisitions distinguishes it from the broader, communal assemblies. It highlights a group assembled for the individual's personal gratification rather than for communal or divine purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of lahăqâh is not found in its inherent meaning as a standalone word, but rather in its singular appearance within the profound theological discourse of Ecclesiastes. As part of Qoheleth's exhaustive list of earthly pursuits and acquisitions, lahăqâh represents one facet of human striving for ultimate satisfaction apart from God. Whether interpreted as a company of concubines or a collection of musical instruments, it falls under the category of "delights of the sons of men" ([[Ecclesiastes 2:8]]).
Qoheleth's conclusion regarding all such endeavors is that they are *hebel* (vanity, futility, meaninglessness), "a chasing after wind" ([[Ecclesiastes 1:14]]). Thus, lahăqâh, as an element of worldly accumulation, serves as a poignant example of the transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature of pleasures sought outside of a right relationship with the Creator. It underscores the book's central message: true wisdom and lasting joy are found not in the abundance of possessions or experiences, but in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([[Ecclesiastes 12:13]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word לַהֲקָה (lahăqâh), `{{H3862}}`, signifies an "assembly" or "company," stemming from a root meaning "to gather." Appearing only once in the biblical text, in [[Ecclesiastes 2:8]], its precise meaning is debated but most commonly interpreted as a "company of women" or "concubines," fitting the context of Qoheleth's extensive personal acquisitions and pursuit of pleasure. While distinct from more formal terms for "assembly" like `{{H6951}}` (qāhāl), lahăqâh denotes a specific, personally acquired collection. Theologically, its significance lies in its role as an illustration within Ecclesiastes of the ultimate futility and vanity of all earthly endeavors when sought as an end in themselves, reinforcing the book's profound message on the emptiness of life apart from God.
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