### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lûwach**, represented by `{{H3871}}`, is a term for a **tablet**, **board**, or **plate**. It appears **43 times** across **33 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root probably meaning to glisten, it refers to a polished surface, typically of **stone** `{{H68}}`, **wood** `{{H6086}}`, or **metal**, used for writing or construction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3871}}` is most famously used for the **two tables of stone** `{{H68}}` on which God wrote the **ten commandments** `{{H1697}}`. These **tables** were a physical representation of God's covenant `{{H1285}}` with Israel `{{H3478}}` [[Deuteronomy 9:9]], written by the **finger of God** `{{H430}}` [[Exodus 31:18]] and placed within the **ark** `{{H727}}` [[1 Kings 8:9]]. The term is also used for construction materials, such as the **boards** `{{H3871}}` of **cedar** `{{H730}}` used to inclose a door `{{H1817}}` [[Song of Solomon 8:9]] and the **plates** `{{H3871}}` on temple furnishings [[1 Kings 7:36]]. Metaphorically, it represents the heart `{{H3820}}` as a surface for inscription, where mercy `{{H2617}}` and truth `{{H571}}` should be written [[Proverbs 3:3]], but where **sin** `{{H2403}}` is often **graven** `{{H2790}}` instead [[Jeremiah 17:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of **lûwach**:
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (a stone): This is the most common material associated with **lûwach** in a divine context, emphasizing the permanence of God's law `{{H8451}}` written on the **tables of stone** [[Exodus 24:12]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): This action is intrinsically linked to **lûwach**. God **wrote** upon the **tables** [[Deuteronomy 4:13]], and believers are instructed to **write** commands upon the **table** of the heart [[Proverbs 7:3]].
* `{{H1285}}` **bᵉrîyth** (a compact, covenant, league): The stone **tables** are frequently identified as the **tables of the covenant**, the physical record of the compact **made** `{{H3772}}` between **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` and Israel `{{H3478}}` [[Deuteronomy 9:9]].
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (a tree, wood): This word highlights the use of **lûwach** as construction material, such as the **ark** `{{H727}}` made of **shittim wood** `{{H7848}}` [[Deuteronomy 10:3]] or the **boards** of **cedar** `{{H730}}` mentioned in Song of Solomon [[Song of Solomon 8:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3871}}` is significant, moving from a physical object of law to a spiritual metaphor.
* **Divine Law and Covenant:** The stone **tables** represent the unchangeable and divinely authored Law `{{H8451}}` of God `{{H430}}`. They are called the **tables of testimony** `{{H5715}}` [[Exodus 31:18]], a physical witness to the **covenant** `{{H1285}}` established between **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` and His people `{{H3478}}` at **Horeb** `{{H2722}}` [[1 Kings 8:9]].
* **Permanence of Revelation:** When God gives a **vision** `{{H2377}}` or a word for the future, it is commanded to be **written** `{{H3789}}` on **tables** `{{H3871}}` to create a lasting and plain `{{H874}}` record for generations to come ([[Habakkuk 2:2]], [[Isaiah 30:8]]).
* **The Heart as a Tablet:** Scripture extends the imagery of the **lûwach** to the human **heart** `{{H3820}}`. Proverbs advises binding `{{H7194}}` mercy and truth to be **written** on the **table of the heart** [[Proverbs 3:3]]. Jeremiah uses this same metaphor to describe how the **sin** `{{H2403}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` is deeply **graven** `{{H2790}}` on the **table of their heart** [[Jeremiah 17:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3871}}` **lûwach** transitions from a simple term for a polished **tablet** or **board** to an object of immense theological importance. Primarily associated with the stone **tables** `{{H68}}` of the covenant `{{H1285}}` delivered to **Moses** `{{H4872}}` on Mount Sinai `{{H5514}}`, it signifies the permanence and divine origin of God's law. Beyond this, its use in construction and as a surface for prophetic visions highlights its role as a foundation and a lasting record. Ultimately, the metaphorical application of **lûwach** to the human **heart** `{{H3820}}` illustrates a profound spiritual principle: that God's truth is meant to be inscribed not merely on external objects, but within the very core of a person's being.
TRV