or לֻחַ; from a primitive root; probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal; board, plate, table.
Transliteration:lûwach
Pronunciation:loo'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3871 (לוּחַ, *lûwach*), also appearing as לֻחַ (*luach*), originates from a primitive root likely conveying the sense of "to glisten" or "to be polished." This etymological root points to the primary characteristic of the object: a smooth, prepared surface. The core meaning of lûwach is a "tablet," understood as a flat slab or board. Its semantic range extends to encompass various materials, including stone, wood, or metal, indicating its versatility. Depending on the context, it can be translated as "board," "plate," or "table," all retaining the fundamental idea of a flat, often rigid, surface intended for inscription, display, or structural support. The underlying notion of a "glistening" or "polished" surface suggests something designed to be seen, to bear significant marks, or to serve a prominent purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and theologically significant occurrences of H3871 are its twenty-three uses referring to the "tablets of stone" (לוּחֹת הָאֶבֶן, *lûḥōt hāʾeven*) upon which God inscribed the Ten Commandments. This usage is central to the narrative of the Exodus and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant.
* In [[Exodus 24:12]], God calls Moses to receive "the tablets of stone, and the law, and the commandment."
* [[Exodus 31:18]] explicitly states that these were "two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." This divine authorship underscores their absolute authority.
* Moses carries these tablets in [[Exodus 32:15]], and their breaking in [[Exodus 32:19]] symbolizes the breaking of the covenant by Israel's idolatry.
* Later, new tablets are prepared ([[Exodus 34:1]], [[Deuteronomy 10:1-5]]), emphasizing the enduring nature of God's covenant despite human failure. These tablets were eventually placed within the Ark of the Covenant, serving as a perpetual witness to God's divine law ([[Deuteronomy 10:5]]).
Beyond the Tablets of the Law, lûwach also appears in other contexts:
* **Writing Tablets:** It refers to general surfaces for writing, such as in [[Isaiah 30:8]], where the prophet is commanded, "Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book," emphasizing the permanence and public nature of the prophetic word. Similarly, [[Habakkuk 2:2]] instructs, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it," highlighting the need for clear and accessible divine communication.
* **Metaphorical Use - The Heart:** A profound metaphorical usage occurs in wisdom literature and prophecy, where lûwach refers to the "tablet of the heart."
* [[Proverbs 3:3]] exhorts, "Write them on the tablet of your heart," signifying the deep internalization and adherence to wisdom and divine instruction.
* [[Proverbs 7:3]] reiterates this, "Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart."
* In a somber counterpoint, [[Jeremiah 17:1]] laments, "The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron...on the tablet of their heart," illustrating the deep-seated nature of sin. This metaphorical use anticipates the New Covenant promise of God's law being written not on stone, but on hearts ([[Jeremiah 31:33]]), a theme echoed by Paul in [[2 Corinthians 3:3]] with the Greek equivalent `{{G4093}}` (plax).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3871 is enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H2710}}` (chaqaq):** This verb means "to engrave" or "to inscribe," often describing the action performed upon the lûwach, particularly in the context of the divine writing on the stone tablets.
* **`{{H3789}}` (kātav):** The general verb "to write," which is the act carried out *on* the tablet.
* **`{{H5676}}` ('eber):** While distinct, this word can refer to a "plank" or "board" in certain contexts, though lûwach emphasizes the flat surface rather than structural dimension.
* **`{{H4039}}` (megillāh):** A "scroll," which is another primary form of ancient writing surface, contrasting with the flat, rigid nature of the lûwach.
* **`{{G4093}}` (plax):** The Greek equivalent found in the Septuagint and the New Testament, notably in [[2 Corinthians 3:3]], where Paul contrasts the "tablets of stone" of the Old Covenant with the "tablets of human hearts" of the New Covenant.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, *bĕrît*):** The tablets of the Law are inextricably linked to the covenant between God and Israel, serving as its tangible representation.
* **Testimony (עֵדוּת, *ʿēdût*):** The tablets are frequently referred to as "tablets of the testimony," highlighting their role as a witness to God's commands and the terms of the covenant.
* **Law (תּוֹרָה, *tôrâ*):** The content inscribed upon the lûwach is the divine instruction, or Torah.
### Theological Significance
The lûwach holds immense theological significance, primarily due to its central role in divine revelation and covenant.
1. **Divine Revelation and Authority:** The tablets of the Law are the preeminent symbol of God's direct and authoritative communication with humanity. Their inscription "with the finger of God" ([[Exodus 31:18]]) unequivocally establishes their divine origin, transcending human legislation and demanding absolute obedience. They are the tangible evidence of God's self-disclosure and His will for His people.
2. **Covenant Foundation:** As the physical medium bearing the Ten Commandments, the lûwach forms the very foundation of the Mosaic Covenant. It embodies the terms of the sacred relationship between Yahweh and Israel, outlining the ethical and religious obligations that define their identity as God's chosen people. The breaking of the first set of tablets ([[Exodus 32:19]]) dramatically illustrates the consequences of covenant infidelity, while their replacement underscores God's persistent grace and commitment to His covenant.
3. **Enduring Witness:** Placed within the Ark of the Covenant, the tablets served as a perpetual witness (luḥot ha-ʿedut) to God's enduring commands and Israel's responsibilities. They were a constant reminder of God's holiness, justice, and the demands of His covenant.
4. **Metaphor for Internalization and Transformation:** The metaphorical use of the "tablet of the heart" is profoundly significant. It moves beyond external inscription to internal transformation. The wisdom literature's call to write God's commands on the heart ([[Proverbs 3:3]], [[Proverbs 7:3]]) anticipates the New Covenant promise where God's law is written not on stone, but on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit ([[Jeremiah 31:33]], [[2 Corinthians 3:3]]). This signifies a shift from external adherence to internal spiritual renewal, where obedience flows from a regenerated nature. Even the lament in [[Jeremiah 17:1]] – sin inscribed on the heart – underscores the deep-seated nature of human rebellion and the profound need for divine intervention to cleanse and rewrite the inner tablet.
5. **God's Intentionality:** The root meaning of "glistening" or "polished" suggests a surface meticulously prepared for a significant, lasting inscription. This reflects God's deliberate and purposeful action in providing His word in a clear, enduring, and authoritative manner, ensuring its visibility and impact.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3871 (lûwach) denotes a "tablet" or "board," stemming from a root implying a "glistening" or "polished" surface. Its most profound and frequent usage refers to the "tablets of stone" upon which God inscribed the Ten Commandments, serving as the tangible bedrock of the Mosaic Covenant and a perpetual witness to divine law and authority. Beyond this foundational role, lûwach also describes general writing tablets for prophetic messages ([[Isaiah 30:8]], [[Habakkuk 2:2]]) and, most significantly, functions as a powerful metaphor for the "tablet of the heart" in wisdom literature ([[Proverbs 3:3]], [[Proverbs 7:3]]) and prophetic lament ([[Jeremiah 17:1]]). This metaphor underscores the biblical emphasis on the internalization of divine truth, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the Spirit of God writes His law upon the hearts of believers ([[2 Corinthians 3:3]]). Thus, lûwach transcends a mere physical object to symbolize divine revelation, covenantal relationship, and the transformative power of God's word inscribed upon the human spirit.
TRV