### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun לוֹט (lôwṭ), Strong's H3875, is derived from the verbal root לוּט (lût), which carries the core meaning of "to wrap," "to cover," or "to envelop." Consequently, לוֹט denotes "a covering" or "a veil." Its semantic range is narrow, primarily referring to a physical or metaphorical shroud that conceals, obscures, or protects. It implies an object or condition that prevents full sight or understanding, serving as a barrier or an enshrouding element.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term לוֹט (lôwṭ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 25:7]]**: "And He will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering that covers all peoples, and the veil that is woven over all nations."
In this profound eschatological passage, Isaiah 25 celebrates Yahweh's ultimate victory over death, sorrow, and the forces that oppress humanity. The "covering" (לוֹט) is presented in parallel with "the veil" (מַסֵּכָה, `{{H4537}}`), both serving as metaphors for the spiritual blindness, ignorance, and the pervasive power of death and sorrow that envelop all peoples and nations. The divine promise is that God Himself will, in His sovereign power, remove this universal shroud. This act signifies a profound unveiling, a revelation of divine truth, and the ushering in of an era of life and light, free from the spiritual and physical darkness that has long obscured humanity's vision and experience. The "mountain" often symbolizes Zion, the place of God's presence and ultimate triumph.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for לוֹט (lôwṭ, `{{H3875}}`) is its root, לוּט (lût), meaning "to wrap" or "to cover." In its sole biblical occurrence, it is directly paralleled with מַסֵּכָה (massekah, `{{H4537}}`), which can mean "a molten image" but in this context clearly refers to "a veil" or "a covering."
Other Hebrew words that convey the sense of a "veil" or "covering" include:
* צָעִיף (tsa'iyph, `{{H6809}}`): A veil worn by women, as seen with Rebekah in [[Genesis 24:65]] and Tamar in [[Genesis 38:14, 19]].
* מִטְפַּחַת (mitpachat, `{{H4304}}`): A shawl or wrap, as used by Ruth in [[Ruth 3:15]].
* יְרִיעָה (yeriy'ah, `{{H3407}}`): A curtain or hanging, particularly those of the tabernacle.
* כְּסוּת (kesuth, `{{H3682}}`): A general term for "covering" or "clothing."
Conceptually, לוֹט relates to themes of spiritual blindness, divine revelation, the removal of barriers between God and humanity, and the eschatological hope of a new age of clarity and life.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological weight of לוֹט (lôwṭ) in [[Isaiah 25:7]] is immense. It functions as a powerful symbol for the universal human condition of spiritual darkness, ignorance, and the pervasive dominion of death and sorrow. This "covering" represents a fundamental barrier, obscuring humanity's perception of divine truth and hindering full communion with God.
The divine promise to "destroy" or "swallow up" this covering is a profound declaration of God's sovereign power and His ultimate redemptive plan. It signifies His triumph over the forces of sin and death, leading to a future where truth is unveiled, sorrow is removed, and reproach is taken away ([[Isaiah 25:8]]). This act of divine unveiling anticipates the New Covenant revelation, where the "veil" over the hearts of those who do not believe is removed through Christ ([[2 Corinthians 3:14-16]]), enabling them to behold the glory of the Lord. The destruction of the לוֹט is a key element in God's eschatological work, pointing towards a future of perfect light, life, and unhindered fellowship between God and His redeemed people.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun לוֹט (lôwṭ, `{{H3875}}`) signifies "a covering" or "a veil," derived from the root meaning "to wrap." Its sole appearance in [[Isaiah 25:7]] is highly significant, where it metaphorically represents the spiritual blindness, sorrow, and death that universally shroud humanity. God's promise to destroy this לוֹט underscores His ultimate eschatological victory over these oppressive forces, leading to a profound unveiling of truth, the removal of all reproach, and the ushering in of an era of divine light and life. This singular usage powerfully conveys God's sovereign initiative in revealing Himself and delivering His people from the spiritual darkness that has long afflicted the nations.
TRV