### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lûwsh**, represented by `{{H3889}}`, is identified as **Laish**, a place in Palestine. According to its base definition, it can also mean "kneading" or "Lush". This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it is used as a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H3889}}` is in a narrative detailing the political turmoil following the death of King Saul. In [[2 Samuel 3:15]], Ishbosheth, Saul's son, asserts his authority by sending for and taking a woman from her husband, Phaltiel. Phaltiel is identified specifically by his lineage as "the son of **Laish**" [[2 Samuel 3:15]]. This use of the name serves to pinpoint the identity of an individual involved in this moment of conflict between the houses of Saul and David.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the singular use of `{{H3889}}`:
* `{{H3919}}` **Layish**: Defined as "Laish, the name of two places in Palestine," this word appears alongside `{{H3889}}` in the same verse [[2 Samuel 3:15]] and is noted as a term to compare with **Lûwsh**.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is critical as it establishes the relationship between Phaltiel and his father, **Laish**. The phrase "son of" is a common biblical construction for establishing identity and lineage [[2 Samuel 3:15]].
* `{{H378}}` **ʼÎysh-Bôsheth** (Ish-bosheth): The name of the man who commands the action in the verse. His name means "man of shame," and he was a son of King Saul [[2 Samuel 2:8]].
* `{{H376}}` **ʼîysh** (man): Used in the verse to describe Phaltiel's role as the **husband** from whom the woman was taken [[2 Samuel 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the context of `{{H3889}}` highlights several important biblical patterns:
* **Patrilineal Identification:** The primary function of **Laish** in its sole appearance is to identify an individual, Phaltiel, through his father. This underscores the cultural and narrative importance of paternal lineage for establishing a person's identity and social standing [[2 Samuel 3:15]].
* **Narrative of Human Conflict:** The name is embedded in a story of royal power struggles. Ishbosheth's act of taking a woman from the son of **Laish** is a political move, placing this family at the center of the conflict between the house of Saul and the future King David.
* **Interchangeable Names:** The text uses both **Lûwsh** `{{H3889}}` and **Layish** `{{H3919}}` to refer to the same individual. This, combined with the definition of `{{H3919}}` as a place name, points to the fluidity between personal and geographical names in the biblical record, as seen when the city of Dan was formerly called **Laish** [[Judges 18:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3889}}` **Lûwsh** is a term for **Laish** that appears just once in Scripture. Its sole function is to serve as a personal, paternal name that identifies Phaltiel within a tense political narrative. Though its usage is extremely limited, it effectively demonstrates the biblical convention of using lineage to establish identity and situates an otherwise minor character within the significant historical struggle for the throne of Israel.
TRV