(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to לָוָה; properly, adhesion, i.e. (as preposition) with; [idiom] thee.
Transliteration:lᵉvâth
Pronunciation:lev-awth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic preposition לְוָת (lᵉvâth, `{{H3890}}`) derives from a root corresponding to the Hebrew לָוָה (lavah, `{{H3867}}`), which signifies "to join," "to cleave," or "to accompany." Its core meaning therefore centers on the concept of "adhesion" or "being joined to." As a preposition, it primarily conveys the sense of "with," "beside," "near," or "in the presence of." It denotes close proximity, association, or accompaniment, often implying a relationship or direct interaction rather than mere spatial contiguity. The semantic range extends to indicating origin ("from with") or direction ("unto," "to") when used in conjunction with verbs of motion or communication, always retaining the underlying nuance of proximity or direct engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, לְוָת (lᵉvâth, `{{H3890}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel, and once in [[Jeremiah 10:11]]. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of "with" or "in the presence of."
In Ezra, it often describes physical presence or association:
* [[Ezra 4:12]]: "came up from you to us" (literally "from with you to with us"), indicating movement from one party's presence to another's.
* [[Ezra 5:4]]: "Then said we unto them," where it denotes direct address in the presence of the recipients.
* [[Ezra 6:6]]: "be ye far from thence" (literally "be far from with them"), emphasizing separation from a specific group or location.
In Daniel, its usage is equally pervasive and significant:
* [[Daniel 2:18]]: "that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret" (literally "from with God"), illustrating the source of divine revelation or intervention as emanating from God's presence.
* [[Daniel 3:25]]: "and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God" (literally "like a son of gods is with him"), describing the presence of the divine figure *with* the three men in the fiery furnace, highlighting companionship and protection.
* [[Daniel 4:35]]: "none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?", signifying direct address to the sovereign God.
* [[Daniel 7:13]]: "one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven," a pivotal messianic passage where לְוָת (lᵉvâth) describes the majestic arrival of the Son of Man, accompanied by or appearing in conjunction with the clouds, underscoring the divine nature of his advent.
Across these contexts, לְוָת (lᵉvâth) consistently functions to express relationship, proximity, and direct interaction, whether between humans, or between humans and God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for לְוָת (lᵉvâth, `{{H3890}}`) is its Hebrew cognate, לָוָה (lavah, `{{H3867}}`), meaning "to join," "to cleave," or "to accompany." This shared root underscores the fundamental concept of "adhesion" or "being connected."
Other related prepositions in Hebrew with similar semantic ranges include:
* עִם ('im, `{{H5973}}`): "with," "beside," "among." This is perhaps the closest Hebrew equivalent in terms of conveying association and presence.
* אֵת ('et, `{{H854}}`): "with," "beside." While often a direct object marker, it can also express accompaniment.
* מִן (min, `{{H4480}}`): "from," "out of." לְוָת (lᵉvâth) is frequently used in conjunction with מִן (min) to form the phrase "from with," indicating origin from a particular person's or entity's presence.
The concepts conveyed by לְוָת (lᵉvâth) are integral to understanding biblical relationships: association, proximity, presence, companionship, and the source or direction of action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לְוָת (lᵉvâth, `{{H3890}}`) is profound, particularly in the book of Daniel.
1. **Divine Presence and Accessibility:** In passages like [[Daniel 2:18]], seeking mercy "from with God" highlights the belief in God's active presence and His accessibility to those who seek Him. It implies that God is not distant but intimately involved and the source of all wisdom and revelation.
2. **God's Sovereignty and Authority:** When used in contexts describing God's actions or commands, such as "say unto him" in [[Daniel 4:35]], it underscores the direct and unquestionable nature of God's authority. No one can challenge or question what comes directly "from with" Him.
3. **Divine Companionship and Deliverance:** The powerful image in [[Daniel 3:25]] of the "Son of God" being "with" the three men in the fiery furnace profoundly illustrates God's protective and delivering presence in the midst of suffering. It is a testament to divine solidarity with His faithful servants.
4. **Messianic Revelation:** Most significantly, in [[Daniel 7:13]], the "one like the Son of man" coming "with the clouds of heaven" (לְוָת, lᵉvâth) is a foundational text for Christology. This usage emphasizes the majestic, divine, and public nature of the Son of Man's arrival, signifying his heavenly origin and authority. It foreshadows the coming of Christ in glory, accompanied by the very elements that signify divine presence and judgment.
### Summary
The Aramaic preposition לְוָת (lᵉvâth, `{{H3890}}`), rooted in the concept of "adhesion" or "joining," serves as a crucial term in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament. Primarily meaning "with," "beside," or "in the presence of," it denotes close proximity, association, accompaniment, or origin. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel illuminate various facets of biblical interaction, from human relationships and direct address to profound theological truths. Theologically, לְוָת (lᵉvâth) powerfully conveys concepts of divine presence, accessibility, sovereignty, and companionship, culminating in its pivotal role in describing the majestic, divine arrival of the Son of Man in [[Daniel 7:13]], a cornerstone for understanding messianic prophecy and Christ's future coming.
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