from the same as לַח; freshness, i.e. vigor; natural force.
Transliteration:lêach
Pronunciation:lay'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3893 (לֵחַ, *lêach*) is derived from a root often associated with moisture and freshness, akin to לַח (lach), which means "moist" or "green." This etymological connection provides the foundation for its semantic range, which extends from a literal sense of "freshness" to a more abstract notion of "vigor" or "natural force." It denotes an inherent, undiminished vitality, a robust and unspent strength that is intrinsic to an entity. The concept of "freshness" implies a state free from decay, weakness, or decline, thus conveying an enduring and potent life force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3893 (לֵחַ, *lêach*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence exceptionally significant. This unique instance is found in [[Deuteronomy 34:7]], which describes the death of Moses: "Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim, nor his natural force (לֵחַ) abated."
In this context, לֵחַ refers to Moses' undiminished physical and mental vitality. Despite reaching an advanced age by any standard, Moses retained his full faculties: his vision was unimpaired, and his overall strength and vigor remained intact. This statement is a powerful testament to divine preservation. It is not merely a biological observation but a theological declaration, emphasizing that Moses' capacity for leadership and service was maintained by God until the very moment of his departure. The "natural force" here speaks to his inherent, unwaning strength, his capacity to function fully, unburdened by the typical frailties of old age.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **לַח (lach):** As the probable root or closely related word, לַח (meaning "moist," "fresh," "green") provides the foundational imagery for לֵחַ. This connection underscores the idea of vitality, growth, and enduring life, as moisture is essential for freshness and flourishing.
* **כֹּחַ (koach, `{{H3581}}`):** This is a more general and frequently used term for "strength," "power," or "ability." While לֵחַ specifically emphasizes an inherent, natural, and undiminished vigor, כֹּחַ can refer to any form of strength, whether physical, mental, or even divine. לֵחַ might be understood as a particular quality or manifestation of כֹּחַ—a strength that remains fresh and unspent.
* **עֵין (ayin, `{{H5869}}`):** The phrase "his eye was not dim" directly precedes the mention of לֵחַ. This parallelism suggests a holistic picture of Moses' preserved faculties, where physical vision and overall bodily vigor are presented as intertwined aspects of his divinely sustained vitality.
* **Divine Sustenance:** The concept of לֵחַ is intrinsically linked to God's ability to sustain life and strength beyond natural expectations. This theme resonates with other biblical accounts of patriarchs and figures whose longevity and continued vigor are attributed to divine favor and provision.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H3893 (לֵחַ, *lêach*) in [[Deuteronomy 34:7]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's sovereign power to sustain and preserve His chosen servants. Moses' undiminished "natural force" at 120 years old is not an accident of nature but a miraculous demonstration of divine faithfulness. It signifies that God equipped Moses with the necessary strength and vitality to fulfill his monumental commission throughout his life, maintaining his physical and mental capacities until the very end.
This divine preservation speaks to God's meticulous care for those He calls, ensuring they are fully capable of executing His will. It suggests a quality of life and strength that transcends the typical human experience of decline and decay, pointing to God's ultimate control over life itself. For the believer, it offers a profound encouragement: God's provision for His people is complete and enduring, extending even to their physical well-being and vitality for the purpose of His service. It underscores the truth that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and His sustaining power can defy natural limitations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3893 (לֵחַ, *lêach*) uniquely conveys the concept of an inherent, undiminished "natural force" or vigor, rooted in the idea of freshness and vitality. Its solitary but highly impactful appearance in [[Deuteronomy 34:7]] describes Moses' remarkable preservation, where "his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated" at 120 years old. This singular usage underscores a profound theological truth: God's sovereign power to sustain and equip His servants, maintaining their full physical and mental capacities until the completion of their divine purpose. לֵחַ thus stands as a testament to divine faithfulness, illustrating God's life-giving and preserving power that transcends the ordinary course of human decline.