### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâchûwm**, represented by `{{H3894}}`, is a term whose base definition is "properly, eaten, i.e. food; also flesh, i.e. body; while...is eating, flesh." It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Despite its scarcity, its usage in scripture is pointed, connecting the concepts of the physical body and the act of eating directly to scenes of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its two occurrences, `{{H3894}}` is used to illustrate the severity of God's wrath. In Zephaniah, as part of a prophecy of judgment against those who have **sinned** `{{H2398}}` against the LORD, the word is translated as **flesh**. The Lord declares that their blood will be poured out like dust and their **flesh** `{{H3894}}` like **dung** `{{H1561}}` [[Zephaniah 1:17]]. In Job, the word describes the precise moment of retribution, where God shall rain his fury upon a man "upon him **while he is eating**" `{{H3894}}`, just as he is about to fill his belly [[Job 20:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the severe imagery associated with `{{H3894}}`:
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): Defined as "blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal," it appears alongside `{{H3894}}` in the judgment where their **blood** shall be poured out and their flesh discarded [[Zephaniah 1:17]].
* `{{H1561}}` **gêlel** (dung): This word, meaning "dung," provides the stark comparison for the value of flesh under divine judgment, as their **flesh** will be "as the **dung**" [[Zephaniah 1:17]].
* `{{H4390}}` **mâlêʼ** (to fill): Meaning "to fill or (intransitively) be full of," this word establishes the context in [[Job 20:23]], where God's wrath is cast upon a man just as he "is about to **fill** his belly."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3894}}` is concentrated in its depiction of divine justice.
* **Vehicle for Divine Judgment:** The word is exclusively used to describe the consequences of sin and the execution of God's wrath. It is used to depict the physical body being destroyed [[Zephaniah 1:17]] and the moment of worldly comfort being turned into a moment of terror [[Job 20:23]].
* **Human Frailty in Sin:** The comparison of **flesh** `{{H3894}}` to **dung** `{{H1561}}` highlights the ultimate worthlessness and corruptibility of the physical body when under the judgment of the LORD for sin [[Zephaniah 1:17]].
* **Futility of Worldly Security:** The timing of the judgment in [[Job 20:23]], occurring "**while he is eating**" `{{H3894}}`, demonstrates that no moment of worldly satisfaction is secure from the sudden execution of God's fierce wrath.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3894}}` is a rare but potent term. Through its dual meaning of "flesh" and "while eating," it is used in scripture to deliver a stark message about the severity of divine judgment. It illustrates both the devaluation of the human body in a state of sin and the futility of earthly comfort in the face of God's righteous anger.
TRV