or לָחֻם; passive participle of לָחַם; properly, eaten, i.e. food; also flesh, i.e. body; while...is eating, flesh.
Transliteration:lâchûwm
Pronunciation:law-khoom'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3894 (לָחוּם, *lâchûwm*), also rendered as לָחֻם, functions as a passive participle derived from the verbal root `{{H3898}}` (לָחַם, *lâcham*). While `{{H3898}}` carries a dual semantic range encompassing both "to eat" and "to fight," the passive participle lâchûwm clearly aligns with the "eating" aspect of the root. Properly, it signifies "eaten" or "that which is eaten." From this core meaning, its semantic range extends to:
* **Food**: Referring to sustenance, anything prepared or fit for consumption.
* **Flesh**: Specifically, the edible part of an animal, or more broadly, the corporeal body, particularly when presented as an object of consumption or destruction. The nuance of "while...is eating, flesh" further emphasizes the state of being consumed or being in the process of consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3894 (לָחוּם, *lâchûwm*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence profoundly significant for understanding its specific usage and theological implications.
* **[[Deuteronomy 32:42]]**: "I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh (*lâchûwm*), with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy."
This verse is part of the climactic Song of Moses, a powerful prophetic and poetic declaration of God's righteous judgment and vengeance against His enemies. In this context, the "flesh" (*lâchûwm*) is not presented as a source of nourishment for human beings, but rather as the object of divine wrath, consumed by the instruments of God's judgment—His sword and arrows. The imagery is stark and visceral: the sword "devours" the flesh, aligning with the passive participle's meaning of "that which is eaten." Here, "eaten" implies utter destruction and annihilation, not sustenance. It underscores the totality of God's retribution against those who oppose Him, emphasizing the grim reality of divine justice manifesting in physical destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological link for H3894 is its root verb:
* **`{{H3898}}` (לָחַם, *lâcham*)**: "to eat," "to consume." This connection is vital, as lâchûwm functions as the passive recipient of the action implied by lâcham in its "eating" sense. While lâcham also denotes "to fight," the form and context of lâchûwm in [[Deuteronomy 32:42]] firmly anchor it to the idea of consumption.
Other related concepts, though distinct lexically, share thematic or semantic space:
* **`{{H1320}}` (בָּשָׂר, *basar*)**: The most common Hebrew word for "flesh" or "meat," often referring to the physical body of humans or animals. While basar is a general term, lâchûwm carries the specific nuance of "flesh *to be eaten* or *consumed*," particularly in a destructive sense as seen in its sole biblical appearance.
* **`{{H398}}` (אָכַל, *akal*)**: "to eat," "to consume," "to devour." This verb frequently describes the act of eating food, but also destructive consumption, as when fire "devours" or a sword "consumes." The parallelism in [[Deuteronomy 32:42]] where the sword "devours" (*akal*) lâchûwm highlights this destructive aspect.
* **`{{H3978}}` (מַאֲכָל, *ma'akhal*)** and **`{{H400}}` (אֹכֶל, *okhel*)**: General terms for "food" or "eating." These words represent the more benign and life-sustaining aspect of "that which is eaten," contrasting with the destructive sense conveyed by lâchûwm in its specific context.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H3894 in [[Deuteronomy 32:42]] imbues it with profound theological weight. Appearing within the Song of Moses, a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty over history, lâchûwm becomes a potent symbol of divine judgment.
* **Divine Retribution**: The "flesh" (*lâchûwm*) refers to the bodies of the slain and captives, the enemies of God. Their consumption by the sword is a direct consequence of divine wrath. This is not a provision of food for life, but a consumption unto death, signifying the complete and devastating nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His will.
* **The Consuming Nature of God's Justice**: While God is often portrayed as provider and sustainer, this verse reveals a terrifying aspect of His character: His justice can be a "consuming fire" (`{{H398}}` in [[Deuteronomy 4:24]]). The image of the sword devouring flesh emphasizes that nothing, not even the physical bodies of the wicked, can escape the full measure of His righteous indignation.
* **Reversal of Blessing**: Food is typically a blessing, a sign of sustenance and life. Here, "eaten flesh" is a curse, a sign of utter destruction and the stripping away of life. It serves as a stark warning against rebellion and unfaithfulness.
### Summary
H3894 (לָחוּם, *lâchûwm*) is a rare but impactful Hebrew term, a passive participle meaning "eaten," which extends to "food" or "flesh." Its singular occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 32:42]] is highly significant, portraying the "flesh" of God's enemies as that which is consumed by His sword, an instrument of divine judgment. Etymologically rooted in `{{H3898}}` (לָחַם, "to eat"), lâchûwm in this context shifts from a concept of sustenance to one of destruction. Theologically, it powerfully underscores the grim reality of divine retribution, illustrating the complete and devastating nature of God's justice as it consumes the very bodies of those who stand in opposition to Him. It transforms the concept of "eaten" from one of provision to one of utter desolation and finality.
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