(Aramaic) corresponding to לֶחֶם; {(for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)}; feast.
Transliteration:lᵉchem
Pronunciation:lekh-em'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H3900}}` (לְחֶם, *lᵉchem*) functions as the direct linguistic counterpart to the more common Hebrew word `{{H3899}}` (לֶחֶם, *lechem*). Its primary semantic range encompasses "food" in a general sense, but it most frequently denotes "bread" or the "grain" from which bread is made. This sustenance can be intended for either human consumption or for animals. Beyond basic nourishment, lᵉchem can also extend to signify a "feast" or "meal," highlighting the communal aspect of eating and provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H3900}}` is exclusively found in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences illuminate various facets of its meaning:
* In [[Ezra 4:14]], the term is used in the phrase "because we eat the salt of the palace" (often translated as "we are salted with the salt of the palace" in older versions). Here, lᵉchem signifies the king's provision or sustenance, indicating a relationship of loyalty and dependence on the royal court. The consumption of the king's "food" implies an obligation to his welfare.
* The book of Daniel provides further examples. In [[Daniel 5:1]] and [[Daniel 5:10]], lᵉchem refers to the "feast" or "banquet" hosted by King Belshazzar. This context emphasizes the grand, communal, and often revelrous aspect of a royal meal, which in this narrative leads to divine judgment due to sacrilege.
* In [[Daniel 6:18]], when King Darius fasts in concern for Daniel, it is stated that "no food was brought before him." Here, lᵉchem denotes general "food" or "sustenance" that is intentionally withheld as a sign of distress and earnest supplication.
* Finally, in [[Daniel 10:3]], during Daniel's period of spiritual mourning and fasting, he states, "I ate no pleasant bread." This specific usage of lᵉchem clearly refers to "bread" as a staple food, indicating a denial of ordinary comforts for a spiritual purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H3899}}` (לֶחֶם, *lechem*), which shares the identical core meaning of "bread" or "food" and is far more prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible. Concepts closely associated with `{{H3900}}` include:
* **Sustenance and Provision:** The fundamental human need for food and the source from which it is provided.
* **Dependence:** The reliance on a provider, whether a king or, by extension, God.
* **Communion and Feasting:** The social and sometimes ritualistic aspect of sharing a meal.
* **Fasting:** The deliberate abstention from food for spiritual or penitential reasons, as seen in Daniel.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3900}}` itself is limited to Aramaic texts, its inherent meaning carries profound theological weight, largely informed by its Hebrew counterpart and the broader biblical narrative.
* **Divine Provision:** The concept of "food" or "bread" universally points to God as the ultimate provider of sustenance for all living creatures. Even when human kings provide lᵉchem, it implicitly acknowledges a higher source of all provision.
* **Human Dependence:** The necessity of lᵉchem underscores humanity's fundamental dependence upon God for daily needs, echoing the wilderness manna and the petition in the Lord's Prayer for "daily bread."
* **Covenant and Relationship:** The "feast" aspect, though negatively portrayed in Belshazzar's revelry, points to the potential for communal meals to signify covenant and fellowship, a theme more fully developed in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., sacrificial meals, Passover). The misuse of lᵉchem in Daniel 5 highlights the spiritual danger of consuming provisions without reverence for their divine source or sacred purpose.
* **Spiritual Discipline:** Daniel's abstention from lᵉchem in Daniel 10 demonstrates the spiritual discipline of fasting, where the denial of physical sustenance serves to deepen spiritual focus and dependence on God.
### Summary
`{{H3900}}` (לְחֶם, *lᵉchem*) is the Aramaic term for "food," "bread," or "feast," directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H3899}}`. Found in the books of Ezra and Daniel, its occurrences illustrate its meaning as basic sustenance, royal provision, and a communal meal. Contexts range from the loyalty implied by eating the king's food ([[Ezra 4:14]]), to the sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar ([[Daniel 5:1]]), and the spiritual discipline of fasting ([[Daniel 6:18]], [[Daniel 10:3]]). Theologically, lᵉchem underscores themes of divine provision, human dependence, and the spiritual implications of how food is received and consumed.
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