### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H3901 (לָחֶם, lâchem) carries the primary meaning of "battle" or "war." It is directly derived from the verbal root `{{H3898}}` (לָחַם, lâcham), which signifies "to fight" or "to wage war." As such, lâchem denotes the act or state of military conflict. Its semantic range is relatively focused, referring consistently to armed confrontation between opposing forces, whether a singular engagement or a broader period of hostilities. It describes the tangible reality of warfare in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3901 appears in various Old Testament contexts, consistently referring to physical conflict. For instance, in [[Joshua 11:23]], it describes the cessation of hostilities following Israel's conquest: "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had said to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land had rest from war (לָחֶם)." Here, it signifies the absence of armed conflict, emphasizing the peace that followed.
In [[1 Samuel 17:28]], Eliab's accusation against David highlights a specific military engagement: "...for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle (לָחֶם)." This usage points to an ongoing, specific confrontation. Similarly, [[Psalm 78:9]] recounts the failure of Ephraim: "The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle (לָחֶם)." This refers to the decisive moment of engagement.
[[Ecclesiastes 9:11]] employs lâchem in a proverbial sense: "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle (לָחֶם) to the strong..." Here, lâchem represents the outcome of conflict, suggesting that victory is not solely determined by human strength. Across its occurrences, lâchem grounds the reader in the harsh reality of warfare, whether as a specific event, a prolonged state, or an element within a broader theological or philosophical reflection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H3901 is its verbal root, `{{H3898}}` (לָחַם, lâcham), meaning "to fight." This connection underscores that lâchem is the noun form of the action of fighting.
Another highly significant related term is `{{H4421}}` (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah), which also means "war" or "battle" and is likewise derived from `{{H3898}}`. While both H3901 and H4421 describe military conflict, H4421 is far more prevalent in the Hebrew Bible and often carries a broader sense, referring to a campaign or the general concept of warfare, whereas H3901 can sometimes emphasize the specific act or day of battle. However, their semantic ranges overlap considerably, and context is key to discerning any subtle distinction.
Other related concepts include:
* **Conflict and Strife:** Terms like `{{H7379}}` (רִיב, riv, "strife, dispute") or `{{H5327}}` (נָצָה, natsah, "to strive, contend") capture the broader idea of contention, though lâchem specifically denotes armed conflict.
* **Victory and Defeat:** The inherent outcome possibilities of lâchem.
* **Peace:** As the antithesis to lâchem, the concept of peace (e.g., `{{H7965}}`, shalom) is often highlighted by the presence of war.
### Theological Significance
The frequent mention of lâchem in the Old Testament underscores the pervasive reality of conflict in human history, particularly in the life of ancient Israel. Theologically, the concept of battle is often intertwined with God's sovereignty. Yahweh is frequently depicted as the ultimate arbiter of battle, granting victory or defeat according to His will and purposes ([[Deuteronomy 20:4]], [[Joshua 11:23]]).
Furthermore, lâchem can serve as an instrument of divine judgment against wicked nations or even against Israel when disobedient. Conversely, God is also portrayed as a divine warrior who fights *for* His people ([[Exodus 15:3]]), demonstrating His protective power and faithfulness. The reality of lâchem also highlights the brokenness of the fallen world, standing in stark contrast to the prophetic vision of an eschatological age of peace where warfare ceases and instruments of battle are transformed into tools of agriculture ([[Isaiah 2:4]]). While H3901 itself refers to physical conflict, its presence in the Old Testament narrative lays a foundation for later biblical concepts of spiritual warfare (e.g., `{{G4752}}` *polemos* in [[Ephesians 6:12]]), where the believer engages in a non-physical struggle against spiritual forces.
### Summary
H3901 (לָחֶם, lâchem) is a Hebrew noun signifying "battle" or "war," derived directly from the verb "to fight" (`{{H3898}}`). Its biblical occurrences consistently describe physical military engagements, whether as specific events or broader states of conflict. It shares a close semantic field with `{{H4421}}` (מִלְחָמָה), another common term for war. Theologically, lâchem illuminates God's sovereign control over human conflicts, His role in determining outcomes, and the profound tension between the harsh reality of war and the divine ideal of peace. It paints a vivid picture of a world where conflict is a frequent and often devastating reality, yet one ultimately under the overarching authority and purpose of the Lord.
TRV