from לֶחֶם; foodful; (or perhaps erroneous transcription) for בֵּית הַלַּחְמִי; Lachmi, an Israelite; or rather probably a brief form; Lahmi. See also יָשֻׁבִי לֶחֶם.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Lachmîy**, or **Lahmi** `{{H3902}}`, identifies a specific individual in the biblical record. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. The term's origin is noted as potentially being "foodful," or perhaps an erroneous transcription or a brief form of another name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3902}}` is in the context of a **war** `{{H4421}}` between the Israelites and the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`. In this account, **Lahmi** is identified as the **brother** `{{H251}}` of **Goliath** `{{H1555}}` the **Gittite** `{{H1663}}`. He is **slew** `{{H5221}}` by **Elhanan** `{{H445}}`, the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Jair** `{{H3265}}`. The narrative emphasizes the might of the combatants by noting that **Lahmi's** **spear** `{{H2595}}` **staff** `{{H6086}}` was "like a **weaver's** `{{H707}}` **beam** `{{H4500}}`" [[1 Chronicles 20:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for Lahmi's brief appearance:
* `{{H1555}}` **Golyath** (Goliath): As the **brother** of **Lahmi**, this name establishes a direct familial link to the famous **Philistine** giant [[1 Chronicles 20:5]].
* `{{H445}}` **ʼElchânân** (Elhanan): Meaning "God (is) gracious," this is the name of the Israelite warrior who **slew** `{{H5221}}` **Lahmi** in battle [[1 Chronicles 20:5]].
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (brother): This term of kinship is used to define the relationship between **Lahmi** and **Goliath**, linking their identities within the narrative [[1 Chronicles 20:5]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (war): This word sets the scene of conflict and **battle** in which **Lahmi** is mentioned, highlighting the ongoing hostilities with the **Philistines** [[1 Chronicles 20:5]].
### Theological Significance
While the name **Lahmi** itself carries limited theological weight, the event it is part of illustrates several key themes.
* **Ongoing Conflict:** The story of **Lahmi** is part of the recurring theme of **war** `{{H4421}}` between Israel and the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}`, a persistent struggle where God promises to deliver His people [[1 Samuel 9:16]].
* **Victory Through God's Servants:** **Lahmi** is defeated by **Elhanan** `{{H445}}`, an Israelite warrior. This event is a testament to the theme that the **battle** `{{H4421}}` belongs to the Lord, who grants victory through his chosen people [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
* **Overcoming Formidable Foes:** By identifying **Lahmi** as the **brother** `{{H251}}` of **Goliath** `{{H1555}}` and describing his massive **spear** `{{H2595}}`, the text emphasizes the threatening nature of Israel's enemies. His defeat serves as another example of God enabling His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable opposition.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3902}}` **Lahmi** is a figure known only through his demise in a single verse of Scripture. He is remembered as the **brother** of **Goliath** the **Gittite**, slain by the warrior **Elhanan**. His story, though brief, is a component of the larger biblical narrative concerning Israel's conflicts with the **Philistines**, underscoring God's power to grant victory to His people against formidable adversaries.
TRV