probably by erroneous transcription for לַחְמָם; from לֶחֶם; food-like; Lachmam or Lachmas, a place in Palestine; Lahmam.
Transliteration:Lachmâç
Pronunciation:lakh-maws'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לַחְמָס (Lachmâç), Strong's number `{{H3903}}`, is primarily understood as a geographical place name. Its base definition, as provided by lexicons, suggests it is "probably by erroneous transcription for לַחְמָם" (Lachmam, `{{H3899}}`). This indicates that Lachmâç may not be an independent lexical entry but rather a scribal variant or textual corruption of Lachmam. The presumed root for both Lachmâç and Lachmam is לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`), meaning "bread" or "food." Therefore, if the transcription to Lachmâç is indeed erroneous, its semantic range is inherently tied to that of Lachmam, which would mean "their bread" or "bread-like." As a place name, it would likely denote a location associated with food, provision, or a fertile area. However, the primary semantic understanding must acknowledge its uncertain textual status as a distinct word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term לַחְמָס (Lachmâç, `{{H3903}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in:
* [[Joshua 15:40]]: "Lachmas, and Chislish, and Eglon,"
This occurrence is within the detailed enumeration of towns allocated to the tribe of Judah following the conquest of Canaan. The passage in Joshua 15 meticulously lists the cities and villages within Judah's inheritance, organized by geographical regions. Lachmas is listed among the towns situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean mountains and the coastal plain. The context is purely geographical and administrative, serving to delineate the boundaries and possessions of the Israelite tribes as part of God's covenant fulfillment.
Given the lexical note that Lachmâç is "probably by erroneous transcription for לַחְמָם" (Lachmam, `{{H3899}}`), its singular appearance takes on added significance. If it is indeed a scribal error, then the true place name intended was Lachmam. This highlights the painstaking efforts of ancient scribes to preserve the text, even noting potential variants or errors, and underscores the textual critical process involved in understanding the biblical record. In a list of place names, the precise identity of each location was crucial for tribal inheritance and historical record-keeping.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is לַחְמָם (Lachmam, `{{H3899}}`), which is explicitly identified as the likely correct form from which לַחְמָס (Lachmâç, `{{H3903}}`) is derived. Both terms ultimately stem from the common Hebrew noun לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`), meaning "bread," "food," or "sustenance." This root word is foundational in the biblical vocabulary, appearing thousands of times and carrying profound significance related to daily provision, covenants, and even spiritual nourishment (e.g., "bread of life").
The concept of place names derived from common nouns is prevalent in the ancient Near East. Names like "Bethlehem" (House of Bread) or "En Gedi" (Spring of the Kid) reflect the characteristics, resources, or historical events associated with a location. If Lachmas/Lachmam indeed means "bread-like" or "their bread," it could suggest a fertile region, a place known for its agricultural output, or a site where food was readily available.
Furthermore, the study of Lachmâç relates to the broader field of biblical textual criticism. The identification of a potential scribal error or variant points to the careful transmission of the Hebrew Bible and the scholarly work involved in establishing the most probable original text. This involves comparing manuscripts and understanding common scribal tendencies.
### Theological Significance
While a single, potentially erroneous geographical place name like Lachmâç (`{{H3903}}`) does not carry overt theological significance in itself, its context and underlying root offer subtle theological insights.
Firstly, its inclusion in the exhaustive list of towns in Joshua 15 underscores the meticulous detail with which God's Word records the fulfillment of His promises. The division of the land was a direct consequence of God's covenant with Abraham and His faithfulness to Israel. Every city, even minor ones like Lachmas, represented a tangible inheritance given by God, demonstrating His sovereignty and precision in fulfilling His redemptive plan. The very act of naming and listing these places affirms God's ownership of the land and His divine grant to His people.
Secondly, the underlying root לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`), "bread" or "food," subtly echoes the theme of divine provision. While not a direct theological statement about Lachmas, the pervasive biblical motif of God as the provider of daily bread (e.g., [[Psalm 104:14]], [[Matthew 6:11]]) resonates with any place name derived from this root. It reminds us that all sustenance, both physical and spiritual, ultimately comes from the hand of God.
Finally, the discussion surrounding Lachmâç as a potential scribal error highlights the divine preservation and human transmission of the biblical text. The fact that scholars can identify such possibilities speaks to the integrity of the textual tradition and the ongoing work of discerning the most accurate reading. It reinforces the belief that God has superintended the transmission of His Word, even allowing for minor variations that do not fundamentally alter theological truth.
### Summary
לַחְמָס (Lachmâç, `{{H3903}}`) is a Hebrew place name appearing once in [[Joshua 15:40]] as one of the towns allocated to the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah. Lexical analysis suggests it is most likely an erroneous transcription of לַחְמָם (Lachmam, `{{H3899}}`), both of which derive from לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`), meaning "bread" or "food." Its semantic range is therefore tied to "bread-like" or "their bread," implying a fertile or provision-rich location. While not possessing direct theological weight, its presence in the detailed tribal inheritance lists underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land. Furthermore, its nature as a potential scribal variant provides a subtle testament to the careful transmission and scholarly study of the biblical text, affirming God's oversight in preserving His Word.
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