The Hebrew word lâchash, represented by H3907, is a primitive root meaning to whisper. It appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible. By implication, its meaning extends to mumbling a spell like a magician, and it can be translated as "charmer" or to "whisper (together)."
The word H3907 is used in two distinct contexts. First, it describes secretive, conspiratorial speech between people. In Psalms 41:7, enemies whisper together as they devise a plan for harm. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 12:19, David's servants whispered among themselves about the death of his child, which David perceived. Second, it is used in the context of occultic practice, as in Psalms 58:5, which refers to a deaf adder that will not listen to the voice H6963 of charmers H3907.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of H3907 in its specific contexts:
- H2266 châbar (to join... to fascinate; charmer): This word is used alongside H3907 in Psalms 58:5 to describe the act of enchanting, highlighting the magical dimension of whispering.
- H2267 cheber (a society; also a spell; enchantment): Appearing with H2266 in Psalms 58:5, this word specifies the nature of the charmer's work as an "enchantment," linking the whispered sound to a magical spell.
- H3162 yachad (a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; together): This adverb is paired with H3907 in Psalms 41:7, emphasizing the unified, conspiratorial nature of those who "whisper together" against someone.
- H2803 châshab (to plot or contrive... devise): In Psalms 41:7, this word immediately follows the act of whispering, revealing its purpose: to devise hurt against another.
The uses of H3907 carry significant conceptual weight, illustrating the power of quiet or secret speech.
- Conspiracy and Malice: The word is directly associated with malicious intent. Those who whisper together are identified as those who hate H8130 and are actively devising hurt H7451 Psalms 41:7. This connects secretive speech with destructive plotting.
- Forbidden Enchantment: In Psalms 58:5, H3907 signifies the muttering of a magician or "charmer." This use points to a form of communication that is occultic and stands in opposition to hearkening to a divine voice H6963.
- Secretive Communication: The whispering of David's servants in 2 Samuel 12:19, while not explicitly malicious, demonstrates the nature of speech intended to be kept from a specific person. David's ability to perceive their whispering shows that such secrets are not always kept.
In summary, H3907 lâchash is a rare but potent term. Though its core meaning is simply "to whisper," its biblical applications are charged with negativity. It describes either the secretive collaboration of enemies plotting harm or the forbidden, low muttering of a charmer casting a spell. In both cases, the word signifies a form of communication that operates in the shadows, whether for human conspiracy or occultic practice.
TRV