a primitive root; to whisper; by implication, to mumble aspell (as a magician); charmer, whisper (together).
Transliteration:lâchash
Pronunciation:law-khash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3907 (לָחַשׁ, *lâchash*) primarily denotes the act of "whispering." This core meaning implies a low, hushed tone of voice, often used for private communication or to convey secrecy. From this foundational sense, the semantic range expands significantly to encompass the murmuring or muttering associated with incantations, charms, or magical spells. In this context, *lâchash* refers to a specific, often illicit, use of the spoken word. The derived noun forms can refer to the "whisper" itself, or more commonly, to a "charmer" or "enchanter," highlighting the agent performing such acts. Thus, the word carries a dual nuance, shifting from benign, private speech to a more sinister, manipulative, or superstitious practice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H3907 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications, particularly its negative connotations.
* In its more neutral sense of private communication, [[2 Samuel 12:19]] describes David observing his servants "whispering" (מִתְלַחֲשִׁים) after the death of his son. This depicts a hushed, private discussion about a sensitive matter, emphasizing the secretive aspect of whispering.
* However, the predominant usage of lâchash is in the context of charming, enchanting, or practices associated with magic, which are consistently condemned in the Torah and Prophets.
* [[Isaiah 3:3]] lists the "expert charmer" (וְלַחַשׁ) among the skilled individuals whom the Lord will remove from Judah and Jerusalem as a judgment, implying a reliance on illicit magical arts rather than divine power.
* [[Psalm 58:5]] metaphorically compares the wicked to a deaf cobra that "does not listen to the voice of charmers" (לַחֲשִׁים), reinforcing the association of lâchash with magical incantations used to control animals.
* [[Jeremiah 8:17]] presents a divine threat: God will send serpents against Judah that "cannot be charmed" (אֲשֶׁר אֵין לָהֶם לָחַשׁ), signifying the futility of human magical attempts against God's judgment.
* [[Ecclesiastes 10:11]] states, "If the serpent bites before it is charmed (בְּלֹא לָחַשׁ), there is no profit for the charmer." This verse speaks to the practical effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the charmer's art, again directly linking lâchash with the manipulation of creatures through spells.
These contexts consistently underscore the potential for lâchash to describe communication that is either private and potentially secretive, or, more prominently, associated with practices condemned by Yahweh as idolatrous or superstitious.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3907 connects it to words describing various forms of speech and, more significantly, to terms for magic and divination.
* **Words for Speech/Sound:**
* `{{H1696}}` (דָּבָר, *dabar*): "Speak," "word." Lâchash is a specific mode of speech, often contrasting with the open declaration implied by *dabar*.
* `{{H6963}}` (קוֹל, *qol*): "Voice," "sound." Lâchash represents a particular kind of qol, specifically a hushed or murmuring sound.
* `{{H1897}}` (הָגָה, *hagah*): "Mutter," "meditate," "growl." While hagah can describe low, indistinct sound, lâchash specifically carries the connotation of whispering or charming.
* **Words for Magic/Divination:**
* `{{H3784}}` (כָּשַׁף, *kashaph*): "Practice sorcery," "enchant." This term is closely aligned with the "charmer" aspect of lâchash, as both refer to magical practices.
* `{{H5172}}` (נָחַשׁ, *nachash*): "Practice divination," "observe omens." While lâchash focuses on the *method* (whispering a spell), nachash emphasizes the *purpose* (divining the future or interpreting omens).
* `{{H6049}}` (עָנַן, *anan*): "Practice soothsaying," "divine by clouds."
* `{{H3049}}` (יָדַע, *yada*): In its specialized sense related to illicit knowledge, such as consulting a "familiar spirit" (אֹב, *ob*).
The strong connection between lâchash and these terms for illicit practices highlights the consistent biblical condemnation of attempts to manipulate reality or gain knowledge outside of God's revealed will.
### Theological Significance
The primary theological significance of H3907 resides in its frequent association with forbidden magical practices. The God of Israel explicitly condemns divination, sorcery, and charming (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]). The act of "charming" or "whispering a spell" represents an illegitimate attempt to bypass God's sovereignty and rely on human manipulation or presumed demonic power. This stands in stark contrast to genuine faith and reliance on Yahweh, who alone possesses ultimate power and reveals His will. The futility of such practices is often emphasized in scripture (e.g., [[Jeremiah 8:17]], [[Ecclesiastes 10:11]]), underscoring God's absolute control over creation and events, which no human charm can counteract. Even in its more neutral sense of "whispering," it can imply secrecy or potentially deceitful communication, contrasting with the divine call for truth and openness. The use of lâchash thus serves as a theological marker, distinguishing between legitimate communication and illicit attempts to control or manipulate through hidden words and forbidden arts. It powerfully reinforces the principle that true power and wisdom derive solely from God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3907 (לָחַשׁ, *lâchash*) fundamentally means "to whisper." Its semantic range extends significantly to encompass the murmuring of incantations, making it a key term for "charming" or "enchanting." While occasionally describing simple, private communication (e.g., [[2 Samuel 12:19]]), its most prominent biblical usage is in the context of forbidden magical practices. Passages like [[Isaiah 3:3]] and [[Psalm 58:5]] explicitly link lâchash with charmers and their ineffectual spells, particularly against divine judgment. The word stands in theological opposition to reliance on God, highlighting human attempts to manipulate unseen forces or gain illicit control. Its presence in scripture underscores the biblical condemnation of sorcery and the ultimate futility of such practices when confronted with the sovereign power of Yahweh.
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