a form of לָאט or else participle from לוּט; properly, covered, i.e. secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly; enchantment, privily, secretly, softly.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâṭ**, represented by `{{H3909}}`, carries the meaning of being covered or secret. Appearing **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, its usage spans from adverbial descriptions like **softly**, **privily**, and **secretly** to nouns like **enchantment** and **incantation**. This word consistently points to actions or arts that are performed covertly and out of plain sight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3909}}` is used to describe two distinct types of hidden action. First, it characterizes personal acts done with stealth or discretion. Ruth approached Boaz **softly** at the threshing floor [[Ruth 3:7]], and David cut off the skirt of Saul's robe **privily** in the cave [[1 Samuel 24:4]]. Similarly, Saul instructed his servants to commune with David **secretly** [[1 Samuel 18:22]]. Second, the word denotes the occult practices of the Egyptian magicians, who used their **enchantments** in an attempt to replicate the plagues brought by God ([[Exodus 7:22]], [[Exodus 8:7]], [[Exodus 8:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H3909}}` appears:
* `{{H2748}}` **charṭôm** (magician): This term, meaning "a horoscopist... magician," refers to the practitioners who used **enchantments**. The narrative explicitly states the **magicians** did so with their **enchantments** when they brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt [[Exodus 8:7]].
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): This common verb, meaning "to do or make," is used to describe the actions of the magicians. For example, the **magicians** of Egypt **did** so with their **enchantments** when replicating the plague of blood [[Exodus 7:22]].
* `{{H6680}}` **tsâvâh** (to constitute, enjoin; appoint... command): This word for giving a command is linked to the concept of secrecy when Saul **commanded** his servants to speak with David **secretly** [[1 Samuel 18:22]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H3909}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture, particularly in its contrast between human and divine power.
* **Covert Human Action:** The word is used to describe human plans carried out in secret. These actions can be for different ends, from Ruth's discreet and pivotal move at the feet of Boaz [[Ruth 3:7]] to the strategic and merciful act of David in the cave [[1 Samuel 24:4]].
* **The Power and Limits of Enchantments:** In the book of Exodus, `{{H3909}}` is the specific term for the magical arts used by Pharaoh's magicians. They successfully used these **enchantments** to bring up frogs [[Exodus 8:7]], but their power was shown to be limited when they were unable to bring forth lice [[Exodus 8:18]].
* **Supernatural Contests:** The conflict between Moses and the Egyptian magicians highlights the difference between God's authority and occult power. The magicians' use of secret **enchantments** ultimately fails, demonstrating the futility of hidden arts when confronted with the revealed power of the LORD.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3909}}` is a specific and potent word that encompasses both the idea of personal secrecy and the practice of magical arts. It is used to narrate key moments of stealthy action by individuals like Ruth and David, while also defining the **enchantments** of the Egyptian magicians. Through its use, scripture explores the nature of hidden actions and contrasts the limited power of occult secrets with the ultimate authority of God.
TRV