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.
Transliteration:lâṭ
Pronunciation:lawt
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3909 (לָט, lâṭ) is rich in its semantic breadth, stemming from a foundational concept of concealment. Its etymological roots are debated, possibly deriving from `{{H3860}}` (לָאט, la'aṭ), signifying slowness or quietness, or more likely from `{{H3874}}` (לוּט, luṭ), meaning "to wrap" or "to cover." This latter connection provides the primary sense: "properly, covered, i.e. secret." From this core meaning, a range of implications emerges. It can denote secrecy itself, or adverbially, an action performed "covertly," "privily," or "secretly." The nuance of "softly" also arises, aligning with the idea of quiet, unobserved movement or action. Crucially, in a specialized context, lâṭ extends to "incantation" or "enchantment," referring to secret arts or hidden knowledge employed in magical practices. This implies a power that is not openly manifest but operates through hidden means.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and theologically significant occurrences of H3909 are found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in the narrative of the plagues and the confrontation between Moses and the Egyptian magicians. Here, lâṭ consistently refers to the "secret arts" or "enchantments" (לָטֵיהֶם, lâṭêhem) of Pharaoh's sorcerers.
In [[Exodus 7:11]], Pharaoh summons his wise men and sorcerers, who, through their lâṭ, attempt to mimic Aaron's staff turning into a serpent. They succeed in a limited fashion, demonstrating a form of hidden power. Similarly, in [[Exodus 7:22]], after the Nile is turned to blood, the Egyptian magicians are able to replicate this feat using their lâṭ. Again, in [[Exodus 8:7]], they perform a similar act in response to the plague of frogs. However, a crucial turning point occurs in [[Exodus 8:18]], where the magicians, attempting to produce lice by their lâṭ, fail, confessing, "This is the finger of God."
These contexts highlight lâṭ as a term for human or demonic magic, operating through hidden, deceptive, and ultimately limited means. It stands in stark contrast to the overt, undeniable, and sovereign power of Yahweh, which cannot be truly replicated or overcome by such "secret arts."
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H3909 includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H3860}}` (לָאט, la'aṭ): This adverb means "softly" or "quietly," emphasizing a manner of action that is discreet or unhurried. While distinct, it shares the sense of unobtrusiveness.
* `{{H3874}}` (לוּט, luṭ): The verbal root meaning "to wrap," "to cover," or "to conceal." This verb directly underpins the "covered" or "secret" aspect of lâṭ.
* `{{H3908}}` (לַט, laṭ): A related noun, possibly meaning a "secret thing" or a "whisper," further reinforcing the concept of hiddenness or discretion.
* The broader conceptual sphere includes terms for magic, sorcery, and divination (e.g., `{{H3785}}` כֶּשֶׁף, kesheph, "sorcery"; `{{H7081}}` קֶסֶם, qesem, "divination"). lâṭ specifically emphasizes the *hidden* or *secret* nature of such practices, distinguishing them from open, divine miracles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of lâṭ is primarily demonstrated in the Exodus narrative as a stark contrast between divine power and human (or demonic) imitation.
1. **Divine Sovereignty vs. Limited Human Power:** The ability of the Egyptian magicians to perform acts through their lâṭ initially appears formidable, yet their power is consistently shown to be secondary and ultimately inferior to Yahweh's. Their lâṭ is effective only as long as God permits, and it fails utterly when confronted with a truly divine act (the lice plague). This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all forms of power, even those operating in the hidden realm.
2. **Deception vs. Truth:** The "secret arts" of lâṭ are inherently tied to deception and illusion. They mimic divine acts but lack their true substance and purpose. God's power, in contrast, is open, manifest, and undeniable, demonstrating truth rather than illusion.
3. **Prohibition of Occult Practices:** By demonstrating the futility and ultimate failure of lâṭ when pitted against God, the Exodus narrative implicitly condemns reliance on such "secret arts." It reinforces the biblical prohibition against magic, sorcery, and divination, urging exclusive reliance on God's revealed will and power.
4. **Revelation vs. Concealment:** God's work is often a revelation of His glory and power, intended to be seen and understood. The work of lâṭ, by its very definition, is concealed and operates through hidden means, often for manipulative or self-serving ends.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3909 (לָט, lâṭ) fundamentally signifies that which is "covered" or "secret." This core meaning extends to actions performed "covertly" or "softly," but its most potent biblical usage refers to the "secret arts" or "enchantments" of Egyptian magicians. In the Exodus narrative, lâṭ serves as a crucial theological foil, representing the limited, deceptive, and ultimately impotent power of human or demonic magic when confronted with the unassailable, manifest, and sovereign power of Yahweh. The repeated failure of the magicians' lâṭ against God's direct intervention underscores the futility and spiritual danger of relying on hidden, illicit means rather than the revealed truth and omnipotence of the Creator.
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