### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Layish**, transliterated as **לַיִשׁ** `{{H3919}}`, is defined as **Laish, the name of two places in Palestine**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. It primarily refers to a city that was conquered and renamed, but also appears as a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The narrative of **Laish** is most prominently featured in the book of Judges. The city was originally inhabited by a people who **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` **careless** `{{H983}}`, **quiet** `{{H8252}}`, and **secure** `{{H982}}`, after the manner of the Zidonians [[Judges 18:7]]. Their sense of security was misplaced, as they had "no magistrate in the land" and were isolated [[Judges 18:7]]. This vulnerability was exploited by spies from the tribe of Dan, who noted the city's condition and the presence of idols nearby [[Judges 18:14]]. Subsequently, the Danites conquered **Laish**, smote the people with the **edge** `{{H6310}}` of the **sword** `{{H2719}}`, **burnt** `{{H8313}}` the city, and renamed it Dan after their ancestor ([[Judges 18:27]], [[Judges 18:29]]). The name also appears in a different context as the father of Phalti, the man to whom **Saul** `{{H7586}}` gave his daughter Michal ([[1 Samuel 25:44]], [[2 Samuel 3:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the story of **Laish**:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word establishes the setting of the narrative, as **Laish** was a **city** `{{H5892}}` before its conquest and renaming [[Judges 18:29]].
* `{{H1835}}` **Dân** (Dan): As judge and ancestor of a tribe, the name **Dan** `{{H1835}}` is given to the conquered city of Laish, signifying a transfer of identity and territory [[Judges 18:29]].
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach** (to trust, be confident or sure): The people of Laish were described as **secure** `{{H982}}`, highlighting a false confidence that made them vulnerable to attack ([[Judges 18:7]], [[Judges 18:27]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term appears in both contexts of the name Laish, identifying Phalti as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Laish [[1 Samuel 25:44]] and Dan as the forefather of the tribe that conquered the city.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3919}}` is primarily cautionary, illustrating principles of governance, security, and judgment.
* **False Security:** The story of Laish serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of misplaced trust. The people lived **quiet** `{{H8252}}` and **secure** `{{H982}}`, but their security was carnal and not from God, as they were without leadership [[Judges 18:7]]. This state of careless living led directly to their destruction.
* **Consequences of Anarchy:** The absence of a **magistrate** `{{H6114}}` to "put them to shame in any thing" [[Judges 18:7]] points to a society without order or accountability. The vulnerability of Laish illustrates the dangers inherent in a community that lacks righteous governance and structure.
* **Idolatry's Foothold:** The conquest of Laish is intertwined with the Danites' adoption of idolatry. They took Micah's **priest** `{{H3548}}`, **ephod** `{{H646}}`, and **graven image** `{{H6459}}` before attacking the city, establishing Dan as a future center of false worship ([[Judges 18:14]], [[Judges 18:27]]).
* **Prophetic Warning:** The inclusion of **Laish** in Isaiah's prophecy [[Isaiah 10:30]] places it among other towns called to **lift up** `{{H6670}}` a voice of alarm, indicating its memory served as a symbol of impending judgment and distress.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3919}}` **Layish** is more than a geographical or personal name; it represents a biblical case study. The city of **Laish** exemplifies a community that, despite its peaceful appearance, was destroyed due to its careless security and lack of leadership ([[Judges 18:7]], [[Judges 18:27]]). Its story serves as a sober warning about the consequences of living without righteous authority and accountability. The name's dual use for a person and a place underscores its role in the complex histories of the tribes of Israel.
TRV