The Hebrew word leked, represented by H3921, describes something used for capture, such as a noose, or the state of being taken. Based on the root word meaning "to capture," its significance lies in the danger it represents. This term appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly impactful.
The sole appearance of H3921 is in Proverbs 3:26, where it illustrates a spiritual peril from which God offers protection. The verse states, "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Here, the word does not refer to a physical trap but to a state of being ensnared or captured, emphasizing a consequence that is avoided through trust in God.
The meaning of H3921 is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only context:
- H3068 Yᵉhôvâh: The personal name of God, identified as Jehovah, the Lord. He is the agent who provides the protection from the state of "being taken" Proverbs 3:26.
- H3689 keçel: This word means confidence, hope, or folly. In this verse, the LORD himself is the source of confidence, contrasting with the folly of trusting in other things Psalms 49:13.
- H8104 shâmar: Defined as to hedge about, guard, or protect. This is the action the LORD performs to prevent the foot from being captured Proverbs 3:26.
- H7272 regel: A foot, used here to represent a person's path, steps, or life journey. It is the foot that is kept secure from the snare Psalms 40:2.
The theological weight of H3921 is derived entirely from its context in Proverbs 3:26, which teaches profound truths about God's nature and relationship with believers.
- Divine Guardianship: The promise is that the LORD will actively keep H8104 believers. This is not a passive hope but an active protection, where God himself acts as a watchman over His people Psalms 127:1.
- The Foundation of Confidence: Security from "being taken" is conditional upon making the LORD one's confidence H3689. This theme is central to Proverbs, which instructs believers to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart" Proverbs 3:5.
- Spiritual Stability: The imagery of keeping the foot H7272 from being taken H3921 symbolizes God ensuring the stability and security of a believer's path, preventing them from stumbling into a spiritual trap. God establishes the goings of those He delivers Psalms 40:2.
In summary, while H3921 appears only once, its meaning is powerful. It represents the concept of being captured or ensnared, a fate from which believers are delivered. Its singular use in scripture serves to highlight a core theological promise: that placing one's confidence H3689 in the LORD H3068 results in His divine protection H8104, securing one's path and keeping them from being taken.
TRV