from יָלַךְ; a journey; Lekah, a place in Palestine; Lecah.
Transliteration:lêkâh
Pronunciation:lay-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term lêkâh (`{{H3922}}`) is derived from the fundamental verbal root yālak (`{{H1980}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to go," "to walk," or "to proceed." As a noun, lêkâh literally signifies "a going" or "a journey." However, its singular occurrence in the biblical text demonstrates its function as a proper noun, specifically the name of a place. This indicates a semantic range that includes both the abstract concept of movement and its concrete application as a geographical identifier, likely reflecting a historical connection to travel or a significant journey in its naming.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word lêkâh (`{{H3922}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:21]]: "The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of the linen workers at Beth-ashbea."
In this context, "Lecah" is clearly identified as a place name, specifically the ancestral home or dominion associated with Er, a descendant of Judah through his son Shelah. The verse is part of an extensive genealogical record, meticulously tracing the lineages of the tribes of Israel. The mention of Lecah here serves to geographically anchor a particular branch of the Judahite family, indicating their settlement or sphere of influence within the land. It is not used as a common noun denoting "a journey" in this instance, but rather as a fixed geographical marker within the tribal inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root yālak (`{{H1980}}`), from which lêkâh is directly derived. This root is ubiquitous in the Hebrew Bible and encompasses a vast array of meanings related to movement, including walking, going, leading, following, and even metaphorical "walking" in a manner of life or obedience (e.g., "walking with God"). Other derivatives of yālak that convey concepts of journey or movement include hălîkhâh (`{{H1983}}`, "a going, journey") and hălîkhâ (`{{H1984}}`, "a going, procession"). The concept of "journey" is deeply embedded in biblical narratives, from Abraham's call to "go forth" (Genesis 12) to the Exodus journey, and the spiritual walk of faith. The naming of a place "Lecah" might subtly allude to a foundational journey or migration in its history, even if the text does not explicitly detail it. The broader concepts include migration, settlement, tribal inheritance, and geographical demarcation within the Promised Land.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence as a place name within a genealogical list, the direct theological significance of lêkâh (`{{H3922}}`) is limited. However, its etymological root in yālak (`{{H1980}}`) allows for a broader theological reflection. The concept of "going" or "walking" is central to the biblical understanding of faith, obedience, and divine guidance. The lives of patriarchs like Abraham were defined by their willingness to "go" where God led them. The nation of Israel itself was formed through a divinely orchestrated "journey" from Egypt to Canaan. While "Lecah" is merely a place, its name, meaning "a journey," could subtly echo the overarching theme of God's people being on a journey—both literally in their historical migrations and spiritually in their walk of faith toward God's ultimate promises. Its inclusion in a detailed genealogy also underscores the divine meticulousness in preserving the historical and geographical realities of God's covenant people and their inheritance in the land. It serves as a testament to the concrete fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land and the establishment of the tribes within it.
### Summary
The Hebrew word lêkâh (`{{H3922}}`) originates from the root yālak (`{{H1980}}`), meaning "to go" or "a journey." Its sole biblical appearance is as a proper noun, "Lecah," a place name mentioned in the lineage of Judah in [[1 Chronicles 4:21]]. In this context, it functions as a geographical marker within a detailed tribal genealogy, signifying a location associated with a specific family branch. While its direct theological import is minimal due to its singular, geographical usage, its etymological connection to the pervasive biblical theme of "walking" or "journeying" subtly links it to concepts of divine guidance, the life of faith, and the historical reality of God's people settling in the Promised Land. Ultimately, Lecah stands as a quiet testament to the meticulous record-keeping of Scripture and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land and its inhabitants.
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