a primitive root; to speak in a foreign tongue; strange language.
Transliteration:lâʻaz
Pronunciation:law-az'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3937}}` (לָעַז, *lâʻaz*) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental concept of speaking in an unintelligible or foreign tongue. Its core meaning revolves around the idea of linguistic otherness and the inability to comprehend speech due to its alien nature. This implies a profound separation, not merely of language, but often of culture, identity, and even spiritual allegiance. As a primitive root, it suggests a foundational, uncompounded action, highlighting the immediate and direct impact of incomprehensible speech. The semantic range is narrow but potent, focusing on the barrier created by an alien language, marking out a distinction between those who understand and those who do not.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H3937}}` (לָעַז, *lâʻaz*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, yet its singular occurrence is highly significant and rich in meaning.
* **[[Psalm 114:1]]**: "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language."
* In this poetic celebration of the Exodus, the phrase "a people of strange language" (מֵעַם לֹעֵז - *me'am lo'ez*) uses a participle derived from `{{H3937}}`. This description of the Egyptians is crucial. It underscores the absolute cultural, religious, and linguistic distinctiveness of the oppressors from the liberated Israelites. The "strange language" symbolizes the profound otherness and alienation that characterized the Egyptian-Israelite relationship. It highlights the vast chasm that God bridged through His miraculous deliverance. The very incomprehensibility of the Egyptian tongue serves to emphasize the completeness of Israel's separation and the divine intervention that established their unique identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H3937}}` is rare, its concept resonates with several related Hebrew words and theological ideas concerning foreignness, communication, and distinction:
* `{{H5237}}` (נֵכָר, *nekār*): Often translated as "foreign," "strange," or "alien," this word frequently describes foreign lands, foreign people, or even foreign gods. It strongly parallels the idea of "otherness" inherent in `{{H3937}}`.
* `{{H2114}}` (זוּר, *zūr*): Meaning "to be a stranger," "alien," or "foreign," this verb also conveys the sense of being distinct or estranged, whether by birth, custom, or divine decree.
* `{{H5971}}` (עַם, *ʻam*): "People" or "nation." In [[Psalm 114:1]], `{{H3937}}` modifies `{{H5971}}`, creating the specific nuance of a "foreign people" or "people of strange language."
* The broader biblical concept of the "confusion of tongues" at Babel (Genesis 11) provides a foundational narrative for the divine institution of linguistic and national distinctions, even though `{{H3937}}` is not explicitly used there. This narrative illustrates God's sovereignty over human language and its role in shaping human communities.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H3937}}` in [[Psalm 114:1]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Distinction and Separation**: The "people of strange language" identifies the Egyptians as fundamentally distinct from God's chosen people. This linguistic barrier serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and cultural chasm that separated Israel from the pagan world. God's act of deliverance from this "strange" people underscores His sovereign power to call out and set apart a people for Himself, establishing their unique identity and covenant relationship.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**: By delivering Israel from a people of "strange language," God demonstrates His supreme authority over all nations and their diverse identities. He is not bound by human linguistic or cultural barriers but works powerfully to achieve His redemptive purposes.
* **The Nature of Alienation**: The "strange language" signifies an inherent alienation. It is a world from which Israel was called to be separate, not merely geographically but fundamentally in their way of life, worship, and understanding of the divine. This alienation is overcome by God's direct intervention, highlighting the grace and power of the Exodus.
* **Anticipation of New Covenant Unity (Implicit Contrast)**: While not explicitly stated, the Old Testament emphasis on linguistic barriers as a sign of separation (as seen in `{{H3937}}` and Babel) stands in stark contrast to the New Testament phenomenon of the Spirit-empowered ability to speak in diverse languages (e.g., Pentecost, Acts 2), which serves to unite people from all nations under the banner of the Gospel, overcoming the very barriers that once symbolized division.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3937}}` (לָעַז, *lâʻaz*), meaning "to speak in a foreign tongue" or "strange language," is a rare but impactful term in the Hebrew Bible. Its sole appearance in [[Psalm 114:1]] profoundly characterizes the Egyptians as "a people of strange language" from whom Israel was miraculously delivered. This linguistic distinction underscores the absolute otherness of the oppressive nation and serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign act of separating and setting apart His chosen people. The term highlights not just a language barrier, but a fundamental cultural, spiritual, and national distinction, emphasizing the depth of Israel's liberation and the unique identity forged by divine intervention. While rare, `{{H3937}}` thus contributes significantly to the biblical narrative of divine distinction and the establishment of Israel as God's peculiar treasure.
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