a primitive root; to swallow greedily; causatively, to feed; feed.
Transliteration:lâʻaṭ
Pronunciation:law-at'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3938 (לָעַט, *lâʻaṭ*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to swallow greedily" or "to gulp down voraciously." This implies an intense, rapid, and often uncontrolled act of consumption. In its causative sense, the root can mean "to feed," suggesting the act of providing sustenance in a manner that might imply abundance, haste, or even the forceful provision of food. The underlying nuance of "greediness" or "voracity" remains, even when the subject is being fed, potentially highlighting a recipient's eager or desperate intake, or the generous, perhaps overwhelming, nature of the provision. The focus is on the swift and complete ingestion, often driven by intense hunger or desire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Hebrew word H3938 (לָעַט, *lâʻaṭ*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence profoundly significant for understanding its specific nuance and theological weight.
In [[Genesis 25:30]], the word is used in the narrative of Esau and Jacob:
"And Esau said to Jacob, 'Let me gulp down (הַלְעִיטֵנִי) some of that red, red stew, for I am famished.'"
Here, the verb is in the Hiphil imperative form (הַלְעִיטֵנִי, *hal‘îṭēnî*), which is causative, meaning "cause me to swallow greedily" or "feed me greedily." Esau's plea to Jacob employs this intense verb, vividly portraying his desperate hunger and his immediate, overwhelming desire for food. He is not merely asking to eat, but to "gulp down" or "devour voraciously" the stew. This single usage powerfully characterizes Esau's personality: impulsive, focused on immediate physical gratification, and lacking foresight. His willingness to trade his birthright for a single meal, described with such a strong verb, highlights a profound spiritual shortsightedness and a prioritization of the carnal over the sacred. The word underscores the urgency and lack of self-control inherent in Esau's decision, setting the stage for the narrative of the two brothers' divergent paths.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence of H3938 (לָעַט, *lâʻaṭ*), its semantic field can be explored by examining related concepts and other Hebrew words that convey similar actions or states:
* **Hunger and Appetite:** The context of H3938 is intense hunger. Related concepts include `{{H7457}}` (רָעָב, *raʿāḇ*), meaning "hunger" or "famine," and the broader human experience of physical need.
* **Swallowing and Devouring:**
* `{{H1104}}` (בָּלַע, *bālaʿ*): This verb means "to swallow," "gulp down," or "devour." It shares the intensity and rapidity of *lâʻaṭ* in the act of ingestion, often implying a complete consumption. While *bālaʿ* can be used more generally, *lâʻaṭ* carries an added nuance of "greediness" or "voracity."
* `{{H398}}` (אָכַל, *’āḵal*): The most common Hebrew verb for "to eat," "consume," or "devour." While *’āḵal* is general, *lâʻaṭ* specifies the *manner* of eating – greedily and rapidly.
* **Feeding and Provision:**
* `{{H7462}}` (רָעָה, *rāʿâ*): Meaning "to feed," "pasture," "shepherd." This word describes the act of providing sustenance, often in a caring or guiding manner, contrasting with the potentially forceful or desperate feeding implied by the causative *lâʻaṭ*.
* `{{H2351}}` (חָוָה, *ḥāwâ*): Used in the Hiphil, "to feed" or "to give to drink."
The uniqueness of *lâʻaṭ* lies in its specific combination of "swallowing" with an inherent "greediness" or "rapidity," vividly portraying a desperate, unbridled appetite.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H3938 (לָעַט, *lâʻaṭ*) in [[Genesis 25:30]] carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful illustration of spiritual priorities and the consequences of immediate gratification.
1. **The Peril of Immediate Gratification:** Esau's use of this word highlights his overwhelming desire for physical relief over the profound spiritual and covenantal significance of his birthright. The "greedy swallowing" of the stew symbolizes his carnal mind-set, which prioritizes the temporal and tangible over the eternal and spiritual. This serves as a timeless warning against allowing immediate desires to dictate one's destiny, potentially forfeiting invaluable spiritual blessings.
2. **Contrast of Values:** The narrative juxtaposes Esau's impulsive, appetite-driven decision with Jacob's calculated, albeit flawed, pursuit of the birthright. While Jacob's methods are not condoned, Esau's casual disregard for his heritage, underscored by the voraciousness of his hunger, reveals a deeper spiritual apathy. The word *lâʻaṭ* thus becomes a key descriptor of Esau's character, emblematic of a life lived by instinct rather than by faith or foresight.
3. **Stewardship and Self-Control:** The incident implicitly teaches about the importance of self-control and wise stewardship of one's inheritance, both physical and spiritual. Esau's inability to control his appetite, leading him to "gulp down" his future, stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of gluttony and a lack of spiritual discipline.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Choice:** While Esau's choice is his own, the narrative fits within God's sovereign plan for Jacob to receive the blessing. The word *lâʻaṭ* vividly portrays the human agency involved in rejecting a divine privilege, even if unknowingly, through a moment of weakness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3938 (לָעַט, *lâʻaṭ*) is a primitive root meaning "to swallow greedily" or, in its causative form, "to feed voraciously." Despite its singular occurrence in the biblical text, its placement is critically significant. In [[Genesis 25:30]], Esau's desperate plea to Jacob, "Let me gulp down (הַלְעִיטֵנִי) some of that red, red stew," vividly portrays his intense hunger and impulsive nature. This single usage powerfully characterizes Esau's prioritization of immediate physical gratification over his sacred birthright, making *lâʻaṭ* a poignant descriptor of his spiritual shortsightedness. Theologically, the word serves as a profound warning against allowing carnal appetites to dictate one's choices, illustrating the peril of forfeiting invaluable spiritual blessings for transient physical comforts. It underscores the biblical emphasis on self-control, wise stewardship, and the profound consequences of valuing the temporal above the eternal.
TRV