feminine plural of לַפִּיד; Lappidoth, the husband of Deborah; Lappidoth.
Transliteration:Lappîydôwth
Pronunciation:lap-pee-doth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word לַפִּידוֹת (Lappîydôwth), Strong's `{{H3941}}`, is a proper noun, specifically identified as the husband of the prophetess Deborah. Its etymology reveals a deeper semantic layer: it is the feminine plural form of the noun לַפִּיד (lappîd), Strong's `{{H3940}}`, which signifies "torch," "flame," or "lightning flash." Thus, the name "Lappidoth" literally translates to "Torches" or "Flames." As a proper name, this plural form could denote intensity, abundance, or a collective quality associated with light and fire. It suggests a connection to illumination, fervent zeal, or perhaps a radiant presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Lappidoth appears only once in the biblical text, in the Book of Judges:
* [[Judges 4:4]]: "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time."
In this sole occurrence, Lappidoth is identified solely by his marital relationship to Deborah. The text provides no further information about his actions, character, or role beyond being her husband. His significance, therefore, is entirely derived from his association with Deborah, one of the most prominent and influential figures in the Book of Judges. The mention of his name serves primarily to identify Deborah within her social context, emphasizing that even as a married woman, she was divinely called to lead Israel as a prophetess and judge. The name "Torches" or "Flames" could be an evocative, if subtle, foreshadowing or reflection of Deborah's own fiery spirit, prophetic insight, and the illuminating nature of her divine guidance for Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to לַפִּידוֹת (Lappîydôwth) is its singular root, לַפִּיד (lappîd), `{{H3940}}`, meaning "torch" or "flame." This root word appears in various contexts, often symbolizing:
* **Divine Presence/Revelation:** As seen in the "smoking furnace and a flaming torch" in God's covenant with Abraham ([[Genesis 15:17]]).
* **Guidance/Light:** A torch provides light in darkness.
* **Judgment/Destruction:** Fire is often an instrument of divine judgment (e.g., `{{H784}}` 'ēsh, fire).
* **Zeal/Fervor:** The intensity of a flame can represent passionate commitment.
Other related concepts include words for light (`{{H216}}` 'ôr), fire (`{{H784}}` 'ēsh), and terms associated with prophecy and divine inspiration, which often manifest as a burning word or illuminating vision.
### Theological Significance
Lappidoth's theological significance is primarily indirect, stemming from his unique position as the husband of Deborah. While he is not an active participant in the narrative, his name, "Torches" or "Flames," may carry symbolic weight in relation to his wife's ministry:
1. **Symbolic of Deborah's Ministry:** Deborah herself was a "torch" for Israel in a period of spiritual and political darkness. Her prophetic word illuminated God's will, and her leadership ignited the people's courage and zeal for battle against their oppressors. The name "Lappidoth" could subtly underscore the fiery, illuminating, and passionate nature of her divine calling.
2. **A Household of Light:** The name might suggest that Deborah's household, or even Lappidoth himself, was characterized by a spiritual fervor or served as a source of spiritual light and guidance. This would align with the idea of a righteous household being a beacon in society.
3. **Divine Choice and Gender Roles:** The mention of Lappidoth, even if only to identify Deborah, highlights that God chose a woman who was integrated into the social structure (married) to lead His people. This subtly challenges conventional gender roles of the time, demonstrating God's sovereign choice based on character and calling, not societal expectations alone. Lappidoth's quiet presence allows Deborah's extraordinary role to shine forth.
### Summary
Lappidoth (`{{H3941}}`), meaning "Torches" or "Flames," is a proper noun appearing only once in the biblical text as the husband of Deborah the prophetess ([[Judges 4:4]]). While he plays no active role in the narrative, his name, rooted in the Hebrew word for "torch" (`{{H3940}}`), carries symbolic weight. It may allude to the illuminating, zealous, and divinely inspired nature of Deborah's prophetic and judicial ministry, portraying her as a "torch" for Israel in a time of darkness. The inclusion of his name also subtly reinforces the divine choice of Deborah as a leader, affirming her calling even within the context of her marital status, and perhaps hinting at a household characterized by spiritual light and fervor.
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