The Hebrew name Lappîydôwth, represented by H3941, is defined as Lappidoth, the husband of Deborah. It is a highly specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its sole purpose is to identify the husband of the prominent prophetess and judge, Deborah.
The single appearance of H3941 occurs in the introduction of Deborah. The scripture states, "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time" Judges 4:4. This mention serves to establish Deborah's identity, noting her marital status before detailing her role as a judge over Israel. Lappidoth himself is not mentioned again, placing the narrative focus entirely on his wife's leadership and prophetic office.
The context of Lappîydôwth is entirely defined by his relationship to Deborah and her roles, which are described using several key Hebrew words:
- H1683 Dᵉbôwrâh (Deborah): This is the name of Lappidoth's wife, who is the central figure in the narrative Judges 4:4. Her name is mentioned multiple times as she leads Israel (Judges 4:9, Judges 5:1).
- H5031 nᵉbîyʼâh (prophetess): This term describes Deborah's divine office as a prophetess or inspired woman. The dossier shows other women like Miriam and Huldah also held this title (Exodus 15:20, 2 Kings 22:14).
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This word establishes the specific relationship between Deborah and Lappidoth Judges 4:4. The term is broadly used for a woman or wife throughout scripture.
- H8199 shâphaṭ (to judge): This primitive root describes Deborah's primary function in Israel. The verse states that she "judged" Israel, a role of pronouncing sentence and governing Judges 4:4.
The significance of H3941 is found not in the man himself, but in what his mention reveals about the narrative's focus on Deborah.
- Identity Through Association: Lappîydôwth is known only as "the husband of Deborah" Judges 4:4. His identity is entirely dependent on his wife, which highlights the prominence of her leadership role.
- Social Context: Mentioning him establishes that Deborah, the leader of Israel, was a married woman H802. This grounds her powerful public office within a traditional domestic relationship.
- Grammatical Form: The base definition of Lappîydôwth identifies it as a "feminine plural" form. This linguistic detail, found in the name of a male figure, is a unique characteristic presented in the text.
In summary, H3941 Lappîydôwth is a name that appears only once in scripture. Its role is simple and direct: to identify the husband of Deborah, the prophetess who judged Israel. While Lappîydôwth himself remains a background figure, his mention is significant for framing the social identity of one of the Bible's most powerful female leaders. The name serves as a textual anchor, connecting Deborah's immense public authority to her life as a married woman.
TRV