a primitive root; properly, to bend, i.e. (by implication) to clasp; also (reflexively) to turn around or aside; take hold, turn aside (self).
Transliteration:lâphath
Pronunciation:law-fath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root לָפַת (lâphath), Strong's `{{H3943}}`, is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around the concept of "bending." From this foundational sense, two primary semantic branches emerge. Firstly, it implies a physical act of "clasping" or "taking hold," suggesting a forceful or firm grip, as one might bend something to secure it. This usage conveys a decisive and often powerful action of seizing or grasping. Secondly, in its reflexive or causative forms, it denotes "to turn around" or "to turn aside," particularly in the sense of causing oneself or another to deviate from a path or position. This aspect carries the nuance of redirection, obstruction, or even pushing away. The underlying idea of "bending" connects these meanings, whether it's bending one's fingers around an object to hold it, or bending a trajectory to turn something aside.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb לָפַת (lâphath) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, yet its few occurrences are highly significant and illustrate its semantic range.
1. **Judges 16:29**: "And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left." [[Judges 16:29]] Here, the verb וַיִּלְפֹּת (wayyilpōt), a Piel imperfect form, clearly denotes a powerful and decisive act of "taking hold" or "clasping." Samson's action is not a gentle touch but a firm, almost violent embrace of the pillars, leveraging his immense strength to bring down the Philistine temple. This instance highlights the "clasping" aspect of the root, emphasizing a strong, unyielding grip.
2. **2 Kings 4:27**: "And when she came to the man of God to the mount, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away." [[2 Kings 4:27]] In this context, the Piel imperfect form וַיִּלְפָּתֶהָ (wayyilpātehā) describes Gehazi's action of "turning aside" or "pushing away" the Shunammite woman. She had approached Elisha in deep distress, grasping his feet in supplication. Gehazi's intervention, using this verb, signifies an act of obstruction, preventing her from fully expressing her grief and seeking direct help from the prophet. This usage perfectly aligns with the reflexive or causative sense of "turning aside" or "diverting" someone from their course or intention.
These two primary occurrences demonstrate the dual application of the root: a powerful act of seizing or holding, and an act of redirection or forceful removal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of לָפַת (lâphath) intersects with several other Hebrew verbs related to grasping, holding, and turning.
For "taking hold" or "clasping":
* `{{H2388}}` חָזַק (chazaq): "to be strong, seize, hold fast." While similar in outcome (holding), *chazaq* often implies strengthening or firming up, whereas *lâphath* emphasizes the initial action of grasping.
* `{{H270}}` אָחַז (achaz): "to grasp, take hold, seize." *Achaz* is a more general term for taking hold, without necessarily the same forceful or decisive implication as *lâphath*.
* `{{H8610}}` תָּפַשׂ (taphas): "to lay hold of, seize, catch." Often used for capturing or apprehending, *taphas* can overlap but lacks the specific "bending" nuance of *lâphath*.
For "turning aside" or "diverting":
* `{{H5493}}` סוּר (sur): "to turn aside, depart." This is a very common verb for turning or removing oneself or something. *Lâphath* in this context implies a more direct, perhaps physical, act of causing the turning.
* `{{H6437}}` פָּנָה (panah): "to turn, turn toward/away." Generally refers to the direction of movement or attention.
* `{{H7725}}` שׁוּב (shuv): "to turn back, return." More about reversing direction.
What distinguishes לָפַת (lâphath) is its inherent connection to "bending." Whether it's bending one's grip around an object or bending a person's path, the verb suggests a decisive, often physical, manipulation of position or direction.
### Theological Significance
While לָפַת (lâphath) is a verb describing concrete physical actions, its occurrences carry significant theological implications within their narratives.
In the case of Samson ([[Judges 16:29]]), the act of "taking hold" of the pillars is directly linked to the manifestation of divine strength. Samson's physical power, though often misused, was a gift from God, intended for the deliverance of Israel. His final, desperate act, empowered by the Lord, represents a climactic moment of divine judgment against the Philistines. The verb *lâphath* here underscores the immense, almost superhuman, force unleashed through a divinely appointed agent, leading to the destruction of the enemies of God's people. It speaks to God's sovereign hand in using even flawed instruments to achieve His purposes.
In the account of Gehazi ([[2 Kings 4:27]]), the act of "turning aside" or "thrusting away" the Shunammite woman highlights a human obstacle to divine intervention. Gehazi's officiousness and lack of empathy stand in stark contrast to the woman's desperate faith and Elisha's compassionate response. The verb *lâphath* here signifies an act that hinders access to the prophet and, by extension, to the divine help he mediates. Theologically, it serves as a subtle commentary on the importance of unhindered access for those in need and the potential for human agents to obstruct the flow of grace or spiritual encounter. It underscores the contrast between human limitation and divine compassion.
Thus, though rare, *lâphath* contributes to narratives that speak to God's power in judgment and deliverance, and the human dynamics of seeking and receiving divine aid.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb לָפַת (lâphath), Strong's `{{H3943}}`, is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to bend." This foundational sense gives rise to two main applications: "to clasp" or "to take hold" with a firm grip, and "to turn aside" or "to push away." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the biblical text illustrate this dual semantic range. In [[Judges 16:29]], it powerfully describes Samson's decisive "taking hold" of the temple pillars, a manifestation of divine strength for judgment. In [[2 Kings 4:27]], it depicts Gehazi's act of "turning aside" the Shunammite woman, an act of human obstruction contrasting with her desperate faith. Despite its rarity, *lâphath* thus contributes to narratives rich in theological meaning, highlighting themes of divine power, human agency, and the dynamics of spiritual encounter.
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