from an unused root thought to mean to stop up by a barricade; perhaps fortification; Lakkum, a place in Palestine; Lakum.
Transliteration:Laqqûwm
Pronunciation:lak-koom'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word לַקּוּם (Laqqûwm), Strong's number `{{H3946}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its etymology is traced to an unused root, which is thought to convey the meaning "to stop up by a barricade." Consequently, the name Lakkum itself is often interpreted as signifying a "fortification" or a place characterized by a defensive structure that "stops up" or impedes passage. This suggests that the site was likely a prominent landmark, possibly a fortified town or a natural barrier, which served as a significant point of reference in ancient Palestine. The semantic range is thus confined to this specific place name, carrying the inherent connotation of its defensive or obstructive nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word לַקּוּם (Laqqûwm) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:33]]: "And their border was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum; and its outlet was at the Jordan."
In this sole occurrence, Lakkum is listed as a boundary marker for the tribal inheritance of Naphtali. The verse meticulously details the geographical limits of Naphtali's territory, moving from west to east, culminating at the Jordan River. The inclusion of Lakkum in this precise enumeration underscores its importance as a recognizable and fixed point in the landscape. Its position within the boundary description, alongside other named places, indicates its function as a definitive landmark in the divinely apportioned land. The potential meaning of "fortification" or "barricade" for Lakkum would align with its role as a firm, identifiable point in the demarcation of tribal lands, perhaps a strategic defensive position or a natural choke point.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that לַקּוּם (Laqqûwm) is a proper noun derived from an unused root, direct etymological cognates are not readily available in the biblical lexicon. However, its inferred meaning of "fortification" or "barricade" connects it conceptually to a broader semantic field concerning defensive structures, boundaries, and territorial security.
Related concepts and words might include:
* **Fortified City/Stronghold:** Hebrew terms like מִבְצָר (mibtsar, `{{H4694}}`) or מָצוֹר (matsor, `{{H4692}}`) denote fortified places, reflecting the strategic importance of such locations in ancient warfare and settlement.
* **Boundary/Border:** The concept of גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`) is central to the narrative of the land inheritance, representing the divinely ordained limits of each tribe's territory. Lakkum functions as one such critical boundary marker.
* **Wall/Rampart:** Words like חוֹמָה (chomah, `{{H2346}}`) or חֵל (chel, `{{H2426}}`) describe defensive structures, echoing the "stopping up" or "barricade" aspect suggested by Lakkum's root.
* **Inheritance:** The very context of Lakkum's appearance is the inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah, `{{H5159}}`) of the land, a foundational theme in the book of Joshua, emphasizing God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel.
### Theological Significance
While Lakkum is a minor geographical detail, its inclusion in the biblical text carries subtle yet profound theological significance, particularly within the overarching narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and ordered provision for His people.
1. **Divine Order and Specificity:** The meticulous listing of boundary markers, including Lakkum, highlights God's precise and detailed organization of the promised land. It underscores that the inheritance of each tribe was not arbitrary but divinely ordained and clearly defined. This testifies to God's sovereign control over the land and its distribution, demonstrating His intentionality in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
2. **Covenant Fulfillment:** The entire land allocation in Joshua is a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. Lakkum, as a fixed point in Naphtali's inheritance, contributes to the tangible evidence of this fulfillment. It signifies that God's word is reliable and that His promises are brought to pass with concrete, geographical reality.
3. **Security and Defined Identity:** If Lakkum indeed means "fortification" or "barricade," its name subtly reinforces the idea of secure, divinely established boundaries. These boundaries not only define territory but also contribute to the distinct identity and security of each tribe within the larger nation of Israel. The presence of such a landmark suggests a divinely provided defense or a clear demarcation that prevents encroachment.
### Summary
לַקּוּם (Laqqûwm, `{{H3946}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, occurring only once in [[Joshua 19:33]] as a boundary marker for the tribe of Naphtali. Derived from an unused root suggesting "to stop up by a barricade," its name likely signifies a "fortification" or a place of defense. While its direct semantic range is limited to this specific geographical location, its conceptual connections extend to themes of fortified places, boundaries, and territorial security. Theologically, Lakkum's inclusion in the biblical text underscores God's meticulous ordering of the promised land, His faithful fulfillment of covenant promises, and the divinely established security and identity of His people within their allotted inheritance. It serves as a testament to the specificity and reality of God's provision.
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