from לָקַח; properly, something received, i.e. (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inveiglement; doctrine, learning, fair speech.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **leqach**, represented by `{{H3948}}`, refers to something received, specifically mental instruction. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** and can mean **doctrine**, **learning**, or, in a negative sense, **inveiglement** and **fair speech**. The core idea is that of teaching or hearing that is accepted or taken in.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3948}}` carries a dual meaning. Positively, it represents divine teaching that is as life-giving as the elements, as when Moses declares, "My **doctrine** shall drop as the rain" [[Deuteronomy 32:2]]. It is presented as a valuable commodity to be acquired, with a wise man increasing in **learning** [[Proverbs 1:5]] and a just man increasing in it when taught [[Proverbs 9:9]]. Conversely, it can describe manipulative persuasion. In a cautionary tale, a woman uses "much fair **speech**" to seduce and force a young man to yield to her [[Proverbs 7:21]], illustrating the "inveiglement" aspect of the word's definition.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of receiving instruction:
* `{{H2450}}` **châkâm** (wise): The **wise** man is the primary recipient and user of `leqach`. He is defined by his willingness to hear and increase in learning [[Proverbs 1:5]], and the heart of the **wise** is what adds learning to the lips [[Proverbs 16:23]].
* `{{H3254}}` **yâçaph** (to add or augment): This verb is often paired with `leqach` to describe the process of gaining wisdom. A wise man will hear and **increase** learning [[Proverbs 1:5]], and giving instruction to a just man will cause him to **increase** in learning [[Proverbs 9:9]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): In [[Proverbs 4:2]], good **doctrine** `{{H3948}}` is presented in parallel with God's **law**, which is not to be forsaken. This connection elevates `leqach` to the level of divine precept and statute.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3948}}` is significant, highlighting both the source of truth and its counterfeit.
* **Life-Giving Divine Instruction:** God's doctrine is portrayed as a gentle, nourishing force like rain and dew, essential for growth and life [[Deuteronomy 32:2]]. It is presented as inherently good and something to be held onto [[Proverbs 4:2]].
* **The Pursuit of Wisdom:** True learning is an active pursuit. For the wise and just, acquiring `leqach` is a continuous process of increasing in knowledge and understanding ([[Proverbs 1:5]], [[Proverbs 9:9]]). Those who have erred in spirit can find understanding by learning **doctrine** [[Isaiah 29:24]].
* **The Danger of Deceptive Speech:** The word serves as a strong warning that persuasive speech can be a tool for inveiglement. The "fair speech" used for seduction in [[Proverbs 7:21]] demonstrates how received words, if from the wrong source, can lead to ruin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3948}}` is a term that encompasses the full spectrum of received instruction. It can be the pure, life-sustaining doctrine from God or the dangerous, flattering speech of a deceiver. Its meaning is defined by its source and its effect on the hearer. The word underscores the biblical principle of discerning the origin of teaching, as the wise actively increase in sound learning while the naive are susceptible to persuasive inveiglement.
TRV