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.
Transliteration:leqach
Pronunciation:leh'-kakh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun לֶקַח (leqach - `{{H3948}}`) derives from the verb לָקַח (laqach - `{{H3947}}`), meaning "to take, to receive, to acquire." Consequently, leqach fundamentally signifies "that which is received" or "something acquired." Its primary semantic range centers on mental acquisition, specifically "instruction," "doctrine," or "learning." This encompasses both the content imparted by a teacher and the understanding gained by a hearer. The word carries a dual potentiality: it can refer to beneficial, wise instruction, leading to knowledge and understanding. However, it can also denote "inveiglement" or "persuasive speech" used in a deceptive or sinister manner, highlighting its capacity for both edification and manipulation. Thus, leqach encapsulates the concept of received wisdom, knowledge, or persuasive communication, whether for good or ill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term leqach appears predominantly in the wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, and also notably in Deuteronomy and Job.
In Deuteronomy 32, Moses employs leqach to describe his divine teaching: "May my teaching (leqach) drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb" [[Deuteronomy 32:2]]. Here, leqach represents authoritative, life-giving instruction from God, delivered through His prophet, essential for the spiritual sustenance of Israel.
In Proverbs, leqach is frequently presented as something to be earnestly sought and cherished:
* "Let the wise hear and increase in learning (leqach), and the one who understands obtain guidance" [[Proverbs 1:5]]. This verse emphasizes the continuous pursuit of wisdom and the accumulation of knowledge, even for those already considered wise.
* "For I give you good instruction (leqach); do not forsake my teaching" [[Proverbs 4:2]]. This highlights the parental or mentor's role in imparting sound leqach and the son's imperative to heed it.
* "Give instruction (leqach) to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning" [[Proverbs 9:9]]. This illustrates that leqach is not merely for the uninitiated but serves to deepen the wisdom of those already inclined towards righteousness.
However, Proverbs also showcases the negative connotation of leqach:
* "With much persuasive speech (leqach) she enticed him; with her smooth talk she seduced him" [[Proverbs 7:21]]. In this context, leqach refers to the seductive, deceptive words of the adulteress, leading to destruction. This usage underscores the need for discernment, as not all "received speech" is beneficial.
* "The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech (leqach) increases persuasiveness" [[Proverbs 16:21]]. While this can be positive (persuasive wisdom), it also subtly hints at the power of speech to influence, for good or ill.
In Job, leqach appears in a different light:
* "For you say, 'My doctrine (leqach) is pure, and I am clean in your eyes'" [[Job 11:4]]. Here, Zophar uses leqach to refer to his own theological understanding, which Job challenges. This instance points to leqach as a body of belief or teaching that can be claimed as pure but may, in fact, be flawed.
Across these contexts, leqach consistently denotes received communication intended to shape understanding or action, whether it be divine truth, parental guidance, or deceptive enticement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root verb לָקַח (laqach - `{{H3947}}`) is crucial for understanding leqach, as it emphasizes the act of "taking" or "receiving," which is central to the noun's meaning.
Several other Hebrew words are semantically related, often appearing alongside or in parallel to leqach in wisdom literature:
* חָכְמָה (chokmah - `{{H2451}}`), "wisdom": leqach is often the means by which chokmah is acquired and internalized.
* בִּינָה (binah - `{{H998}}`), "understanding" or "discernment": leqach aims to cultivate binah in the hearer.
* דַּעַת (da'at - `{{H1847}}`), "knowledge": leqach is the content that leads to da'at.
* מוּסָר (musar - `{{H4148}}`), "discipline," "instruction," or "correction": musar often refers to the process of instruction or the discipline itself, while leqach is the specific content or lesson received. They are frequently paired, as in "receive instruction (musar) in wisdom" [[Proverbs 1:3]].
* תּוֹרָה (torah - `{{H8451}}`), "law" or "teaching": While torah typically refers to divine law, leqach can be a specific teaching or doctrine derived from or consistent with torah.
The relationship between leqach and these terms highlights a holistic approach to spiritual and moral development, where instruction (leqach) leads to knowledge (da'at), understanding (binah), and ultimately wisdom (chokmah), often through a process of discipline (musar).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of leqach is profound, particularly concerning divine communication and human receptivity.
1. **Divine Revelation and Instruction:** leqach underscores God's active role in communicating His will and wisdom to humanity. Moses's song in Deuteronomy portrays God's teaching as life-giving and essential, akin to rain for the earth. This emphasizes that true leqach originates from the Creator, providing the necessary guidance for a flourishing life in covenant with Him. The wisdom literature further reinforces this, presenting God as the ultimate source of all true leqach.
2. **The Pursuit of Wisdom:** The repeated exhortations in Proverbs to "receive leqach" highlight that wisdom is not merely an inherent quality but a gift to be actively sought and acquired. It requires a humble, teachable spirit and a willingness to internalize and apply divine principles. The pursuit of leqach is thus a spiritual discipline, reflecting a desire for righteousness and understanding.
3. **Discernment and Moral Choice:** The dual nature of leqach—as both beneficial instruction and deceptive enticement—serves as a theological warning. It necessitates spiritual discernment, urging believers to carefully evaluate the source and content of all "received speech." This aligns with the biblical emphasis on testing spirits and distinguishing truth from falsehood ([[1 John 4:1]]). The ability to discern between godly leqach and the leqach of folly is critical for moral integrity and spiritual survival.
4. **The Responsibility of Imparting Truth:** The use of leqach in the context of parental instruction and the words of the wise underscores the sacred duty of those entrusted with truth to faithfully transmit it to the next generation. This reflects a commitment to discipleship and the perpetuation of sound doctrine within the community of faith.
### Summary
לֶקַח (leqach - `{{H3948}}`) is a rich Hebrew term signifying "that which is received," primarily in the sense of "instruction," "doctrine," or "learning." Derived from the verb "to take/receive" (`{{H3947}}`), its core meaning highlights the acquisition of knowledge or understanding. Biblically, leqach is most frequently encountered in the wisdom literature, where it denotes divine, parental, or wise instruction, crucial for attaining wisdom and living righteously. However, its semantic range also encompasses deceptive or persuasive speech, underscoring the critical need for spiritual discernment. Theologically, leqach emphasizes God's role as the ultimate source of life-giving truth, the human responsibility to humbly seek and internalize this truth, and the vital importance of discerning between beneficial and deceptive teachings. It encapsulates the dynamic interplay between the imparting of wisdom and the receptive heart, ultimately shaping one's path towards righteousness or folly.
TRV