### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâqaq**, represented by `{{H3952}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to lick or lap**. It is a rare term, appearing only **7 times** in **5 unique verses** of the Bible. Its usage, though infrequent, occurs in highly memorable and significant narratives, describing the physical act of lapping or licking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3952}}` is used in two key contexts. The first is in the story of Gideon, where God instructs him to select his army based on how the men drink water. Those who **lapped** the water with their tongue "as a dog lappeth" were chosen for the battle [[Judges 7:5]]. This act separated a group of three hundred men who would deliver Israel [[Judges 7:7]]. The second context is the prophecy against King Ahab, where it was declared that in the place dogs **licked** the blood of Naboth, dogs would also **lick** Ahab's own blood [[1 Kings 21:19]]. This prophecy is shown to be fulfilled after Ahab's death [[1 Kings 22:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the action of `{{H3952}}`:
* `{{H3611}}` **keleb** (a dog): This word is directly linked to the action of lapping, as Gideon's chosen men drank "as a **dog** lappeth" [[Judges 7:5]]. In the judgment against Ahab, it is **dogs** who fulfill the prophecy by licking his blood [[1 Kings 21:19]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): This is the substance licked by the dogs in the pronouncement and fulfillment of judgment upon Ahab ([[1 Kings 21:19]], [[1 Kings 22:38]]). The term is also central to concepts of covenant and atonement [[Leviticus 17:11]].
* `{{H3766}}` **kâraʻ** (to bend the knee; bow): This action is presented as the direct contrast to lapping in the selection of Gideon's army. The majority of the men **bowed down** on their knees to drink, while the chosen few lapped [[Judges 7:6]].
* `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to imbibe; drink): This is the general term for the act of drinking, used to describe what the men who were not chosen did when they bowed down upon their knees to **drink** water [[Judges 7:5]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3952}}` lies in its role as a divine marker for selection and judgment.
* **A Test of Readiness:** In the account of Gideon, the act of lapping serves as God's chosen method for reducing the army to a select few. The men who **lapped**, putting their hand to their mouth, were separated from the rest, demonstrating how God uses unconventional means to identify His instruments [[Judges 7:7]].
* **A Symbol of Judgment:** In the accounts from 1 Kings, the act of licking is a graphic fulfillment of a divine curse. The dogs that **licked** Naboth's innocent blood become the very agents of judgment that **lick** Ahab's blood, underscoring a principle of retributive justice [[1 Kings 21:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3952}}` **lâqaq** is a specific verb whose meaning extends beyond its simple physical definition. Though used sparingly, it plays a decisive role in its contexts. It functions as the pivot point in a divine test, separating the chosen from the dismissed in Gideon's army, and it serves as the literal and symbolic fulfillment of God's judgment upon a wicked king. It illustrates how a common, almost animalistic action can be imbued with profound theological weight.
TRV