a primitive root; to gather the after crop; gather.
Transliteration:lâqash
Pronunciation:law-kash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3953 (לָקַשׁ, lâqash) is a primitive root primarily signifying the act of "gathering the after crop." Its semantic range specifically points to the collection of a secondary yield, distinct from the initial, main harvest. This implies a context of gleaning or collecting what remains or regrows after the primary agricultural activity. The term can denote both the action of gathering and, by extension, the "after crop" itself, which is the subsequent growth or yield following an initial mowing or harvest. This nuance distinguishes H3953 from more general terms for gathering, emphasizing a later, often crucial, stage of agricultural provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and illustrative occurrence of a form derived from H3953 is found in the prophetic book of Amos. While the root itself is rare in its verbal form, its nominal derivative, לֶקֶשׁ (lekesh), meaning "latter growth" or "after crop," appears in [[Amos 7:1]]. The verse states, "Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, he was forming locusts when the latter growth was coming forth; and behold, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings."
In this context, the "latter growth" (לֶקֶשׁ) refers to the second cutting of grass or fodder, which was essential for sustaining livestock and people after the "king's mowings" – likely a reference to the initial, larger portion taken by the monarchy for its own use or taxes. The consumption of this לֶקֶשׁ by locusts represents a dire judgment, directly impacting the sustenance of the populace. This specific usage highlights the critical importance of this secondary crop for survival, emphasizing the vulnerability of a society dependent on such provisions. It underscores that even the residual, post-primary harvest was vital, and its destruction signified a complete withdrawal of divine favor and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H3953 is illuminated by its relationship to other agricultural and gathering terms. It stands in contrast to general words for harvesting like `{{H7105}}` (קָצַר, qatsar - to reap, harvest) or `{{H2628}}` (חָצַר, chātsar - to mow, cut down). While H3953 involves gathering, it is distinct from the broader act of gleaning, such as `{{H3950}}` (לָקַט, laqat - to glean, gather up what is left), which typically refers to collecting individual stalks or grains left by reapers. H3953 specifically denotes the *after crop* itself or the act of gathering this subsequent growth, often referring to a second mowing of hay or pasture.
The concept of "after crop" is intrinsically linked to agricultural cycles, divine provision, and economic stability. It relates to the broader biblical themes of sustenance, famine, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. The vulnerability associated with dependence on the "latter growth" connects it to concepts of divine judgment and the fragility of human existence without God's sustaining hand.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3953 and its derived forms, particularly in [[Amos 7:1]], is profound.
1. **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The existence of the "latter growth" (לֶקֶשׁ) symbolizes God's continued faithfulness in providing for His people beyond the initial, main harvest. It speaks to His sustained care and the ongoing cycle of natural blessings He orchestrates for human and animal sustenance.
2. **Vulnerability and Dependence:** The reliance on the "after crop" underscores human dependence on God's grace and the fragility of life. It is not the abundant firstfruits, but a subsequent, often more modest, provision, highlighting that even secondary blessings are entirely from God's hand.
3. **Severity of Judgment:** In Amos's vision, the destruction of the לֶקֶשׁ by locusts signifies an exceptionally severe judgment. By targeting this crucial "after crop," God demonstrates His ability to remove even the residual means of survival, leaving His people utterly destitute. This illustrates the comprehensive nature of divine judgment when His covenant people stray from His ways, emphasizing that no aspect of their provision is outside His sovereign control.
4. **God's Sovereignty over Nature:** The ability to send the locusts specifically to consume the "latter growth" demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over the natural order and His use of creation as an instrument for executing His divine will, whether in blessing or in disciplinary action.
### Summary
H3953 (לָקַשׁ, lâqash) is a rare but significant Hebrew root meaning "to gather the after crop" or referring to the "after crop" itself. Its primary illustration is found in [[Amos 7:1]], where the noun לֶקֶשׁ describes the vital "latter growth" that emerges after the initial harvest. This "after crop" was a crucial source of sustenance, making its destruction by locusts a powerful prophetic image of severe divine judgment. The study of H3953 illuminates themes of God's ongoing provision, humanity's profound dependence on divine grace, and the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty, particularly His power to sustain or to withdraw even secondary blessings as a consequence of disobedience.
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