a primitive root; properly, to lick; but used only as a denominative from לָשׁוֹן; to wag the tongue, i.e. to calumniate; accuse, slander.
Transliteration:lâshan
Pronunciation:law-shan'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb לָשַׁן (lâshan, `{{H3960}}`) is a fascinating example of semantic development. While its primitive root meaning is "to lick," this usage is not found in the biblical text. Instead, לָשַׁן functions exclusively as a denominative verb derived from the noun לָשׁוֹן (lashon, `{{H3956}}`), meaning "tongue." This derivation is crucial for understanding its active meaning: "to wag the tongue." However, this is not a neutral act but specifically denotes the malicious use of the tongue. Thus, its semantic range is tightly focused on negative speech acts: "to calumniate," "to accuse falsely," and "to slander." It consistently carries the connotation of speaking ill of another, often with intent to harm their reputation or standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb לָשַׁן (lâshan, `{{H3960}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but each occurrence powerfully illustrates its negative and destructive nature:
* **[[Psalm 15:3]]**: This psalm describes the character of one who may dwell in God's holy hill. Among the virtues listed, it states, "who does not slander with his tongue" (וְלֹא־לָשַׁן עַל־לְשֹׁנוֹ). Here, לָשַׁן is explicitly linked to the "tongue" (לְשֹׁנוֹ), emphasizing the instrument of the sin. The context highlights that a righteous individual, one pleasing to God, refrains from such malicious speech.
* **[[Psalm 101:5]]**: In this royal psalm, David declares his commitment to righteous governance and personal integrity. He states, "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly, him I will destroy" (מְלָשְׁנִי בַסֵּתֶר רֵעֵהוּ אוֹתוֹ אַצְמִית). The phrase "secretly" (בַסֵּתֶר) underscores the insidious nature of slander, often conducted behind one's back. The severe consequence, "him I will destroy" (אוֹתוֹ אַצְמִית), reveals the gravity with which God, and a righteous king, view this sin. It is not a minor transgression but one worthy of divine judgment.
* **[[Proverbs 30:10]]**: This proverb offers a practical warning: "Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty" (אַל־תַּלְשֵׁן עֶבֶד אֶל־אֲדֹנָיו פֶּן־יְקַלֶּלְךָ וְאָשָׁמְתָּ). Here, לָשַׁן is used in the Hiphil stem, "do not cause to slander" or "do not slander." The specific context of slandering a servant to a master highlights the potential for immense harm to the servant, who is vulnerable. The warning of being cursed and held guilty (וְאָשָׁמְתָּ) indicates that such an act incurs divine displeasure and consequences.
Across these occurrences, לָשַׁן consistently denotes malicious, reputation-damaging speech, always presented as an action to be avoided by the righteous and condemned by God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to לָשַׁן (lâshan, `{{H3960}}`) is its noun root, לָשׁוֹן (lashon, `{{H3956}}`), meaning "tongue." This connection is fundamental, as the verb describes the misuse of this powerful organ. The concept of the tongue as an instrument for both good and evil is a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs and Psalms.
Other related Hebrew terms that describe various forms of harmful speech include:
* רָכִיל (rakil, `{{H7400}}`): "talebearer" or "slanderer," often implying one who goes about spreading gossip.
* דִּבָּה (dibbah, `{{H1681}}`): "evil report," "slander," or "whispering," as seen in the context of the spies' report in [[Numbers 13:32]].
* מֻצִיא דִבָּה (motsi dibbah): "one who spreads an evil report."
* עָוֶל (avel, `{{H5766}}`): "iniquity" or "perversity," often associated with false speech, as in [[Psalm 58:2]].
* שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, `{{H8267}}`): "falsehood" or "lie," which often underlies slanderous statements.
The concept of לָשַׁן also ties into broader biblical themes concerning the eighth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" [[Exodus 20:16]], and the broader call for truthfulness and integrity in speech. It contrasts sharply with speech that builds up, encourages, or speaks truth in love.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לָשַׁן (lâshan, `{{H3960}}`) is profound, touching upon God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of community.
Firstly, slander is antithetical to the character of God, who is truth and light. Malicious speech, by its very nature, is a form of darkness and deceit, seeking to distort reality and harm. Therefore, God's strong condemnation of slander reflects His nature and His demand for truthfulness among His people.
Secondly, לָשַׁן highlights the destructive power of the tongue, an instrument capable of immense good or devastating evil. The biblical writers frequently warn about the tongue's potential for harm, recognizing that words can inflict deep wounds, destroy reputations, and sow discord. Slander, as a specific misuse of speech, violates the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as it intentionally seeks to diminish or harm another. It undermines trust, disrupts social harmony, and can lead to severe injustice.
Thirdly, the divine judgment associated with לָשַׁן in passages like [[Psalm 101:5]] underscores its seriousness in God's eyes. It is not a minor sin but one that incurs divine wrath and merits severe consequences. This serves as a potent reminder that our words are not inconsequential but carry moral weight and spiritual implications, for which we will be held accountable.
Finally, for the believer, the prohibition against לָשַׁן calls for a commitment to righteous speech. It mandates a life characterized by truthfulness, kindness, and edification, where the tongue is used to bless, to build up, and to speak words that honor God and uplift others.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb לָשַׁן (lâshan, `{{H3960}}`) signifies the malicious use of the tongue, specifically "to slander," "to calumniate," or "to accuse falsely." Derived from the word for "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, `{{H3956}}`), it consistently appears in contexts that condemn such harmful speech. Biblical occurrences in Psalms and Proverbs reveal לָשַׁן as a serious transgression, undermining truth, destroying reputations, and disrupting communal harmony. The Scriptures portray those who engage in לָשַׁן as unrighteous and subject to divine judgment. Theologically, לָשַׁן stands in stark opposition to God's character of truth and love, emphasizing the immense power of the tongue and the ethical imperative for believers to use their words for blessing and integrity, rather than for destruction.
TRV