from an unused root thought to mean to break through; a boiling spring; Lesha, a place probably East of the Jordan; Lasha.
Transliteration:Leshaʻ
Pronunciation:leh'-shah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word לֶשַׁע (Leshaʻ, `{{H3962}}`) is primarily understood as a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates derivation from an unused root, which is thought to convey the meaning "to break through." This etymological foundation suggests the semantic range of לֶשַׁע is rooted in the physical phenomenon of a "boiling spring," where water forcefully emerges or "breaks through" the earth's surface, often accompanied by heat or effervescence. Consequently, the term came to designate a specific location known for such a geological feature, identified as "Lesha" or "Lasha," situated likely to the east of the Jordan River. Thus, its core meaning encompasses both the natural phenomenon and the specific locale named after it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word לֶשַׁע (Leshaʻ, `{{H3962}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical and geographical account of Genesis 10.
* **[[Genesis 10:19]]**: "And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you go toward Gerar, as far as Gaza; as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha."
In this solitary occurrence, לֶשַׁע functions as a critical geographical marker, defining the easternmost extent of the Canaanite territory. Its placement in conjunction with the infamous "cities of the plain" (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim) strongly suggests its location in the vicinity of the Dead Sea basin, a region known for its unique geological characteristics, including hot springs and geothermal activity. The mention of לֶשַׁע here underscores the precise and detailed nature of the biblical record in delineating ancient geographical boundaries, providing a concrete point of reference for the vast expanse of the land inhabited by the descendants of Canaan.
### Related Words & Concepts
While לֶשַׁע (Leshaʻ, `{{H3962}}`) itself is derived from an unused root, its meaning and context connect it to several broader semantic fields in biblical Hebrew:
* **Water Sources:** The concept of a "spring" relates it to terms like מַעְיָן (maʻyan, `{{H4599}}`, "spring, fountain"), בְּאֵר (be'er, `{{H875}}`, "well"), and עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`, "eye," often used for "spring" or "fountain"). These words frequently appear in descriptions of the land's fertility and the provision of life-sustaining water.
* **Geographical Boundaries:** As a boundary marker, לֶשַׁע is conceptually aligned with גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`, "border, boundary"). The meticulous listing of such markers in Genesis 10 and other geographical passages highlights the importance of divinely ordained territories.
* **Cities of the Plain:** Its direct association with Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim links it to the narrative of divine judgment and the fate of those cities. While לֶשַׁע is not implicated in their destruction, it serves as a geographical witness to the extent of the land in that significant historical and theological event.
* **Geological Phenomena:** The idea of a "boiling spring" subtly connects לֶשַׁע to the broader category of natural wonders and the dynamic forces of creation, implicitly pointing to the Creator's power over the earth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לֶשַׁע (Leshaʻ, `{{H3962}}`) is primarily indirect, arising from its singular mention within the broader biblical narrative:
* **Divine Ordering of Creation:** The existence of a "boiling spring" named לֶשַׁע points to the diverse and wondrous landscape fashioned by God. It is a testament to the intricate and powerful forces at work in creation, reflecting the Creator's wisdom and might.
* **Sovereignty Over Nations and Territories:** As a precise boundary marker within the table of nations ([[Genesis 10]]), לֶשַׁע implicitly affirms God's sovereign distribution of lands among the peoples of the earth (cf. [[Deuteronomy 32:8]], [[Acts 17:26]]). It underscores the biblical worldview that national borders are not merely human constructs but are ultimately within the purview of divine decree.
* **Context of Judgment and Witness:** Its proximity to the cities of the plain, which faced divine judgment, positions לֶשַׁע as a silent geographical witness to the consequences of human wickedness. While not a place of judgment itself, it defines the extent of the region within which God's justice was profoundly demonstrated. This geographical detail contributes to the historical grounding of the narrative of divine retribution.
* **Accuracy of Scripture:** The inclusion of such a specific, albeit obscure, geographical detail like לֶשַׁע reinforces the meticulous and reliable nature of the biblical text, even in its historical and geographical records.
### Summary
לֶשַׁע (Leshaʻ, `{{H3962}}`) is a Hebrew place name, likely referring to a "boiling spring," derived from an unused root meaning "to break through." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Genesis 10:19]] establishes it as the easternmost boundary of the Canaanite territory, situated near the infamous cities of the plain (Sodom, Gomorrah, etc.) and probably east of the Jordan River. While its direct theological import is limited due to its nature as a geographical marker, לֶשַׁע indirectly contributes to the biblical understanding of God's sovereign ordering of creation, His establishment of national boundaries, and serves as a geographical reference point within the broader narrative of divine judgment and historical accuracy of the sacred text.
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