from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a measure for things dry; half homer. m
Transliteration:lethek
Pronunciation:leh'-thek
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun לֶתֶךְ (lethek, `{{H3963}}`) is a technical term referring to a specific dry measure. Its base definition indicates it derives "from an unused root of uncertain meaning," suggesting its etymology is obscure and its meaning is primarily determined by its function within the ancient Israelite system of weights and measures. The core meaning is unequivocally "a measure for things dry," specifically defined as "half homer." This precise quantification places it within the realm of commercial and agricultural transactions, signifying a fixed volume of grain or other dry goods. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, confined to its metrological function.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *lethek* (לֶתֶךְ, `{{H3963}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Hosea.
* [[Hosea 3:2]]: "So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer of barley and a lethek of barley."
In this singular occurrence, *lethek* is found in the context of Hosea's commanded act of buying back his unfaithful wife, Gomer. This act serves as a vivid prophetic allegory for Yahweh's enduring love and redemptive pursuit of unfaithful Israel. The verse specifies the "price" paid: "fifteen shekels of silver and a homer of barley and a *lethek* of barley." The pairing of *lethek* with a "homer of barley" directly confirms its definition as half a homer, as the two measures combine to form one and a half homers of barley. This concrete detail underscores the tangible nature of the transaction, highlighting that the "purchase" involves specific, measurable quantities of both precious metal and staple food. The inclusion of *lethek* ensures a precise and complete accounting of the payment, emphasizing the reality of the symbolic act.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of *lethek* is greatly enhanced by its relationship to other biblical terms for measures and related concepts:
* **Homer (חֹמֶר, `{{H2549}}`):** This is the most direct and crucial related term, as *lethek* is explicitly defined as half a homer. The homer was a significant dry measure, equivalent to ten ephahs, often used for large quantities of grain. Understanding the homer's volume (approximately 220 liters or 6 bushels) helps to grasp the magnitude of the *lethek* (approximately 110 liters or 3 bushels).
* **Ephah (אֵיפָה, `{{H374}}`):** A common dry measure, one-tenth of a homer. While not directly linked by definition to *lethek*, it is part of the same system of volumetric measures, providing context for the ancient Israelite economy.
* **Shekel (שֶׁקֶל, `{{H8255}}`):** Mentioned alongside *lethek* in [[Hosea 3:2]], the shekel was a unit of weight, typically for silver. Its presence alongside measures of barley highlights the dual nature of ancient transactions involving both metallic currency and commodity goods.
* **Biblical Measures (general):** *Lethek* belongs to a broader category of biblical weights and measures (e.g., *seah*, *omer*, *kab*), which provide insight into the daily life, economic practices, and legal standards of ancient Israel.
* **Redemption/Purchase:** The context in Hosea links this precise measurement to the act of "buying" or redeeming. This connects *lethek* to the profound theological concept of redemption, where something of value is given to secure freedom or restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *lethek* (לֶתֶךְ, `{{H3963}}`) is derived almost entirely from its singular, pivotal appearance in [[Hosea 3:2]].
* **Symbol of Divine Redemption:** The primary theological weight of *lethek* lies in its role as a component of the "price" Hosea pays to reclaim his unfaithful wife. This act is a powerful prophetic parable of Yahweh's steadfast love for covenant-breaking Israel. The specific, measured quantities of barley, including the *lethek*, underscore that God's redemptive work, while an act of profound grace, involves a tangible "cost" and a precise, deliberate transaction. It prefigures the ultimate cost of redemption in Christ's sacrifice.
* **Precision in God's Dealings:** The inclusion of such a specific, perhaps even obscure, unit of measure like the *lethek* within a divine command suggests that God's dealings with humanity, even in symbolic acts, are characterized by precision and intentionality. There is nothing arbitrary in God's plan for restoration.
* **The Cost of Unfaithfulness and Restoration:** The payment, including the *lethek* of barley, highlights that while God's love is free, the restoration of a broken covenant relationship (from the human perspective) involves an acknowledgment of the value and cost associated with sin and reconciliation. The quantity, though not exorbitant, represents a genuine commitment.
* **God's Enduring Love and Faithfulness:** The very act of God commanding Hosea to pay this specific amount, including the *lethek*, for an unfaithful spouse, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and persistent love for His people, even when they are undeserving.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *lethek* (לֶתֶךְ, `{{H3963}}`) is a rare noun denoting a precise dry measure, equivalent to half of a homer. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Hosea 3:2]], where it forms part of the payment Hosea makes to "buy" his unfaithful wife, Gomer. This metrological detail is intrinsically linked to the *homer* (`{{H2549}}`) and other ancient units of measure, providing a glimpse into the economic realities of biblical times. Theologically, *lethek*'s significance is profound due to its context within Hosea's prophetic allegory. It serves as a tangible component in the symbolic act of divine redemption, illustrating God's precise, costly, and unwavering love for His covenant people, even in their unfaithfulness. The inclusion of this specific measure underscores the measured yet complete nature of God's restorative grace and the seriousness of the divine covenant.
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