לַ֫הַג (la.hag)
la.hag
study
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun la.hag refers to a deep, sustained engagement with written texts. It describes not merely casual reading, but an intense devotion to study and learning. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, located in Ecclesiastes 12:12.
In that context, the author warns against the endless production of books. He notes that making many volumes is exhausting, and excessive la.hag can weigh down the body. The term captures a scholarly intensity that, while valuable, must be balanced with physical well-being. It reflects a culture where wisdom was preserved through careful, repetitive study of sacred writings.
Translators often render this word as "study" or "devotion to study." Its rarity in Scripture highlights the specific weight given to textual engagement in late biblical thought. The word reminds readers that intellectual pursuit is a distinct form of labor, one that requires both mental focus and physical endurance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lahag describes a deep, sustained engagement with written texts. It goes beyond casual reading to capture an intense devotion to learning and understanding. In Ecclesiastes, this term highlights the scholarly intensity required to preserve wisdom through careful study of sacred writings.
This rare Hebrew noun reminds us that intellectual pursuit is a distinct form of labor. It requires both mental focus and physical endurance. The author warns that while study is valuable, excessive effort can weigh down the body. This balance invites us to approach learning with care for our whole selves.
When you engage with Scripture or meaningful texts, remember that rest is part of the process. Your well-being matters as much as your understanding. May your studies bring clarity and peace without exhausting your spirit or body.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ study1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/לַ֥הַג1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 12:12
Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
This verse uses the word to warn that excessive scholarly effort can become physically exhausting, highlighting the need for balance in intellectual pursuits.