לָהַה (la.hah)
la.hah
to languish; to amaze
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb laḥah carries two distinct meanings that appear only twice in Scripture. In Genesis 47:13, it describes the physical state of languishing or fainting, specifically depicting how the famine drained the strength and resources of Egypt and Canaan. Here, the word captures a slow, draining weakness rather than sudden collapse.
In Proverbs 26:18, a related form appears as a noun describing a "madman" or one who is startled into folly. This usage suggests a state of mental disorientation or being overwhelmed, contrasting sharply with the physical exhaustion in Genesis. The shift from bodily fainting to mental confusion highlights how overwhelming circumstances can destabilize both body and mind.
This rare word illustrates the biblical connection between external pressure and internal response. Whether facing economic collapse or social chaos, laḥah reminds readers that extreme conditions can lead to a loss of vitality or clarity. Its limited occurrence underscores the severity of the situations it describes, serving as a stark warning about the consequences of prolonged distress.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like it is slowly draining your strength, you are not alone in that experience. The Hebrew word laḥah appears in Genesis to describe a land fainting under the weight of severe famine. It paints a picture of exhaustion that comes not from a single blow, but from prolonged pressure. This reminds us that weariness is often a natural response to difficult seasons, not a sign of spiritual failure.
Similarly, Proverbs uses a related form to describe someone whose mind becomes disoriented by chaos. Extreme stress can cloud our judgment and leave us feeling unsteady. Recognizing this connection between external hardship and internal fatigue helps us treat ourselves with grace. We do not need to force clarity when our minds are overwhelmed; instead, we can seek rest and wisdom.
God sees the weight you carry. In times of fainting or confusion, His presence offers stability that circumstances cannot take away. You are held even when your strength is low.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ a madman1×
- and/ it languished1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּֽ֭/מִתְלַהְלֵהַּ1×
- וַ/תֵּ֜לַהּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 47:13
There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.
This verse uses the verb to depict the physical exhaustion of a land under famine, showing how prolonged hardship drains vitality.
-
Proverbs 26:18
Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,
Here a related noun describes a madman whose mind is disoriented by chaos, linking external pressure to internal confusion.