לָהַם (la.ham)

The Hebrew verb laham describes the act of swallowing with great eagerness or greed. It is not a neutral term for eating, but rather conveys a sense of devouring something quickly and hungrily, as if unable to wait. This vivid imagery captures an intense desire that overrides restraint.

Because this word appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances are found in Proverbs, where it serves as a sharp metaphor for human behavior. In Proverbs 30:15-16, the leech’s two daughters are described as having voices that cry "Give, give," symbolizing an insatiable appetite that never says enough. Similarly, Proverbs 30:16 lists "the grave" and "the barren womb" among things that never say "Enough," using laham to illustrate how certain forces consume without ever being satisfied.

The rarity of this word highlights its specific force. While other verbs exist for general eating or drinking, laham focuses on the voracious nature of the consumption. It reminds readers that some desires, like those represented by the leech or death itself, are fundamentally unquenchable, serving as a warning against greed and endless want.