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לוּט (lut)

lut

to wrap

H3874 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

H:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb lut means to wrap something closely or tightly. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Isaiah. The word describes a physical act of enwrapping or enveloping an object or person within layers of fabric.

In its primary usage, the term conveys the idea of covering with garments. For instance, it describes how nations are wrapped up like a garment (Isaiah 50:9). This imagery suggests something being concealed or held securely by surrounding material. The sources note that this physical wrapping can also carry a figurative sense, relating to covering as a sign of mourning.

The word has two main forms in Scripture: the Qal stem, which indicates the state of being wrapped tightly, and the Hiphil stem, which describes the active act of enveloping or wrapping. Both forms emphasize the completeness of the covering action. This lexical data highlights how physical actions in biblical language often carry deeper symbolic weight regarding concealment or protection.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word lut describes the physical act of wrapping something tightly in fabric. In Scripture, this simple gesture often carries deep emotional weight. When Elijah wrapped his face in his mantle, he was not just covering himself; he was shielding his eyes from the overwhelming presence of God. This act shows us that sometimes we need to pause and protect our hearts when facing the divine or the unknown.

We see this same imagery in Isaiah, where God promises to remove the veil that covers all nations. Here, wrapping is not about hiding forever, but about a temporary covering that will eventually be lifted. It reminds us that even when we feel concealed by sorrow or confusion, there is a promise of clarity and revelation ahead. This word invites us to trust that our moments of concealment are part of a larger story.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • which/ covers1×
  • and/ he wrapped1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וַ/יָּ֤לֶט1×
  • הַ/לּ֖וֹט1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 25:7
    He will destroy in this mountain the surface of the covering that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations.

    Here the word describes a universal veil over nations that God promises to destroy, shifting the meaning from protection to eventual revelation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word lut mean?

The verb lut means to wrap or envelop something closely in fabric. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, describing physical acts of covering that often carry symbolic meaning.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It is found in 1 Kings 19:13, where Elijah wraps his face in his mantle, and in Isaiah 25:7, which speaks of a veil covering all nations. Both instances highlight the significance of being covered or concealed.

How is this word used symbolically?

While it describes physical wrapping, the term often signifies protection, mourning, or concealment. In Isaiah, the 'veil' represents a barrier that God will eventually remove, suggesting a transition from hiddenness to clarity.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 2 books)