לָחַךְ (la.chakh)
la.chakh
to lick
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb laḥak describes the physical act of licking or licking up, capturing a simple but vivid motion. In its basic form, it depicts an animal, such as an ox, consuming grass from the ground. This concrete imagery grounds the word in the everyday reality of ancient life, where observing livestock was a common part of daily existence.
The term carries significant weight when applied to people or natural forces. It appears in Micah 7:17, where nations are described as licking dust like snakes, a powerful image of total humiliation and defeat. In the wilderness narratives, it describes fire consuming water or produce, emphasizing a force that leaves nothing behind. The sources note this usage highlights a complete removal of what was once there.
Translators typically render laḥak as "lick" or "lick up," preserving the literal sense because the physical action is central to the meaning. Whether describing an animal feeding or a nation in shame, the word focuses on the contact between tongue and surface, making the abstract concept of defeat or consumption tangible and immediate.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word laḥak describes the simple, physical act of licking. In ancient life, this was a common sight, whether an ox grazing in a field or fire consuming every trace of water in a trench. The Bible uses this vivid imagery to describe moments of overwhelming power and total humility. It reminds us that no force can stand against God’s will, just as nothing remains when the fire has passed.
For believers, this word offers comfort in times of uncertainty. When enemies seem strong or circumstances feel hopeless, Scripture assures us that God is ultimately in control. The image of nations bowing down or dust being licked up shows that pride is temporary, but God’s justice and mercy endure forever. We can rest in the knowledge that He sees all things clearly.
This understanding invites us to trust in His sovereignty rather than our own strength. It encourages a posture of humility before Him, knowing that every knee will bow and every tongue confess. In seasons of waiting, we find peace in the promise that those who look to Him will not be disappointed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will lick up4×
- it licked up1×
- as/ licks up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְלַחֲכ֤וּ2×
- לִחֵֽכָה\׃1×
- כִּ/לְחֹ֣ךְ1×
- יְלַחֵֽכוּ\׃1×
- יְלַחֵ֑כוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:4
Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
This verse uses laḥak to describe a vast multitude consuming resources like an ox eats grass, highlighting the overwhelming scale of Israel's presence.
-
I Kings 18:38
Then Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust; and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
Here the word emphasizes God's total control over nature, as fire consumes not only the sacrifice but even the water in the trench, leaving nothing behind.
-
Micah 7:17
They will lick the dust like a serpent. Like crawling things of the earth, they will come trembling out of their dens. They will come with fear to Yahweh our God, and will be afraid because of you.
This passage employs the image of nations licking dust like serpents to depict their complete humiliation and fear before God's power.