לָחַם (la.cham)
la.cham
to fight; to feed on
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 164 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb lacham carries two distinct meanings that appear throughout the Old Testament: to fight or wage war, and to eat or consume food. In its most common usage, it describes physical combat, appearing frequently in narratives about the conquest of Canaan and the struggles of Israel’s judges. The word captures the active, often violent nature of battle rather than a formal declaration of state policy.
Less commonly, lacham means to eat or use something as food. This sense is rarer but significant, linking the act of consumption with sustenance. While the sources do not explicitly detail an etymological link between fighting and eating, the dual meaning reflects how ancient languages often connected survival through combat with survival through nourishment.
Translators usually render lacham as "fight" in contexts like the battles of Joshua or Samuel, but switch to "eat" when describing dietary practices. This duality reminds readers that in the biblical world, securing food and defending life were closely tied concerns, both requiring effort and struggle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lacham appears in two very different contexts in Scripture: physical combat and eating food. This dual meaning reflects an ancient reality where survival depended on both defending life and securing sustenance. When we read about battles, we see the intensity of struggle; when we read about eating, we see the necessity of nourishment. Both actions require effort and reliance on God for provision.
In Exodus 14:14, Moses tells the Israelites to stand still because Yahweh will fight for them. This promise offers deep comfort during times of personal conflict or anxiety. You do not have to carry every burden alone. God’s presence brings peace even when circumstances seem chaotic. Trusting in His strength allows us to rest rather than strive.
Similarly, the connection between fighting and eating reminds us that spiritual growth requires both defense against harm and feeding on truth. Just as the body needs food, our souls need Scripture. By focusing on God’s Word and relying on His protection, we find strength for daily life. This balance helps us navigate challenges with confidence and gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 164 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ fight21×
- and/ he fought12×
- and/ they fought10×
- to/ do battle9×
- they fought6×
- to/ wage war5×
- he waged war5×
- and/ they will fight5×
- and/ he engaged in battle5×
- to/ engage in battle4×
- fighting4×
- [are] fighting4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם10×
- וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם10×
- וַ/יִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּ7×
- לְ/הִלָּחֵ֣ם6×
- נִלְחָ֖ם5×
- לְ/הִלָּחֵ֥ם5×
- וַ/יִּלָּ֣חֶם5×
- נִלְחָמִ֣ים4×
- לְ/הִלָּחֵם֙4×
- לְ/הִלָּחֵ֑ם3×
- לְ/הִלָּ֥חֶם3×
- לְ/הִלָּ֣חֶם3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:14
Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.”
This verse highlights God’s direct intervention in battle, assuring the Israelites that they do not need to fight on their own.
-
Exodus 17:9
Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God’s rod in my hand.”
Moses instructs Joshua to lead the physical fight while he prays, showing the partnership between human action and divine reliance.
-
Deuteronomy 20:4
for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
This promise emphasizes that God goes with His people into conflict to secure their victory and safety.
-
Joshua 10:14
There was no day like that before it or after it, that Yahweh listened to the voice of a man; for Yahweh fought for Israel.
The text notes a unique day when God listened to a man’s voice and fought for Israel, demonstrating His power over nature and enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lacham mean in the Bible?
Why does one word mean both fighting and eating?
How is lacham used in Exodus 14:14?
Where else does lacham appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (164 verses across 17 books)
Exodus 6 verses
Come, let’s deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join…
Exodus 14:14Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.”
Exodus 14:25He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, “Let’s flee from the face of…
Exodus 17:8Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Exodus 17:9Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out to fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill…
Exodus 17:10So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.