לָט (lat)
lat
secrecy
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun lat refers to hiddenness or secrecy, often carrying a specific connotation of mystery or even enchantment. In the biblical text, it appears in contexts where something is concealed from view or understanding. This word is rare, occurring only three times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative sections such as Ruth and Samuel.
A key distinction lies in its association with "enchantment" or magical secrets. When used in this sense, lat points to hidden knowledge that is not merely private but potentially manipulative or occult. This usage suggests that what is kept secret here is not just personal privacy, but a form of power or influence that operates outside of open, honest community life.
The term’s limited occurrence highlights its specialized nature. It does not describe ordinary discretion but rather a veil drawn over actions or words that are meant to be mysterious or controlling. Translators often render it as "secretly" or "mystery," depending on whether the context emphasizes the act of hiding or the nature of the hidden thing itself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lat points to a hiddenness that feels less like private prayer and more like a veil drawn over actions meant to control or deceive. In the ancient world, secrecy was sometimes tied to occult practices or manipulative power, keeping people in the dark so others could hold influence. This stands in sharp contrast to the light of God’s truth, which invites transparency rather than concealment.
In Ruth 3:7, we see a different kind of quietness—Boaz rests while Ruth approaches with humble intent, not to manipulate but to seek provision within the bounds of covenant loyalty. The biblical narrative often contrasts such honest humility with the hidden agendas found in places like Exodus 7:22, where enchantments harden hearts against God’s clear word.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God values openness. While some secrets protect privacy, others can breed distrust or spiritual confusion. Walking in the light allows community to flourish, free from the weight of hidden motives or magical thinking that seeks power apart from divine grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in <the>/ secrecy2×
- by/ enchantments/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/לָּט֙1×
- בְּ/לָטֵי/הֶ֑ם1×
- בַ/לָּ֔ט1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 7:22
The magicians of Egypt did the same thing with their enchantments. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.
This verse highlights lat as an occult practice used by magicians to oppose God, showing how secrecy can be weaponized for manipulation rather than protection.
-
Ruth 3:7
When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. She came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.
Here the word describes Ruth’s quiet, unobtrusive approach to Boaz, illustrating a humility that seeks provision without deception or hidden agenda.
-
I Samuel 18:22
Saul commanded his servants, “Talk with David secretly, and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore be the king’s son-in-law.’”
Saul uses this term for his servants’ covert communication with David, revealing how secrecy can serve political intrigue and distrust rather than truth.