לָטַשׁ (la.tash)
la.tash
to sharpen
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb latash means to sharpen, whet, or hammer something into a keen edge. It appears in only three verses, yet it carries significant weight in those contexts. In Genesis 4:22, Tubal-cain is described as a "hammerer" of bronze and iron, highlighting the ancient craft of metalworking where raw material is beaten into shape.
The word also describes the physical preparation of weapons. In 1 Samuel 17:7, Goliath’s spear shaft is likened to a weaver’s beam, but its iron point was sharpened (latash), emphasizing the lethal readiness of his weapon. This concrete imagery underscores the seriousness of conflict in these narratives.
While rare, latash connects the physical act of forging with the potential for violence or protection. Translators typically render it as "sharpen" or "hammer," preserving the sense of deliberate effort required to create a functional edge. The word reminds readers that tools and weapons are not passive objects but results of human labor and intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word latash describes the deliberate effort required to make something useful or dangerous. In ancient times, metal was not just found; it was worked, beaten, and sharpened by human hands. This physical process reminds us that our tools and talents are not passive. They require intention and care to become effective for their purpose.
When we consider our own lives, this image invites reflection on how we prepare our hearts and minds. Just as a blacksmith shapes iron, we shape our character through daily choices. The effort we put into learning, serving, and growing has real weight. It turns raw potential into something that can cut through confusion or help those in need.
Whether we are refining our skills for work or sharpening our understanding of Scripture, the process matters. We are called to be diligent, not out of anxiety, but with a steady hand. May your efforts today lead to tools that bring order and peace to your world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ sharpen1×
- he sharpens1×
- a sharpener of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לֹטֵ֕שׁ1×
- לִ֠/לְטוֹשׁ1×
- יִלְט֖וֹשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:22
Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron. Tubal Cain’s sister was Naamah.
This verse highlights Tubal Cain as the forger of cutting instruments, showing how latash connects human creativity with the transformation of raw materials into functional tools.
-
I Samuel 13:20
but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, each man to sharpen his own plowshare, mattock, ax, and sickle.
Here the verb describes Israelites seeking to sharpen agricultural implements, illustrating how this preparation was essential for daily survival and economic stability before battle.
-
Job 16:9
He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
In this poetic context, God is described as sharpening His eyes on Job, using the physical act of whetting to convey intense, focused attention that feels like persecution.