לְמוֹ (le.mo)
le.mo
upon
H:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Prep
Word Overview
The word lemo is a rare poetic variant of the common Hebrew preposition lamed, meaning "to," "for," or "upon." It appears only four times in the Bible, all within the book of Job. In these instances, it functions as an inseparable prefix attached to other words, serving its standard grammatical role of indicating direction, possession, or reference.
Its presence is a marker of elevated literary style. The authors of Job used lemo instead of the more common lamed to give their verses a distinct rhythm and archaic tone. This subtle shift distinguishes the poetic sections from the surrounding prose, helping readers recognize the heightened emotional intensity of the dialogue without changing the basic meaning of the words it modifies.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lemo appears in the book of Job as a poetic variation of the common preposition 'lamed.' It carries the sense of being upon or for something, often marking a shift toward elevated speech. In Job’s intense dialogues, this subtle linguistic choice heightens the emotional weight of the text.
When reading these passages, you are encountering language designed to reflect deep sorrow and questioning. The use of lemo signals that the speaker is moving beyond ordinary conversation into a realm of profound existential struggle. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, our words can carry significant depth and meaning before God.
This rare term invites us to pay attention to the nuances of Scripture. It shows how biblical authors used language creatively to express the full range of human experience, from joy to despair, all within the framework of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for3×
- to1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְמוֹ\־3×
- לְמ֣וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 27:14
If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. His offspring will not be satisfied with bread.
This verse uses lemo to indicate that the children are destined for tragedy, emphasizing the severity of the judgment described.
-
Job 29:21
“Men listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel.
Here lemo connects the act of waiting directly to Job’s counsel, highlighting his former role as a respected leader and advisor.
-
Job 38:40
when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?
God uses this poetic form to describe the lion lying in wait, adding a sense of ancient, wild intensity to the rhetorical question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word lemo mean?
Why does lemo appear only in the book of Job?
How is lemo different from the more common lamed?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Job 4 verses
If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. His offspring will not be satisfied with bread.
Job 29:21“Men listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel.
Job 38:40when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?
Job 40:4“Behold, I am of small account. What will I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.