לֹעַ (lo.a)
lo.a
throat
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun lo‘a refers specifically to the throat, focusing on the physical organ rather than the abstract concept of life or breath. With only a single occurrence in the canonical Scriptures, its meaning is anchored entirely by its context in Proverbs 23:2. Here, it denotes the anatomical passage through which food and drink enter the body.
This usage highlights the visceral nature of biblical wisdom literature. The text warns against pressing oneself to eat excessive amounts of rich food, using the throat as the immediate point of vulnerability. The imagery is concrete: one must guard the entrance to the body against gluttony, treating the lo‘a not as a metaphor for desire itself, but as the physical channel that can be overwhelmed by excess.
Because it appears so rarely, lo‘a does not carry a broad theological range like words such as nephesh (soul) or ruach (spirit). Instead, it serves as a precise anatomical term within its specific proverbial warning. Translators consistently render it as "throat" to preserve this literal, bodily focus, ensuring the reader understands the physical discipline required in matters of appetite.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lo‘a appears just once in Scripture, pointing directly to the physical throat. In Proverbs 23:2, it serves as a stark warning against gluttony. The text suggests putting a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. This vivid image reminds us that our bodies have specific limits and needs.
Understanding this term helps us see wisdom literature as practical rather than abstract. It invites reflection on how we manage our desires. By acknowledging the physical reality of our appetites, we can approach self-control with honesty. This awareness allows for a healthier relationship with food and pleasure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ throat/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/לֹעֶ֑/ךָ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 23:2
put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical act of restraining oneself from overeating, highlighting the need for immediate discipline.