לָפַת (la.phat)
la.phat
to twist
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb lafat describes a physical action involving a twisting or grasping motion. It appears in three Old Testament passages, most notably when Samson seizes the two central pillars of the Philistine temple (Judges 16:29). The word captures the specific mechanics of holding on tight by turning or wrenching the body, rather than simply gripping with static force.
In its other occurrences, the term highlights sudden movement. In Job 38:13, it describes light twisting away from the ends of the earth, while Judges 20:16 uses it for men twisting their bodies to sling stones with precision. The Niphal stem emphasizes this winding or weaving quality, suggesting a dynamic, spiraling energy.
Translators often render lafat as "grasp" or "twist," depending on the context. This distinction matters because the word implies that strength comes from leverage and movement. Samson’s act was not just holding; it was a violent turning of the structure to bring it down, making the physical description central to the narrative’s impact.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for twisting often reminds us that strength is not always about holding still. In Judges, Samson uses a dynamic, wrenching motion to bring down a temple. This shows that God can use sudden, decisive actions to change situations that seem immovable. We do not need to force outcomes with our own rigid efforts.
Instead, we can trust in the One who guides even the turning of light and the paths of travelers. When life feels chaotic or when we feel pulled in different directions, remember that God is sovereign over the movement. He holds the ends of the earth and directs our steps with purpose.
Your faith does not require you to have perfect control. It invites you to rely on His strength when your own resources run out. In moments of uncertainty, rest in the knowledge that He is weaving a story greater than your immediate struggles. Peace comes from surrendering the need to manage every twist and turn.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they twist1×
- and/ he twisted1×
- and/ he grasped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִ֭לָּ֣פְתוּ1×
- וַ/יִּלָּפֵ֑ת1×
- וַ/יִּלְפֹּ֨ת1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 16:29
Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested and leaned on them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left.
This verse captures the physical leverage Samson uses, showing how a twisting motion can dismantle an enemy's stronghold.
-
Job 6:18
The caravans that travel beside them turn away. They go up into the waste, and perish.
Here the word describes caravans turning away from their course, illustrating how pressure can cause people to abandon their path.
-
Ruth 3:8
At midnight, the man was startled and turned himself; and behold, a woman lay at his feet.
The term highlights a sudden physical reaction to surprise, emphasizing the immediacy of human response in unexpected moments.