לֶ֫שֶׁם (le.shem)
le.shem
Leshem
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun leshem refers to a city located west of Mount Hermon, identified in Scripture as an alternate name for Laish and later known as Dan. Its occurrence is rare, appearing only once in the canonical text within the book of Joshua.
Lexical sources note that the term literally means "precious stone," which may reflect the city’s reputation or its significance as a fortified location. The variation between Leshem and Laish highlights how place names evolved during the Israelite conquest, with the settlement eventually becoming the northern tribal center of Dan.
This single reference anchors the geographical shift in the tribe of Naphtali’s inheritance, marking the transition from an independent Canaanite stronghold to a key Israelite city. The name’s connection to value or strength underscores its strategic importance in the distribution of the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The story of Leshem shows how places, and people, can be given new meaning. This city, originally called Laish, was taken by the tribe of Dan and renamed to honor their ancestor. It reminds us that God often rewrites our history, turning old boundaries into new beginnings. The land itself becomes a witness to His faithfulness.
For your life, this word suggests that your past does not define your future. Just as Leshem became Dan, God can take the familiar parts of your story and give them fresh purpose. You are part of a larger narrative where old struggles become foundations for new strength. Trust that He is writing a good ending.
When you feel stuck in an old pattern, remember this shift. God sees value where others see only ruins. He invites you to rest in the truth that He is making all things new, including your own story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Leshem1×
- <to>/ Leshem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לֶ֜שֶׁם1×
- לְ/לֶ֙שֶׁם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:47
The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and lived therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their forefather.
This verse records the specific moment the tribe of Dan renamed Leshem to Dan, marking a pivotal shift in their tribal inheritance and identity.