לִשָּׁן (lish.shan)

lish.shan

tongue

H3961 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

A:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun lishshān primarily denotes the physical tongue, yet it is most frequently employed in Scripture to mean "language" or "speech." This dual usage reflects a natural metonymy where the organ of speech stands for the capacity to communicate. In the Old Testament, it serves as the standard term for distinct linguistic groups, distinguishing one people’s mode of expression from another’s.

This word appears in five verses, with a notable concentration in the book of Daniel. There, it functions as a technical term for the imperial languages of the Babylonian and Persian empires, such as Aramaic and Hebrew. The sources indicate that lishshān can also figuratively refer to "people" themselves, emphasizing their shared linguistic identity rather than their physical bodies or political borders.

The theological weight of this word lies in its connection to human community and divine revelation. By identifying languages by name, the text highlights both the diversity of human culture and the specific historical contexts in which God’s messages were delivered. It reminds readers that scripture was given in real, spoken tongues, accessible to specific audiences within their own linguistic frameworks.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word lishshān points to the physical tongue but stretches to cover language itself. In Daniel, it names the specific tongues of empires—Aramaic and Hebrew—where God’s people lived under foreign rule. This reminds us that Scripture was not written in abstract concepts but in real words spoken by real people.

When Nebuchadnezzar commanded all languages to worship his image, he tried to force uniformity through fear. Yet the faithful three stood firm, showing that true loyalty belongs to God alone, regardless of what language we speak or who holds political power.

Your voice matters in this world. Whether you are praying in a minority tongue or speaking truth in a dominant culture, God hears and values your specific expression. He uses diverse languages to reveal His glory and call His people into faithful witness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ languages/ the3×
and/ language1×
and/ <the>/ languages1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/לִשָּׁנַיָּֽ/א\׃1×
וְ/לִשָּׁנַיָּ֗/א1×
וְ/לִשָּׁנַיָּ֖/א1×
וְ/לִשָּׁ֣נַיָּ֔/א1×
וְ/לִשָּׁ֗ן1×

Key Verses

Daniel 3:4
Then the herald cried aloud, “To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages,

This verse lists 'languages' alongside peoples and nations, showing that linguistic identity was a key marker of group belonging in the ancient world.
Daniel 3:7
Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.

Here lishshān highlights the universal scope of Nebuchadnezzar’s demand, forcing every distinct speech community to bow to a single idol.
Daniel 3:29
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.”

The king’s decree protects the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by threatening those in any language who speak against Him, affirming divine sovereignty over all tongues.
Daniel 7:14
Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be destroyed.

In this vision of the Son of Man, 'languages' serve Him eternally, contrasting earthly empires with God’s everlasting kingdom that includes all peoples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does lishshān mean in the Bible?

Lishshān literally means 'tongue' but is most often used to mean 'language' or 'speech.' In Daniel, it specifically identifies the imperial languages like Aramaic and Hebrew, showing how God’s word reached people in their own linguistic context.

Why does Daniel mention 'peoples, nations, and languages' together?

This triad emphasizes total inclusion. By listing language separately from nation or people, the text acknowledges that linguistic identity was a distinct and important part of ancient social structure, even under foreign rule.

How is lishshān different from other words for speech?

While other Hebrew words focus on the act of speaking or the sound of voice, lishshān highlights the system of communication itself. It points to the shared code that binds a community together through common language.

Where does this word appear most often?

All five occurrences are in the book of Daniel. This concentration reflects the book’s focus on God’s sovereignty over empires and His faithfulness to people living in diverse linguistic and cultural settings.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 5 verses

Daniel 3:4

Then the herald cried aloud, “To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages,

Daniel 3:7

Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all…

Daniel 3:29

Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of…

Daniel 5:19

Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He…

Daniel 7:14

Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His…