/ל (l)
l
to/for
PrefixQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- Prefix
Word Overview
The prefix lamed is a fundamental preposition in Biblical Hebrew, primarily meaning "to," "for," or "unto." It serves as a directional marker that indicates movement toward a target or purpose. In many contexts, it introduces the indirect object of a verb, showing who receives an action or for whom something is done.
Its usage is widespread across the Old Testament, appearing in 23 verses with notable frequency in Daniel, II Kings, and Ezra. The prefix helps clarify relationships between words, specifying direction, benefit, or purpose. For example, it often connects a verb to its recipient, such as when a command is given "to" someone or an offering is brought "for" a specific reason.
As the twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, lamed also functions numerically in later Hebrew texts, representing the number thirty. However, its primary role remains grammatical rather than numerical. Translators typically render it as "to," "for," or "unto," depending on the surrounding context and the specific nuance required by the sentence structure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew prefix lamed is a small but powerful tool for understanding how God relates to us. It usually means "to" or "for," showing direction or purpose. When you read that God gives something to someone, it highlights a personal connection. This simple word reminds us that our prayers are directed toward Him and His blessings are intended for us.
In the Old Testament, this prefix often marks who receives an action. For example, Daniel sought an interpretation for the king, showing how wisdom serves others. We see similar patterns in Ezra, where God’s law is given to His people to guide their lives. These connections show that God is not distant; He actively engages with individuals and communities.
Reflecting on this helps us see our own lives in a new light. Every prayer we offer goes to a listening God. Every gift we receive comes from His hand. This awareness brings comfort, knowing that our relationship with the Creator is built on clear, intentional communication and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- as/ to16×
- of/ Azariah4×
- and/ to <the>/ him1×
- and/ by <the>/ him1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ him1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּ/ל\־16×
- לַ/עֲזַרְיָ֖ה3×
- לַ/עֲזַרְיָ֖הוּ1×
- וְ/ל֥/וֹ1×
- וְ/ל֣/וֹ1×
- וְ/ל/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 2:3
“Don’t keep talking so exceedingly proudly. Don’t let arrogance come out of your mouth, for Yahweh is a God of knowledge. By him actions are weighed.
The prefix introduces the source of knowledge, emphasizing that God Himself weighs our actions.
-
Ezra 7:14
Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,
It marks the recipients of the king's mission, showing how God uses earthly authority to guide His people.
-
Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said this to him: “Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon. Bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.”
It identifies the person Daniel approaches, highlighting the human channel through which divine wisdom is shared.
-
Daniel 5:12
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
It connects the king's request to Daniel, illustrating how God provides understanding for specific needs.