לָשׁוֹן

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech)

Definition

The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (lashon) primarily refers to the physical tongue as an organ of the body, used for tasting, eating (Psalm 137:6), and speech (Exodus 4:10). Figuratively, it extends to mean 'language' or 'speech,' describing the distinct tongues of nations (Genesis 10:5) and the power of spoken words, whether for blessing or cursing (Proverbs 18:21). In a few specialized contexts, it denotes physical objects shaped like a tongue, such as a bay of water (Joshua 15:2, 15:5) or a flame (Isaiah 5:24), and even a wedge or ingot of gold (Joshua 7:21, 7:24).

Biblical Usage

לָשׁוֹן appears 115 times across most Old Testament genres. Its literal sense as the bodily organ is common in poetic and wisdom literature (e.g., Psalm 39:1). The figurative sense of 'language' is prominent in historical narratives describing the diversification of peoples (Genesis 10:5, 10:20, 10:31) and foreign invasions (Deuteronomy 28:49). The word is central to discussions about the power of speech in Proverbs and Psalms, often highlighting the moral weight of words. The unique usage for a 'wedge' of gold occurs only in the story of Achan (Joshua 7:21, 7:24).

Etymology

Derived from the root לָשַׁן (lashan, H3960), which means 'to use the tongue,' i.e., 'to slander' or 'to whisper.' This root connection highlights the inherent link between the physical organ and its primary action—speech. The noun can appear in the alternate form לָשֹׁן (lashon) and the plural feminine לְשֹׁנֹת (leshonot).

Semantic Range

לָשׁוֹן is theologically significant as it embodies the biblical theme of the power of words. Speech is not neutral; it has creative and destructive power, reflecting the human heart's condition (Proverbs 18:21). The concept of different 'tongues' or languages traces back to God's judgment at Babel (Genesis 11) and looks forward to the reversal at Pentecost (Acts 2). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the study of ethics in speech, the nature of confession, and God's sovereignty over human communication.

In ancient Israelite culture, the tongue was seen as the most powerful and potentially dangerous member of the body, capable of great good or evil. Controlling one's speech was a paramount virtue, closely tied to wisdom and righteousness. The metaphorical extension to geographical features (a 'tongue' of land or sea) reflects a common ancient Near Eastern descriptive practice based on shape.

פֶּה (peh, H6310) — 'mouth'; emphasizes the opening or instrument as a whole, often for eating or as the source of authoritative speech. דָּבָר (davar, H1697) — 'word, matter, thing'; focuses on the content or substance of speech rather than the physical organ. שָׂפָה (safah, H8193) — 'lip, edge, language'; often refers to the lip itself or, like lashon, can mean a language or shore.

Word Details

Scripture References