לָעַט

לָעַט

to swallow greedily; causatively, to feed

Definition

The Hebrew verb לָעַט (lâʻaṭ) means 'to swallow greedily' or 'to gulp down.' In its causative form (Hiphil), it means 'to feed' or 'to cause to eat greedily.' Its single biblical occurrence in Genesis 25:30 uses this causative sense, where Esau demands Jacob to 'feed' him with the red stew. The word vividly conveys not just eating, but a hurried, desperate consumption driven by intense hunger or desire.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 25:30. It appears in the narrative of Esau selling his birthright. The context is one of immediate physical craving, where Esau, exhausted from the field, asks Jacob to 'feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage.' The usage highlights a moment of impulsive action, emphasizing Esau's prioritization of temporary physical satisfaction over a lasting spiritual inheritance.

Etymology

לָעַט is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to the physical act of swallowing. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, support meanings of 'swallowing' or 'devouring.' The development from the basic sense of 'to swallow' to the causative 'to feed' is a standard grammatical feature in Hebrew, showing how one action can be instigated in another.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it captures the pivotal moment in the story of Esau despising his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). The choice of this verb, implying a rushed, almost animalistic consumption, underscores the nature of Esau's sin: he traded an eternal covenant blessing for immediate, fleeting gratification. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the contrast between spiritual discernment and fleshly impulse, a theme echoed in Hebrews 12:16-17. In the ancient Near East, the birthright was a weighty legal and spiritual inheritance, granting the firstborn son leadership of the family and a double portion of the estate. Esau's demand to be 'fed' (לָעַט) reflects a culture where sharing a meal could symbolize deeper agreements, but here it is tragically reduced to a transaction for mere sustenance. His actions would have been seen as a profound dishonor and a forfeiture of responsibility. אָכַל (ʼākal, H398) — the common, general verb 'to eat' or 'consume.' לָעַט implies a more desperate, hasty manner of eating. לָעַג (lāʻag, H3932) — 'to mock' or 'deride'; a different root but similar in form, showing how context is crucial for distinguishing Hebrew verbs.

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