לָחַךְ

לָחַךְ

to lick

Definition

The Hebrew verb לָחַךְ (lâchak) means 'to lick' or 'to lick up.' It describes the physical action of an animal or person using the tongue to consume something, such as water or food, or to clean a surface. In a figurative sense, it can denote total consumption or subjugation, as seen when fire 'licks up' water (1 Kings 18:38) or enemies are depicted as licking the dust in submission (Micah 7:17). The word is also used to portray the act of animals licking a person, as in the prophetic sign of dogs licking the blood of King Ahab (implied from 1 Kings 21:19, related to the same root action).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears five times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It is used literally for animals licking or consuming: in Numbers 22:4, the Moabites fear Israel will 'lick up' all the land like an ox. It appears in miraculous contexts, as when God's fire licks up the water and sacrifice on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). Poetically, it describes subservience: enemies 'lick the dust' (Psalm 72:9, Micah 7:17) and kings will 'lick the dust' of the faithful's feet (Isaiah 49:23), symbolizing total defeat and homage.

Etymology

לָחַךְ is a primitive root verb in Hebrew. It is cognate with other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian 'laḫāḫu,' also meaning 'to lick.' The root conveys the basic action of the tongue and, by extension, the idea of consumption or touching with the tongue. Its meaning remained consistent in biblical usage without significant derivation into other forms.

Semantic Range

This word carries theological weight in depicting God's power and the reversal of worldly authority. The image of fire 'licking up' the water on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38) dramatically demonstrates God's supremacy over Baal. Conversely, prophecies of enemies 'licking the dust' (Micah 7:17, Psalm 72:9) or kings showing submission (Isaiah 49:23) illustrate God's ultimate sovereignty in humbling the proud and establishing justice. Understanding this vivid physical action enriches the reader's grasp of these powerful metaphors for divine judgment and redemption. In the ancient Near East, licking was associated with animals consuming food or water, and the image of 'licking dust' was a common metaphor for utter defeat and degradation, as dust was the lowest substance. The act of a superior allowing someone to lick their feet or the dust at their feet was a potent cultural symbol of total subjugation and servitude, making these biblical prophecies powerfully evocative to the original audience. לָקַק (lâqaq, H3952) — also means 'to lick,' used interchangeably in some contexts (e.g., Judges 7:5).

Word Details