Lexical Summary Lechi: Lehi Original Word: לֶחִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lehi A form of lchiy; Lechi, a place in Palestine -- Lehi. Compare also Ramath Lechiy. see HEBREW lchiy see HEBREW Ramath Lechiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as lechi Definition a place probably in Judah NASB Translation Lehi (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. לְחִי proper name, of a location scene of an exploit of Samson; — ׳ל Judges 15:19 (twice in verse) (ᵐ5 Σιαγων), לֶ֔חִי Judges 15:14; with article בַּלֶּחי Judges 15:9 (ᵐ5 Λευει, ᵐ5L Λεχει), compare רָ֫מַת לֶ֑חִי Judges 15:17 = height of Lehi (explanation as from לְחִי jawbone, compare GFM, ᵐ5 Ἀναίρεσις σιαγόνος also 2 Samuel 23:11, where read לֶחְיָה to Lehi, for לַחַיָּה, see II. חַיָּה, p. 2Sam 31:2above; (ᵐ5 θηρία; ᵐ5L σιαγόνα). It must have lain in the Shephelah, near the border of the hill-country of Judah (BuhlGeogr. 91); site unknown; conjectures are cited and criticized by GFMJudg 15, 19 q. see לחח (√ of following; compare Ethiopic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Naming Lehi, literally “jawbone,” became the standing name of a locale in Judah where the LORD delivered Samson from the Philistines by means of a fresh donkey’s jawbone (the object is designated by a sister word in verses 15–17). The place probably received the name after Samson’s exploit, commemorated further by the variant Ramath-Lehi, “Height of the Jawbone” (Judges 15:17). Biblical Occurrences 1. Judges 15:9 – The Philistines “went up and camped in Judah and spread out in Lehi.” Historical Context Lehi’s narrative sits within the larger cycle of judges, during Israel’s uneasy coexistence with neighboring peoples after the conquest. Samson’s solitary fight at Lehi reflects both Israel’s weakness under partial obedience and God’s readiness to act through a Spirit-empowered deliverer. The Philistines, emerging as a principal threat along the coastal plain, had pressed inland to intimidate Judah. That Judah allowed itself to be used to bind Samson (Judges 15:11-13) exposes spiritual compromise, but at Lehi the LORD intervened dramatically, asserting His covenant faithfulness despite Israel’s faltering courage. Geographical Setting and Archaeological Note Although the exact location is uncertain, Lehi is generally sought in the Shephelah—the lowland hills between the Philistine plain and the Judean highlands. Proposals include ʿAin Hanniyeh near Beth-shemesh or sites near modern Tel Lachish. The nearby naming of En-hakkore (“Spring of the Caller”) suggests a ridge or rocky spur with a cavity capable of gushing water after divine intervention. No definitive excavation has confirmed the site, but the geography of rolling limestone hills and karstic formations readily accommodates the narrative detail of water bursting from a split hollow. Theological Themes 1. Divine Empowerment: The Spirit of the LORD “rushed upon” Samson at Lehi (Judges 15:14), foreshadowing later Spirit-empowerments in redemptive history (for example, Acts 2). Lessons for Ministry • Spiritual leadership may arise outside institutional structures. Samson’s isolated stand at Lehi proves that God is not limited by popular support when He chooses a vessel. Related Passages and Echoes • Judges 15:15-17 – Samson’s use of the jawbone (different Strong’s number) forms the backdrop for naming Lehi. Summary Lehi stands as a tangible reminder that God can transform unlikely objects, vulnerable servants, and obscure places into platforms for His glory. The “jawbone” that named the site speaks of unconventional means; the spring that burst from rock proclaims unfailing provision; and the narrative anchored at Lehi urges every generation to trust the LORD who still rescues, refreshes, and renames for His purposes. Forms and Transliterations בַּלֶּ֔חִי בַּלֶּֽחִי׃ בלחי בלחי׃ לֶ֔חִי לחי bal·le·ḥî balLechi balleḥî le·ḥî Lechi leḥîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 15:9 HEB: בִּיהוּדָ֑ה וַיִּנָּטְשׁ֖וּ בַּלֶּֽחִי׃ NAS: in Judah, and spread out in Lehi. KJV: and spread themselves in Lehi. INT: Judah and spread Lehi Judges 15:14 Judges 15:19 3 Occurrences |
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. II. I. moisten, cool; 
be moistened DiLex. 30; Late Hebrew לִחְלַח Pilpal moisten thoroughly, Aramaic לַחְלַח id., Late Hebrew לַח moist, fresh; לֵיחָה moisture, freshness, etc.)