Lexical Summary lachash: charmers, whisper, whispering Original Word: לָחַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance charmer, whisper together A primitive root; to whisper; by implication, to mumble a spell (as a magician) -- charmer, whisper (together). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to whisper, charm NASB Translation charmers (1), whisper (1), whispering (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [לָחַשׁ] verb whisper, charm (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic לְחַשׁ  ; Ethiopic  ; whisper, see RSJPh xiv. 1885, 122, possibly originally serpent-charming); — Pi`el Participle plural קוֺל מְלַחֲשִׁים Psalm 58:6 voice of whisperers (i.e. serpent-charmers; "" חוֺבֵר תֲבָרִים). Hithpa`el whisper together, Imperfect יִתְלַחֲשׁוּ with עַל Psalm 41:8; Participle plural מִתְלַחֲשִׁים 2 Samuel 12:19. Topical Lexicon Overview Lachash denotes a low, hushed sound—whether of conspiratorial whisper, secret plotting, or the soft cadence of a snake–charmer’s spell. Though the word appears only three times, it traces a moral trajectory from private conversation to covert hostility and finally to occult manipulation, warning the people of God against the misuse of speech and the lure of hidden powers. Whispering as Concealed Speech (2 Samuel 12:19) After Nathan’s rebuke, David discerns that his servants are “whispering” about the death of his child. The hush signals something too fearful or sorrow-laden to be spoken aloud. Here lachash exposes the human impulse to retreat into secrecy when events defy easy explanation or risk offending authority. Yet David confronts the matter openly, modeling transparency and submission to divine judgment. The passage teaches that righteous leadership pierces the veil of whispered speculation with honest acknowledgement of God’s hand. Whispering in Malicious Conspiracy (Psalm 41:7) David laments, “All who hate me whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me”. The same subdued tone becomes a vehicle for slander. Lachash thus moves from mere secrecy to sin, illustrating James 3:6 in embryonic form: the tongue, though small, can set forests ablaze. The psalm highlights the covenantal confidence that God hears even what His enemies plot in secret (Psalm 139:4). In pastoral ministry, this verse warns against factional murmuring within the flock and encourages leaders to trust the Lord for vindication. Enchanting and Occult Seduction (Psalm 58:4-5) “Their venom is like the venom of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears to refuse to hear the tune of the charmer”. Here lachash is the murmuring chant of a professional enchanter, depicting a realm of occult arts that Scripture consistently condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 8:19). The psalmist equates the wicked with serpents immune to even the most skillful spells, stressing both their hardened resistance to truth and the futility of manipulating spiritual powers. The image fortifies believers against syncretistic temptations and reminds them that only the word of God—not mystical incantations—subdues evil (Ephesians 6:17). Theological Threads 1. Omniscience of God: Whether whispered counsel or esoteric chant, nothing eludes the divine ear (Hebrews 4:13). Historical and Cultural Notes Ancient Near Eastern courts employed whisperers both for diplomacy and for intrigue. Snake-charming chants were common in Egypt and Canaan, underscoring Israel’s countercultural ban on occult practice. By preserving the term, Scripture chronicles Israel’s encounter with—and rejection of—these customs. Ministry Applications • Foster open communication in church governance to pre-empt destructive whispering (2 Corinthians 8:21). Conclusion Lachash invites sober reflection on how quiet words can heal or harm and how hidden speech can seduce toward darkness. The righteous answer is neither sullen silence nor arcane chant but frank confession, truthful testimony, and prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations יִ֭תְלַחֲשׁוּ יתלחשו מְלַחֲשִׁ֑ים מִֽתְלַחֲשִׁ֔ים מלחשים מתלחשים mə·la·ḥă·šîm melachaShim məlaḥăšîm miṯ·la·ḥă·šîm mitlachaShim miṯlaḥăšîm yiṯ·la·ḥă·šū Yitlachashu yiṯlaḥăšūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 12:19 HEB: כִּ֤י עֲבָדָיו֙ מִֽתְלַחֲשִׁ֔ים וַיָּ֥בֶן דָּוִ֖ד NAS: that his servants were whispering together, David KJV: that his servants whispered, David INT: that his servants were whispering perceived David Psalm 41:7 Psalm 58:5 3 Occurrences |
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