Lexical Summary lachash: amulets, charm, charmed Original Word: לַחַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer From lachash; properly, a whisper, i.e. By implication, (in a good sense) a private prayer, (in a bad one) an incantation; concretely, an amulet -- charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer. see HEBREW lachash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom lachash Definition a whispering, charming NASB Translation amulets (1), charm (1), charmed (1), enchanter (1), whisper a prayer (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs לַ֫חַשׁ noun [masculine] a whispering, charming; — ׳ל Isaiah 26:16; לָ֑חַשׁ Ecclesiastes 10:11; Isaiah 3:3; Jeremiah 8:17; plural לְחָשִׁים Isaiah 3:20. — 1 serpent-charming Ecclesiastes 10:11; נְבוֺן לָ֑חַשׁ Isaiah 3:3 (probably more General). 2 charms, amulets, worn by women, Isaiah 3:20. 3 whisper of prayer, צָקוּן לַחַשׁ Isaiah 26:16 they pour forth a whisper of prayer (but Koppe Bö Gr Di Du read צְקוֺן לַחַשׁ 'Zauberzwang,' compulsion of (by) magic). Topical Lexicon Underlying Concept of Secret Speech The term signifies low, hushed sound, whether employed in legitimate petition or in illicit incantation. Its semantic range embraces (1) a whispered prayer, (2) snake-charming or other forms of magical muttering, and (3) physical amulets regarded as silent “charms.” In every appearance Scripture places the word in settings that expose the heart of the speaker—either as reverent supplicant or as manipulative conjurer. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Ecclesiastes 10:11 presents a practical proverb: “If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer”. The text assumes the cultural reality of snake-charmers, yet the weight of the verse falls on the futility of skill without timely application. Connections to Sorcery and Idolatry The prophets regularly group the “whisperer” with astrologers, diviners, and necromancers—practices the Torah flatly condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). By employing the term, Isaiah and Jeremiah underscore the nation’s reliance on forbidden arts. Charms and amulets supplanted trust in covenant promises; whispered spells tried to replace prayer. Consequently, God’s sentence falls not only on overt idol makers but also on those who seek supernatural power apart from Him. Whispered Prayer versus Manipulative Murmuring Isaiah 26:16 stands as a deliberate counterpoint to the other passages. The same subdued tone that characterizes occult muttering becomes, in repentance, an acceptable “whispered prayer.” The difference lies in orientation: in one case the speaker attempts to coerce nature or spirits; in the other he implores the covenant LORD. Scripture thereby distinguishes form from intent, condemning sorcery while welcoming contrite petition—whether shouted or scarcely audible. Historical and Cultural Insight Archaeology uncovers bronze serpents, inscribed bowls, and small metallic scrolls worn as protective charms throughout the Ancient Near East. Israel clearly interacted with such customs. Yet the biblical narrative repurposes every allusion to remind the reader that power belongs to the LORD alone. Even Moses’ bronze serpent (Numbers 21:9) became idolatrous when detached from divine command (2 Kings 18:4). Isaiah’s inventory of women’s ornaments (Isaiah 3:18-23) mirrors regional fashion, but the prophet’s aim is to expose spiritual bankruptcy behind the glitter. Prophetic Theology By declaring vipers “for which there is no charm” (Jeremiah 8:17), God nullifies the nation’s last line of self-help. The announcement anticipates New Covenant revelation that victory over the old serpent (Revelation 12:9) cannot be won by human rite but only by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). The whispered spell fails; the whispered plea, grounded in repentance and faith, prevails. Ministry Application 1. Discernment: Modern fascination with crystals, horoscope apps, and verbal “manifestations” reprises the ancient lure of לַחַשׁ. Pastors and teachers should expose such practices as functional sorcery, urging believers to rest in Christ’s sufficiency. Summary לַחַשׁ traces a line from superstitious whisper to humble supplication. In judgment texts it unmasks the impotence of magic; in Isaiah’s hymn it affirms that even a muted cry, directed toward the LORD, is powerful. The word thereby calls every generation away from manipulative religion toward genuine faith, reminding the Church that salvation is never in the charm but in the gracious God who hears. Forms and Transliterations וְהַלְּחָשִֽׁים׃ והלחשים׃ לַ֔חַשׁ לָ֑חַשׁ לָֽחַשׁ׃ לחש לחש׃ la·ḥaš lā·ḥaš Lachash laḥaš lāḥaš vehallechaShim wə·hal·lə·ḥā·šîm wəhalləḥāšîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 10:11 HEB: הַנָּחָ֖שׁ בְּלוֹא־ לָ֑חַשׁ וְאֵ֣ין יִתְר֔וֹן NAS: bites before being charmed, there is no KJV: will bite without enchantment; and a babbler INT: the serpent being charmed there profit Isaiah 3:3 Isaiah 3:20 Isaiah 26:16 Jeremiah 8:17 5 Occurrences |
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