Lexical Summary Lappidoth: Lappidoth Original Word: לַפִּידוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lappidoth Feminine plural of lappiyd; Lappidoth, the husband of Deborah -- Lappidoth. see HEBREW lappiyd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as lappid Definition husband of Deborah NASB Translation Lappidoth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs לַמִּידוֺת proper name, masculine husband of Deborah Judges 4:4; ᵐ5 Λαφ(ε)ιδωθ. — On feminine form compare GFM. Topical Lexicon Name and Etymological Significance While Scripture offers no explicit definition, the name Lapidoth evokes imagery of burning torches or flashing lightning, symbols frequently associated in the Old Testament with divine revelation, spiritual illumination, and decisive action (Isaiah 62:1; Ezekiel 1:13). This fiery nuance, set beside his wife’s prophetic ministry, underscores a household marked by spiritual light. Scriptural Occurrence Lapidoth is mentioned once, in Judges 4:4: “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time”. No personal actions of Lapidoth are recorded; all narrative attention centers on Deborah’s leadership. Historical Context The period of the Judges is characterized by cyclical apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance (Judges 2:11-19). Deborah serves “between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim” (Judges 4:5), summoning Barak and initiating Israel’s victory over Canaanite general Sisera. Lapidoth’s silent presence belongs to this turbulent era, when male leadership often faltered and the Lord raised unexpected instruments for deliverance. Relationship to Deborah Scripture identifies Deborah as both “prophetess” and “wife of Lapidoth,” integrating domestic and public spheres. Although unstated, Lapidoth’s role as husband implies consent and support for her God-given calling. His absence from the battlefield narrative suggests a willingness to remain unseen while the Lord’s purposes advanced through his wife—an example of quiet faithfulness akin to the shadow ministries of figures like Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57) or Lydia’s household support (Acts 16:15). Ministry Significance 1. Affirmation of Household Collaboration The union of Lapidoth and Deborah models complementary service. Deborah’s prophetic authority did not negate her marital bond; instead, their relationship demonstrates that spiritual gifts flourish when households honor God’s order. 2. Encouragement for Unsung Faithfulness Lapidoth never speaks in the text, yet his name endures. Scripture thereby commends believers whose contributions are hidden but essential (1 Corinthians 12:22).
In a generation darkened by moral compromise, a “torch” in the home of Lapidoth anticipated the light Deborah would bear to the nation. Families that cultivate personal devotion often become launchpads for public ministry (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Theological Reflections • God’s deliverance may arise from unexpected combinations—here, a female judge supported by a silent husband—demonstrating that the LORD “shows Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Lessons for Today • Encourage and bless the ministries within your household, even when they eclipse your own visibility. Lapidoth stands as a brief yet shining testament to the power of hidden faithfulness that fuels visible victory. Forms and Transliterations לַפִּיד֑וֹת לפידות lap·pî·ḏō·wṯ lappiDot lappîḏōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 4:4 HEB: נְבִיאָ֔ה אֵ֖שֶׁת לַפִּיד֑וֹת הִ֛יא שֹׁפְטָ֥ה NAS: the wife of Lappidoth, was judging KJV: the wife of Lapidoth, she judged INT: A prophetess the wife of Lappidoth he was judging 1 Occurrence |
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