3941. Lappidoth
Lexical Summary
Lappidoth: Lappidoth

Original Word: לַפִּידוֹת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Lappiydowth
Pronunciation: lap-pee-doth'
Phonetic Spelling: (lap-pee-doth')
KJV: Lappidoth
NASB: Lappidoth
Word Origin: [feminine plural of H3940 (לַפִּידּ לַפִּד - torches)]

1. Lappidoth, the husband of Deborah

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Lappidoth

Feminine plural of lappiyd; Lappidoth, the husband of Deborah -- Lappidoth.

see HEBREW lappiyd

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from 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).


3. Symbol of Enlightened Leadership

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).
• Oblivion in the biblical narrative does not equal insignificance in God’s economy; Lapidoth’s anonymity illustrates the kingdom principle that “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• The marriage of spiritual illumination (symbolized by Lapidoth’s name) and prophetic proclamation (embodied in Deborah) illustrates the unity of truth and testimony vital for national revival.

Lessons for Today

• Encourage and bless the ministries within your household, even when they eclipse your own visibility.
• Embrace roles that facilitate others’ obedience to God; quiet support can spark national impact.
• Cultivate a “torch-bearing” faith that lights the way for your generation, trusting God to determine the sphere of influence.

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 lappîḏōwṯ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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

Strong's Hebrew 3941
1 Occurrence


lap·pî·ḏō·wṯ — 1 Occ.

3940
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