Lethech is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Proverbs. The word appears in Proverbs 27:3, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "A stone is heavy and sand a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both." In this context, "lethech" is translated as "burden" or "weight," emphasizing the heaviness or difficulty associated with dealing with a fool's provocation.

Etymology and Meaning

The Hebrew word "lethech" (לֶתֶךְ) is understood to mean a weight or burden. It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of heaviness or something that is difficult to bear. In the context of Proverbs 27:3, it is used metaphorically to describe the emotional and psychological weight that foolishness can impose on an individual.

Biblical Context

Proverbs, a book of wisdom literature, often contrasts the wise with the foolish, providing practical guidance for living a life that honors God. The verse in which "lethech" appears highlights the challenges and frustrations that arise from interacting with foolish individuals. The comparison to a heavy stone or sand underscores the significant impact that foolishness can have, suggesting that it is more burdensome than physical weights.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of "lethech" in Proverbs 27:3 serves as a caution against engaging in or tolerating foolish behavior. It reflects the biblical principle that wisdom is to be sought and valued, while foolishness leads to unnecessary hardship and strife. The verse implicitly encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment, aligning their lives with God's truth to avoid the burdens that come with folly.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the concept of "lethech" as a burden can be applied to everyday life by encouraging individuals to choose their associations wisely. Engaging with those who exhibit wisdom and understanding can lead to a more peaceful and productive life, while entanglement with foolishness can result in unnecessary stress and conflict. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that emphasizes the importance of community and the influence of one's companions.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, weights and measures were a common part of daily life, used in trade and commerce. The imagery of a heavy stone or sand would have been familiar to the original audience of Proverbs, making the metaphor of "lethech" as a burden both relatable and impactful. The verse serves as a timeless reminder of the tangible and intangible weights that can affect human life.

Overall, "lethech" in Proverbs 27:3 provides a vivid illustration of the burdensome nature of foolishness, urging readers to pursue wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of folly.LETHECH

le'-thek (lethekh): A liquid measure equivalent to half a homer (Hosea 3:2 margin) and containing about 5 1/2 bushels.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... furnished by iii.2. The verse is commonly translated: "And then I bought her to
me for fifteen pieces of silver, and an homer of barley, and a lethech of barley ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

CHAPTER III.
... Ver.2. "And I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and a homer of barley,
and a lethech of barley." Compare the explanation of this verse, p.195 sqq. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.htm

Lethech (1 Occurrence)
...LETHECH. le'-thek (lethekh): A liquid measure equivalent to half a homer (Hosea
3:2 margin) and containing about 5 1/2 bushels. ...Lethech (1 Occurrence). ...
/l/lethech.htm - 6k

Letech (1 Occurrence)

/l/letech.htm - 6k

Lethek (1 Occurrence)

/l/lethek.htm - 6k

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