Lexical Summary lahag: Derision, Mockery, Scorn Original Word: לַהַג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance study From an unused root meaning to be eager; intense mental application -- study. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition study, devotion (to books) NASB Translation excessive devotion (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs לַ֫הַג noun masculine (late) study, i.e. devotion to books; הַרְבֵּה יְגִעַת בָּשָׂר ׳ל Ecclesiastes 12:12 (compare Now). Topical Lexicon Scriptural Context and Usage Though לַהַג (lahag) appears only once in the Hebrew canon (Ecclesiastes 12:12), its solitary use is strategically set in the Teacher’s final counsel: “And beyond these, my son, be warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Here the term evokes the relentless activity of reading, study, and intellectual toil—an activity capable of exhausting the student when severed from the fear of God that the book of Ecclesiastes esteems as “the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Literary and Historical Background Ecclesiastes belongs to Israel’s wisdom corpus, compiled during the era when royal scribes and sages preserved Israel’s traditions (1 Kings 4:32–34). The mention of endless books anticipates a burgeoning scribal culture that would intensify in the post-exilic period. Ancient Near Eastern libraries—such as those in Babylon—already housed clay-tablet archives; by Solomon’s age, papyrus and parchment expanded literary production. לַהַג captures the hum of relentless literary activity in this environment while warning that mere accumulation of data, untreated by reverence, is ultimately futile. Relationship to Wisdom Literature Proverbs commends the diligent search for knowledge (Proverbs 2:1–6), yet Ecclesiastes balances that commendation by exposing study pursued for its own sake. Whereas Proverbs 25:2 affirms, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out,” Ecclesiastes 12:12 reminds the searcher that intellectual labor becomes vain when detached from obedience. The term לַהַג thus functions as a literary counterpoint within Israel’s wisdom tradition, pressing the student toward humility and piety. Theological Significance Scripture testifies that God’s revelation is mediated through written words (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 31:9-13). Yet the Teacher warns that human writings, however numerous, cannot rival the sufficiency of divine instruction. לַהַג therefore urges discernment: believers must prize the God-breathed Word over the unending procession of merely human books (Psalm 119:97; 2 Timothy 3:16). The verse does not disparage scholarship but subordinates it to covenant faithfulness. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Prioritize Scripture in teaching ministries. Pastors, missionaries, and educators should guard against letting curricula become weighed down by secondary literature at the expense of direct engagement with the Bible. Christological and New Testament Connections The Word made flesh (John 1:14) embodies the culmination of divine revelation, rendering endless speculation unnecessary. Paul’s resolve to “know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2) echoes Ecclesiastes’ concern: scholarship has value only insofar as it leads to Christ (Colossians 2:2-3). The apostles themselves practiced study—Paul requested “the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13)—yet always under the Lordship of Christ. Pastoral Reflections • For scholars: pursue research as an act of worship, not self-aggrandizement. In its single appearance, לַהַג serves as a timeless sentinel guarding the believer’s study life. It calls the church to labor diligently in learning while resting finally in the sufficiency of God’s revealed Word. Forms and Transliterations וְלַ֥הַג ולהג veLahag wə·la·haḡ wəlahaḡLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 12:12 HEB: אֵ֣ין קֵ֔ץ וְלַ֥הַג הַרְבֵּ֖ה יְגִעַ֥ת NAS: is endless, and excessive devotion [to books] is wearying KJV: and much study [is] a weariness INT: no end and excessive of many is wearying 1 Occurrence |
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