Original Word: לַעֲנָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: la`anah
Pronunciation: lah-an-AH
Phonetic Spelling: (lah-an-aw')
Definition: wormwood
Meaning: Wormwood; a bitter substance associated with bitterness and calamity.

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to curse.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G318 (ἀγγαρεύω • angareuō): While not directly related to wormwood, this term involves compulsion or pressing into service, which can metaphorically relate to the burdensome nature of bitterness.
• G3601 (ὀξύς • oxys): Meaning sharp or swift, this term can metaphorically relate to the piercing nature of bitterness.
• G4088 (πικρία • pikria): Directly related to bitterness, this term captures the essence of wormwood's symbolic meaning in the New Testament.
• G5521 (χολή • cholē): Meaning gall or bile, this term is often associated with bitterness and is used in contexts similar to wormwood.

In summary, לַעֲנָה (la'anah) serves as a powerful symbol in the Hebrew Bible, representing the bitterness and sorrow that accompany spiritual and moral failure. Its usage underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dire consequences of turning away from His ways.

Usage: The term "wormwood" is used metaphorically in the Hebrew Bible to describe bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment. It appears in contexts that convey the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting bitterness of life.

Context: • Biblical Context: The term לַעֲנָה (la'anah) appears in several passages throughout the Old Testament, often symbolizing the bitterness and sorrow that accompany divine judgment or moral corruption. It is frequently used in prophetic literature to illustrate the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God.
• Key Verses:
• Deuteronomy 29:18: "Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit."
• Proverbs 5:4: "But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword."
• Jeremiah 9:15: "Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.'"
• Lamentations 3:19: "Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall."
• Symbolism: Wormwood is emblematic of the bitterness and suffering that result from sin and disobedience. It serves as a warning of the spiritual and physical consequences of turning away from God's commandments.
• Cultural and Historical Background: Wormwood is a plant known for its intensely bitter taste. In ancient times, it was often associated with medicinal uses but also with the idea of bitterness and poison. The metaphorical use in the Bible draws on these associations to convey the severity of divine retribution.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
wormwood
NASB Translation
wormwood (8).

לַעֲנָה noun feminine wormwood (Late Hebrew id.; Arabic is curse (verb id.), so Nabataean לצנת (verb לען) compare Cook^Glossary); — only figurative of bitter things: — of perverted justice, Amos 5:7; Amos 6:12 ("" ראֹשׁ; of result of idolatry, Deuteronomy 29:17 ("" id.); of ׳יs chastisement Jeremiah 9:14 ("" מֵ֯ירֿאֹשׁ, Jeremiah 23:15 ("" id.), Lamentations 3:15 ("" מְרוֺרִים), Lamentations 3:19 ("" ראֹשׁ); simile of bitter (מָרָה) result of intercourse with strange woman Proverbs 5:4. — On wormwood (Artemisia absinthium, etc., Greek ἀψίθιον) compare Löw^{80f. 401, 421} Tristr^{Nat, Hist. Bib. 493}.

לָעַע see לוע

לפד (√ of following; meaning unknown).

hemlock, wormwood

From an unused root supposed to mean to curse; wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed) -- hemlock, wormwood.

וְלַעֲנָֽה׃ ולענה׃ כַֽלַּעֲנָ֑ה כלענה לְלַעֲנָ֖ה לְלַעֲנָֽה׃ לַֽעֲנָ֑ה לַֽעֲנָ֔ה לַעֲנָ֥ה לַעֲנָֽה׃ ללענה ללענה׃ לענה לענה׃ challaaNah ḵal·la·‘ă·nāh ḵalla‘ănāh la‘ănāh la·‘ă·nāh laaNah lə·la·‘ă·nāh ləla‘ănāh lelaaNah velaaNah wə·la·‘ă·nāh wəla‘ănāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts