Definition and Significance
Lamedh (ל) is the twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant meaning in biblical literature and Hebrew tradition. In the Hebrew language, each letter is not only a character but also carries a numerical value and symbolic meaning. Lamedh represents the number 30 and is often associated with learning and teaching, as its shape is reminiscent of a shepherd's staff, symbolizing guidance and authority.

Biblical References
Lamedh appears in the acrostic structure of Psalm 119, where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Lamedh section, verses 89-96, emphasizes the eternal nature of God's word and His faithfulness. The Berean Standard Bible translates these verses as follows:

"Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You. If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait to destroy me, but I will ponder Your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit." (Psalm 119:89-96)

Symbolism and Interpretation
In Jewish tradition, Lamedh is often seen as a symbol of aspiration and learning. Its elevated form in the Hebrew script suggests reaching upwards, striving for higher understanding and connection with God. This aligns with the themes found in the Lamedh section of Psalm 119, where the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to God's eternal word and the life-giving power of His commandments.

Numerical Significance
The numerical value of Lamedh, 30, holds various implications in biblical numerology. It is often associated with maturity and authority. For instance, Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46), and David was 30 when he began his reign as king (2 Samuel 5:4). This age marks a period of readiness and responsibility, reflecting the guiding nature of Lamedh.

Cultural and Theological Insights
Lamedh's association with learning and teaching is further emphasized in Jewish thought, where it is linked to the heart (lev in Hebrew), suggesting an intrinsic connection between knowledge and emotion. This connection underscores the biblical emphasis on internalizing God's word, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts."

In Christian theology, the themes associated with Lamedh resonate with the call to discipleship and the transformative power of Scripture. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through God's word, allowing it to guide their lives and shape their character in accordance with divine truth.LAMEDH

la'-meth: The 12th letter of Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "1". It came also to be used for the number 30. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

The Gospels in General
... Moreover, it cannot be maintained that the preposition kata is equivalent to the
Hebrew Lamedh of possession, for the Septuagint never renders this by kata. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospels in general.htm

Lamedh (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LAMEDH. ... For name, etc., see ALPHABET. Multi-Version
Concordance Lamedh (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:88 LAMEDH. ...
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Aramaic (12 Occurrences)
... these is the preformative of the imperfect; in the western, as in Hebrew and Arabic,
it is yodh (y), while in the eastern it is nun (n) or lamedh (l). Each of ...
/a/aramaic.htm - 31k

Language (112 Occurrences)
... these is the preformative of the imperfect; in the western, as in Hebrew and Arabic,
it is yodh (y), while in the eastern it is nun (n) or lamedh (l). Each of ...
/l/language.htm - 101k

Lameness (1 Occurrence)

/l/lameness.htm - 6k

Lamed (2 Occurrences)

/l/lamed.htm - 7k

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)
... cheth, Teth and yodh. Psalm 10:1 begins with lamedh and 10:12, 14, 15,
17 with qoph, resh, shin and taw. Four lines seem to have ...
/a/acrostic.htm - 15k

Proper (62 Occurrences)
... Ibneiah shows the customary apocopation of the imperfect of Lamedh-he verbs; and
the names Benaiah to Pedahel show the methods of combining the perfect of such ...
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Alphabet (2 Occurrences)
... peg); (7) zayin = weapon; (8) cheth = fence; (9) Teth = cake of bread (Lidzbarski,
a package); (10) yodh = hand; (11) kaph = palm of hand; (12) lamedh = ox-goad ...
/a/alphabet.htm - 24k

Names (133 Occurrences)
... Ibneiah shows the customary apocopation of the imperfect of Lamedh-he verbs; and
the names Benaiah to Pedahel show the methods of combining the perfect of such ...
/n/names.htm - 101k

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