Hebrew · Strong's H3950
לָקַט
(lah-KAHT)
verb
To gather, collect, or pick up, often referring to the collection of items from the ground or fields, or provisions.
The Hebrew verb *laqat* primarily means “to gather” or “to collect.” This term is frequently employed in contexts where items are picked up from the ground, such as gleaning in fields or gathering provisions like manna. The semantic range includes a general sense of collecting disparate items into one place, as well as the more specific action of gleaning, which holds significant social and theological implications in ancient Israel. The practice of gleaning, as described in the Law, provided a means of sustenance for the poor and the sojourner, highlighting themes of divine provision and social justice. Thus, *laqat* is not merely a descriptive term for physical action but often carries a resonance of God's care for the vulnerable within the community. Its usage in the wilderness narratives underscores the Israelites' reliance on God for daily sustenance.
Common English renderings
- gather
- glean
- pick up
- collect
Key verses
"And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage; for they knew them not."
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"and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house."
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"So she gleaned in the field until even; and she beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley."
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"And it shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily."
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"This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, Gather ye of it every man according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, shall ye take it, every man for them that are in his tent."
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"And they gathered it morning by morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted."
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