Original Word: לַחַשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: lachash
Pronunciation: LAH-khash
Phonetic Spelling: (lakh'-ash)
KJV: charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer
NASB: amulets, charm, charmed, enchanter, whisper a prayer
Word Origin: [from H3907 (לָחַשׁ - charmers)]
1. (properly) a whisper
2. (by positive implication) a private prayer
3. (by negative implication) an incantation
4. (concretely) an amulet
From lachash; properly, a whisper, i.e. By implication, (in a good sense) a private prayer, (in a bad one) an incantation; concretely, an amulet -- charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer.
see HEBREW lachash
1 serpent-charming Ecclesiastes 10:11; נְבוֺן לָ֑חַשׁ Isaiah 3:3 (probably more General).
2 charms, amulets, worn by women, Isaiah 3:20.
3 whisper of prayer, צָקוּן לַחַשׁ Isaiah 26:16 they pour forth a whisper of prayer (but Koppe Bö Gr Di Du read צְקוֺן לַחַשׁ 'Zauberzwang,' compulsion of (by) magic).
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The term signifies low, hushed sound, whether employed in legitimate petition or in illicit incantation. Its semantic range embraces (1) a whispered prayer, (2) snake-charming or other forms of magical muttering, and (3) physical amulets regarded as silent "charms." In every appearance Scripture places the word in settings that expose the heart of the speaker—either as reverent supplicant or as manipulative conjurer.
Occurrences and Immediate Contexts
• Ecclesiastes 10:11 presents a practical proverb: "If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer". The text assumes the cultural reality of snake-charmers, yet the weight of the verse falls on the futility of skill without timely application.
• Isaiah 3:3 describes the collapse of Judah’s leadership; the "cunning magician" and "skilled enchanter" are swept away with soldiers and elders alike, showing that occult expertise offers no shelter when the Lord judges a nation.
• Isaiah 3:20 lists "amulets" among the adornments stripped from the proud daughters of Zion. Objects once thought to secure blessing become evidence of vanity and soon-to-be-exposed idolatry.
• Isaiah 26:16 portrays a righteous use: "O LORD, they sought You in their distress; when Your discipline came upon them, they poured out a whispered prayer". The same low murmur, here turned toward God, is accepted.
• Jeremiah 8:17 intensifies the judgment motif: "I will send snakes among you, vipers for which there is no charm, and they will bite you," declares the LORD. No human incantation can mute the instruments of divine wrath.
Connections to Sorcery and Idolatry
The prophets regularly group the "whisperer" with astrologers, diviners, and necromancers—practices the Torah flatly condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). By employing the term, Isaiah and Jeremiah underscore the nation’s reliance on forbidden arts. Charms and amulets supplanted trust in covenant promises; whispered spells tried to replace prayer. Consequently, God’s sentence falls not only on overt idol makers but also on those who seek supernatural power apart from Him.
Whispered Prayer versus Manipulative Murmuring
Isaiah 26:16 stands as a deliberate counterpoint to the other passages. The same subdued tone that characterizes occult muttering becomes, in repentance, an acceptable "whispered prayer." The difference lies in orientation: in one case the speaker attempts to coerce nature or spirits; in the other he implores the covenant LORD. Scripture thereby distinguishes form from intent, condemning sorcery while welcoming contrite petition—whether shouted or scarcely audible.
Historical and Cultural Insight
Archaeology uncovers bronze serpents, inscribed bowls, and small metallic scrolls worn as protective charms throughout the Ancient Near East. Israel clearly interacted with such customs. Yet the biblical narrative repurposes every allusion to remind the reader that power belongs to the LORD alone. Even Moses’ bronze serpent (Numbers 21:9) became idolatrous when detached from divine command (2 Kings 18:4). Isaiah’s inventory of women’s ornaments (Isaiah 3:18-23) mirrors regional fashion, but the prophet’s aim is to expose spiritual bankruptcy behind the glitter.
Prophetic Theology
By declaring vipers "for which there is no charm" (Jeremiah 8:17), God nullifies the nation’s last line of self-help. The announcement anticipates New Covenant revelation that victory over the old serpent (Revelation 12:9) cannot be won by human rite but only by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). The whispered spell fails; the whispered plea, grounded in repentance and faith, prevails.
Ministry Application
1. Discernment: Modern fascination with crystals, horoscope apps, and verbal "manifestations" reprises the ancient lure of לַחַשׁ. Pastors and teachers should expose such practices as functional sorcery, urging believers to rest in Christ’s sufficiency.
2. Prayer: God hears even the faintest cry (Psalm 34:17). Congregational worship may model moments of quiet intercession to affirm this truth.
3. Discipleship: Train young believers to evaluate accessories, symbols, and social media trends through the lens of biblical authority, refusing every item that implies spiritual power apart from God.
4. Evangelism: Ecclesiastes 10:11 offers a bridge to speak with people interested in "energy" or "charm." The verse punctures false security and opens conversation about the gospel, which alone delivers from the ultimate serpent’s bite (John 3:14-15).
Summary
לַחַשׁ traces a line from superstitious whisper to humble supplication. In judgment texts it unmasks the impotence of magic; in Isaiah’s hymn it affirms that even a muted cry, directed toward the LORD, is powerful. The word thereby calls every generation away from manipulative religion toward genuine faith, reminding the Church that salvation is never in the charm but in the gracious God who hears.
Isaiah 3:3
HEB: חֲרָשִׁ֖ים וּנְב֥וֹן לָֽחַשׁ׃
NAS: artisan, And the skillful enchanter.
KJV: artificer, and the eloquent orator.
INT: Charashim and the skillful enchanter
Isaiah 3:20
HEB: וּבָתֵּ֥י הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ וְהַלְּחָשִֽׁים׃
NAS: perfume boxes, amulets,
KJV: and the tablets, and the earrings,
INT: boxes any amulets
Isaiah 26:16
HEB: פְּקָד֑וּךָ צָק֣וּן לַ֔חַשׁ מוּסָרְךָ֖ לָֽמוֹ׃
NAS: You in distress; They could only whisper a prayer, Your chastening
KJV: thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening
INT: sought out whisper your chastening
Jeremiah 8:17
HEB: אֵין־ לָהֶ֖ם לָ֑חַשׁ וְנִשְּׁכ֥וּ אֶתְכֶ֖ם
NAS: there is no charm, And they will bite
KJV: cockatrices, among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they shall bite
INT: which there charm will bite declares
5 Occurrences
Strong's Hebrew 3908
5 Occurrences
lā·ḥaš — 4 Occ.
wə·hal·lə·ḥā·šîm — 1 Occ.