{
  "id": "dict_003201",
  "term": "Lashon",
  "slug": "lashon",
  "letter": "L",
  "entry_type": "hebrew_lexical_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Hebrew lashon means “tongue,” and by extension may refer to speech or language.",
  "simple_one_line": "Lashon is the Hebrew word for “tongue,” often used for speech or language by extension.",
  "tooltip_text": "Hebrew lashon means “tongue”; context may extend it to speech or language.",
  "aliases": [
    "Lashon (Tongue)"
  ],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Tongue",
    "Speech",
    "Words",
    "Truthfulness",
    "Gossip",
    "Blessing and Cursing"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "James 3",
    "Proverbs on speech",
    "Psalm 34:13"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Lashon is a Hebrew word commonly translated “tongue.” In Scripture it can refer to the physical tongue, speech, or a language, depending on context.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "Hebrew lexical term meaning “tongue,” sometimes extended to speech or language.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Literal meaning: tongue",
    "Extended meanings: speech, language",
    "Best treated as a biblical-language term rather than a standalone doctrine"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Lashon is a Hebrew lexical item ordinarily rendered “tongue.” In biblical usage it may denote the physical organ, human speech, or a language, depending on context.",
  "description_academic_full": "Lashon is a Hebrew term ordinarily rendered “tongue,” and Scripture uses the idea both literally and figuratively. Depending on context, it may refer to the bodily organ, to speech itself, or to a language. Because of that range, it contributes to wider biblical teaching about speech, truthfulness, praise, restraint, and the moral use of words. It is better understood as a lexical term than as a distinct theological headword.",
  "background_biblical_context": "In the Old Testament, “tongue” language often appears in wisdom, worship, lament, and ethical instruction. The term can describe both the physical tongue and the words a person speaks.",
  "background_historical_context": "As a Hebrew word, lashon belongs to the ordinary vocabulary of biblical Hebrew rather than to a later doctrinal category. English Bible dictionaries usually discuss its ideas under “tongue,” “speech,” or related topics.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "In ancient Jewish usage, language about the tongue could include both literal speech and figurative moral speech. The term itself is primarily lexical, not a separate doctrine.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Psalm 34:13",
    "Proverbs 10:19",
    "Proverbs 18:21",
    "Isaiah 6:5"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Psalm 12:3-4",
    "Psalm 39:1",
    "Proverbs 15:4",
    "James 3:1-12"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "Hebrew לָשׁוֹן (lashon) commonly means “tongue,” and by extension may mean speech or language.",
  "theological_significance": "Lashon helps illuminate the Bible’s teaching on the power and accountability of speech. The tongue may be used for blessing or sin, so Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to truthful, wise, and reverent speech.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "The term shows how Scripture moves from concrete bodily language to moral and relational meaning. A physical organ becomes a metaphor for communication, character, and responsibility.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not treat lashon as a standalone doctrine. Its meaning must be determined by context, and it should not be overextended beyond its actual Hebrew usage.",
  "major_views_note": "There is no major doctrinal dispute over the lexical meaning of lashon; differences arise only in how a given context should be translated or applied.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This term belongs under biblical language and speech ethics, not as an independent theological category. It supports doctrine about speech but does not define one on its own.",
  "practical_significance": "Believers should use their words carefully, truthfully, and for blessing rather than harm.",
  "meta_description": "Lashon is a Hebrew word meaning “tongue,” often used for speech or language. This entry is merged to the main Tongue entry.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/lashon/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/lashon.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}