Bible Dictionaries
Laish

Holman Bible Dictionary

(lay' ihssh) Personal and place name meaning “Strong” or “lion.” The KJV form of Laishah. 1. Father of Paltiel (Phalti in KJV) and father-in-law of Michal (King Saul's daughter) after she was given to David (1 Samuel 19:11-12; 1 Samuel 25:44 ). Laish was from Gallim in Benjamin. 2. Originally a Canaanite city in northern Palestine known for its carefree existence (Judges 18:7 ). It was spied out by the Danites as a place for their dwelling after the Philistines forced them from the coastal region. After finding it suitable, the Danites invaded Laish and renamed the city and area Dan. See Isaiah 10:30 ). Its location is not known. Modern translations read Laishah.