apparently from נוּא in the sense of harshness from refusal; properly, tough, i.e. uncooked (flesh); raw.
Transliteration:nâʼ
Pronunciation:naw
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma נָא (nâʼ, `{{H4995}}`) is derived from the root נוּא (nûʼ, `{{H5128}}`), which conveys a sense of shaking, wavering, or refusal, often leading to a state of harshness or unpleasantness. The core meaning of נָא (nâʼ) is "tough," specifically in reference to "uncooked" or "raw" flesh. It denotes a state of being unprepared, unrefined, or in its natural, unadulterated form, often implying a lack of proper processing or a state unfit for consumption without further preparation. The semantic range is quite narrow, primarily focusing on the physical state of meat, signifying a primitive or unprocessed condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נָא (nâʼ, `{{H4995}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Samuel 2:15]]. In this sole occurrence, the context is highly significant. It describes the corrupt practices of the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests at Shiloh. When a man was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork and demand meat from the pot. The verse states, "Before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, 'Give the priest meat for roasting, for he will not accept boiled meat from you, but *raw* (נָא, `{{H4995}}`).' "
Here, נָא (nâʼ) explicitly refers to meat that is "raw" or "uncooked," intended for roasting rather than boiling. The demand for raw meat, specifically before the fat was offered to the Lord as was customary ([[Leviticus 3:16]]), highlights the profound irreverence and greed of Eli's sons. They were subverting the divinely ordained sacrificial rituals for their own personal gain and pleasure, demanding the choicest parts of the sacrifice *before* God received His due. This act was a direct affront to the sanctity of the altar and the covenant relationship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root נוּא (nûʼ, `{{H5128}}`), from which נָא (nâʼ) is derived, carries meanings related to shaking, wavering, or being agitated, often in a negative sense, leading to a state of being unpleasant or harsh. This underlying sense of harshness or unsuitability aligns with the "raw" or "tough" meaning of נָא (nâʼ).
Other Hebrew terms related to the preparation of food or sacrifices include:
* בָּשָׁל (bāšāl, `{{H1310}}`): to boil, cook. This is the antithesis of נָא (nâʼ) in the context of [[1 Samuel 2:15]].
* צָלָה (ṣālāh, `{{H6748}}`): to roast. This is the intended method of cooking for the raw meat demanded by Eli's sons.
* Concepts of "purity" (טָהוֹר, ṭāhôr, `{{H2889}}`) and "holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, qōdeš, `{{H6944}}`) are implicitly contrasted with the "raw" and improperly handled meat, as the actions of Eli's sons desecrated the sacred offerings.
* The concept of "firstfruits" or "first portions" (רֵאשִׁית, rēʼšît, `{{H7225}}`) is also relevant, though in a negative sense. While God commanded the first and best to be given to Him, Eli's sons were taking the first and best for themselves, violating the principle of prioritizing God.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of נָא (nâʼ, `{{H4995}}`) in [[1 Samuel 2:15]] serves as a stark theological indicator of profound spiritual corruption. The demand for "raw" meat, specifically before the fat was offered to the Lord, was not merely a culinary preference but a direct transgression against the divine ordinances concerning sacrifices ([[Leviticus 3:16]]). This act symbolized the priests' contempt for the Lord's offerings ([[1 Samuel 2:17]]). They prioritized their own appetites and desires over the reverence due to God, treating sacred rituals as opportunities for personal gain. The "raw" state of the meat reflects their own spiritual state: unrefined, unholy, and utterly unprepared for serving a holy God.
The narrative underscores the dangers of clerical abuse and the desecration of sacred institutions. The actions of Hophni and Phinehas, epitomized by their demand for נָא (nâʼ) meat, directly led to divine judgment upon Eli's house and ultimately to the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, signifying God's temporary withdrawal of His presence due to Israel's unfaithfulness. It highlights the importance of obedience to divine command in worship. God specifies how He is to be approached and what is acceptable. Any deviation, even seemingly minor, when driven by greed and disrespect, is a serious affront.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָא (nâʼ, `{{H4995}}`) precisely denotes "raw" or "uncooked" meat, deriving from a root suggesting harshness or unsuitability. Its sole appearance in [[1 Samuel 2:15]] is exceptionally significant, serving as a powerful symbol of the profound spiritual decay and irreverence of Eli's sons. Their demand for נָא (nâʼ) meat before the fat was offered to the Lord represented a blatant disregard for God's holy ordinances and a prioritization of their own carnal desires over the sacred. This single word encapsulates a pivotal moment of priestly corruption, leading to divine judgment and underscoring the critical importance of reverent obedience in worship and the sanctity of offerings made to the Holy God.
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