The Hebrew word Nôʼ, represented by H4996, is a proper name of Egyptian origin referring to No (i.e. Thebes), the capital of Upper Egypt. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Scripturally, it is consistently portrayed as a great and populous city that becomes a focal point for prophecies of divine judgment against Egypt.
In the prophetic narratives, H4996 is used exclusively in the context of God's judgment. The prophet Nahum uses it as an example of a fallen superpower, asking if Nineveh is better than populous No, a city once protected by rivers and the sea itself Nahum 3:8. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel both declare its impending doom. The Lord announces He will "punish the multitude of No" along with Pharaoh and all of Egypt Jeremiah 46:25. Similarly, Ezekiel's prophecies state that God will "execute judgments in No" Ezekiel 30:14 and that "No shall be rent asunder" Ezekiel 30:16.
Several related words highlight the identity and fate of Nôʼ:
- H528 ʼÂmôwn (of Egyptian derivation; used only as an adjunct of נֹא; Amon (i.e. Ammon or Amn), a deity of Egypt; multitude, populous): This word is used alongside H4996 to describe "populous No" Nahum 3:8 or the "multitude of No" Jeremiah 46:25, linking the city to its large population and its chief deity, Amon.
- H1995 hâmôwn (a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth; abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult): This term is used to describe the "multitude of No" that the Lord vows to cut off, emphasizing the scale of the city's population that will face judgment Ezekiel 30:15.
- H1234 bâqaʻ (a primitive root; to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open): This powerful verb describes the violent end of the city. The prophecy in Ezekiel 30:16 declares that No "shall be rent asunder," illustrating the complete and forceful nature of its destruction.
The theological weight of H4996 is significant, presenting the city as a case study in divine sovereignty.
- Symbol of Worldly Power: Described as "populous" and secure with a "rampart was the sea" Nahum 3:8, Nôʼ represents the pinnacle of human civilization and military might apart from God.
- Target of Divine Judgment: In every biblical mention, Nôʼ is the object of God's wrath. The Lord promises to "punish" it Jeremiah 46:25, "execute judgments" in it Ezekiel 30:14, and pour out His "fury" upon it Ezekiel 30:15.
- A Warning Against Idolatry: The judgment against "the multitude of No" is explicitly linked to judgment against Egypt's gods and kings, including "Pharaoh, and all them that trust in him" Jeremiah 46:25. The city's fall serves as a testament to the futility of trusting in false gods or human rulers.
In summary, H4996 is more than a geographical reference to the Egyptian city of Thebes. In Scripture, Nôʼ functions as a powerful symbol of a formidable, populous, and idolatrous world power. Its repeated mention in the context of divine judgment serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations. The prophesied destruction of Nôʼ illustrates that no amount of human strength, strategic location, or reliance on false gods can withstand the execution of God's holy judgment.
TRV