### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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