The Hebrew word nôʼd, represented by H4997, refers to a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids); bottle. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. This term denotes a common, practical vessel used for carrying liquids, which also serves as a potent metaphor for human experience.
In biblical narratives, H4997 is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It is a standard container for provisions, such as the "bottle of wine" H3196 Jesse sent with David to Saul 1 Samuel 16:20 or the "bottle of milk" H2461 Jael opened for Sisera Judges 4:19. The Gibeonites cleverly used "old, and rent, and bound up" wine bottles to support their story of coming from a distant country (Joshua 9:4, Joshua 9:13). Figuratively, the psalmist expresses deep distress by saying, "I am become like a bottle in the smoke" Psalms 119:83, and in a plea for divine remembrance, David asks God to put his tears into His bottle Psalms 56:8.
Several related words clarify the function and contents associated with H4997:
- H3196 yayin (wine): This word for "wine (as fermented)" is a common liquid carried in a nôʼd. It is offered as a provision or gift 1 Samuel 16:20 and is central to the Gibeonites' deception Joshua 9:4.
- H2461 châlâb (milk): Described as "milk (as the richness of kine)," this liquid is shown to be stored in a nôʼd when Jael offers it to Sisera Judges 4:19.
- H1832 dimʻâh (tears): Meaning "weeping; tears," this word is metaphorically contained within God's bottle, signifying that God sees and remembers human sorrow Psalms 56:8.
The symbolic weight of H4997 is significant, illustrating deeper theological truths.
- Vessel for Sustenance and Deceit: As a practical object, the nôʼd carries essential liquids like wine H3196, representing provision 1 Samuel 16:20. Its condition—old and rent—can also be part of a wily strategy, as shown by the Gibeonites Joshua 9:4.
- Symbol of Affliction: The image of a "bottle in the smoke" Psalms 119:83 powerfully conveys a state of being shriveled, neglected, and worn out by trial, like a leather skin dried and blackened by soot.
- Emblem of Divine Remembrance: David's request for God to collect his tears H1832 in His bottle H4997 elevates the object to a symbol of God's intimate awareness of suffering. This act of collection is linked to God's accounting, as the verse asks, "are they not in thy book H5612?" Psalms 56:8.
In summary, H4997 is far more than a simple skin bag. It functions as a mundane object for carrying vital fluids like wine and milk, yet it is also transformed into a profound symbol in scripture. It illustrates how a common vessel can represent the human condition—worn by affliction like a bottle in the smoke—and serve as a metaphor for God's compassionate remembrance, storing the very tears of His people.
TRV