a primitive root; properly, to be at home, i.e. (by implication) to be pleasant (or suitable), i.e. beautiful; be beautiful, become, be comely.
Transliteration:nâʼâh
Pronunciation:naw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H4998}}` (נָאָה, nâʼâh) is a primitive root, carrying a rich semantic range that extends from its foundational meaning. Properly, it signifies "to be at home" or "to dwell." From this core idea of being settled or in one's proper place, it develops implications of suitability, fitness, and appropriateness. When something is "at home," it is fitting, harmonious, and therefore, by extension, pleasant or beautiful. The beauty conveyed by `{{H4998}}` is not merely superficial aesthetic appeal, but an inherent comeliness that stems from being in its rightful and appropriate state. It suggests a beauty that is intrinsically right, becoming, and fitting for its context or purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H4998}}` appears relatively infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Piel stem, which often indicates an intensive or declarative sense. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly significant, particularly in the Psalms, where it describes attributes of God and proper worship.
* **[[Psalm 93:5]]**: "Your testimonies are very sure; holiness becomes Your house, O Lord, forevermore." Here, the Piel participle (נָאוָה, nâʼwâh) is used to describe how holiness "becomes" or "is fitting for" the house of the Lord. The beauty or appropriateness is intrinsically linked to the divine attribute of holiness. It underscores that God's dwelling place is not merely adorned with holiness, but holiness is its very essence and what makes it truly beautiful and suitable for Him. This verse connects the unshakeable truth of God's testimonies with the inherent fitness of holiness for His presence.
* **[[Psalm 147:1]]**: "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and becoming to praise Him." Again, the Piel participle (נָאוָה, nâʼwâh) is employed. In this context, praise is described as both "pleasant" (טוֹב, ṭôḇ, `{{H2896}}`) and "becoming" or "fitting" (נָאוָה, nâʼwâh). The act of praising God is not just an optional activity but an inherently appropriate and beautiful response to His goodness. It is a suitable and harmonious action that aligns with the nature of God and the worshiper's relationship with Him. The beauty of praise lies in its inherent rightness and the honor it bestows upon the Divine.
In both instances, `{{H4998}}` highlights a beauty that is rooted in truth, suitability, and divine order rather than mere external appearance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by `{{H4998}}` intersects with several other important Hebrew terms and theological ideas:
* **Beauty and Goodness**:
* `{{H3302}}` (yâphâh): "to be beautiful," often referring to physical or aesthetic attractiveness. While `{{H4998}}` can imply beauty, its emphasis is more on inherent suitability.
* `{{H2896}}` (ṭôḇ): "good," "pleasant," "right." As seen in [[Psalm 147:1]], `{{H4998}}` and `{{H2896}}` are used in conjunction, emphasizing that what is fitting is also good and pleasant.
* **Holiness and Righteousness**:
* `{{H6942}}` (qâdaš): "to be holy," "sacred." The direct connection in [[Psalm 93:5]] between holiness and what "becomes" God's house underscores that the beauty implied by `{{H4998}}` is often moral and spiritual, aligning with divine character.
* `{{H6662}}` (ṣedeq): "righteousness," "justice." The idea of something being "fitting" or "appropriate" resonates with the concept of righteousness, which is about alignment with divine standards.
* **Order and Harmony**: The underlying sense of "being at home" or "in its proper place" suggests a divine order and harmony in creation and in the relationship between God and humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4998}}` lies in its profound connection between truth, holiness, and beauty.
1. **Divine Character and Dwelling**: The word reveals that God's house is not merely a physical structure but a place characterized by His holiness. This holiness is not an arbitrary attribute but is inherently "becoming" to Him, perfectly fitting His nature. It speaks to the intrinsic order and purity of God's presence.
2. **The Nature of True Worship**: [[Psalm 147:1]] teaches that praise is not just an obligation but an act that is inherently "pleasant and becoming." This elevates worship from mere ritual to a beautiful and appropriate response to God's character. True worship aligns with divine worthiness, making it inherently beautiful and fitting. It is a harmonious echo of God's own goodness.
3. **Truth and Beauty Intertwined**: The conjunction of "sure testimonies" and "holiness becomes Your house" in [[Psalm 93:5]] illustrates a deep biblical principle: God's truth (His revealed Word and character) is inseparable from His beauty and the inherent fitness of His being. What is true about God is also beautiful and appropriate.
4. **Aesthetic Dimension of Spirituality**: `{{H4998}}` highlights that spirituality has an aesthetic dimension. The pursuit of holiness and the act of worship are not just morally right but also possess an inherent beauty and comeliness in the eyes of God and those who perceive His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4998}}` (נָאָה, nâʼâh) is a powerful primitive root whose core meaning of "to be at home" expands to encompass suitability, pleasantness, and an inherent beauty. This beauty is not superficial but arises from something being in its proper, fitting, and appropriate state. In its rare but significant biblical occurrences, primarily in the Piel stem, `{{H4998}}` underscores the intrinsic comeliness of God's holiness ([[Psalm 93:5]]) and the inherent appropriateness and beauty of praising Him ([[Psalm 147:1]]). Theologically, it reveals that God's character, His dwelling, and the worship offered to Him possess a profound, unadorned beauty rooted in truth, holiness, and divine order, emphasizing that what is truly fitting for God is also truly beautiful.
TRV