### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâʼâh**, represented by `{{H4998}}`, is a primitive root meaning to be pleasant, suitable, or beautiful. Its base definition is "properly, to be at home, i.e. (by implication) to be pleasant (or suitable), i.e. beautiful; be beautiful, become, be comely." Despite its rich meaning, it is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4998}}` is used to describe three distinct types of suitability. In a physical sense, it denotes attractiveness, as seen in the description, "Thy cheeks are **comely**" [[Song of Solomon 1:10]]. The word also expresses what is fitting in a sacred context, with holiness being the attribute that "becometh" the house of the Lord [[Psalms 93:5]]. Most significantly, it is used to describe the profound appeal of the gospel message, where the feet of the messenger are called **beautiful** because they bring news of salvation [[Isaiah 52:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which beauty and suitability are found:
* `{{H3895}}` **lᵉchîy** (cheek): The direct object described as **comely** in [[Song of Solomon 1:10]]. Its definition, "the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone," grounds `{{H4998}}` in physical appearance.
* `{{H6944}}` **qôdesh** (holiness): In [[Psalms 93:5]], it is **holiness** that 'becometh' the house of the Lord. Defined as "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity," this word establishes the divine attribute that is suitable for God's presence.
* `{{H1319}}` **bâsar** (bringeth good tidings): This verb is central to [[Isaiah 52:7]], where the feet of the messenger are **beautiful**. Defined as "to announce (glad news)," it connects the beauty of `{{H4998}}` to the act of proclaiming a positive message.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4998}}` is expressed through its specific contexts:
* **The Beauty of Redemption:** The beauty described in [[Isaiah 52:7]] is not merely aesthetic but functional. The feet are **beautiful** because they carry the messenger who publishes `{{H7965}}` **peace** and `{{H3444}}` **salvation**. This links the concept of beauty directly to the announcement of God's redemptive work.
* **The Suitability of Holiness:** In [[Psalms 93:5]], **nâʼâh** is translated as "becometh," signifying that `{{H6944}}` **holiness** is the uniquely appropriate characteristic of God's house. This establishes a theological principle that sanctity is the fitting and proper state for the divine presence.
* **Physical Comeliness:** The use of **nâʼâh** in [[Song of Solomon 1:10]] to describe **comely** cheeks affirms that physical pleasantness is recognized within scripture as something suitable and beautiful.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4998}}` **nâʼâh** carries a meaning that transcends simple appearance. Though used only three times, it illustrates a biblical concept of beauty that encompasses physical comeliness [[Song of Solomon 1:10]], the inherent suitability of holiness for God's presence [[Psalms 93:5]], and the profound attractiveness of the message of salvation [[Isaiah 52:7]]. It demonstrates how what is 'at home' or fitting can range from a physical feature to the very nature of God's redemptive plan.
TRV