from נָאָה; a home; figuratively, a pasture; habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place.
Transliteration:nâʼâh
Pronunciation:naw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H4999 (נָאָה, nâʼâh) is a noun derived from a root that conveys the sense of suitability, comeliness, or pleasantness. As a noun, nâʼâh refers to a place that embodies these qualities, primarily a "home" or "habitation." Its core meaning denotes a dwelling place that is fitting, comfortable, and desirable. The semantic range extends figuratively to encompass a "pasture" or "pleasant place." This extension is significant, as it applies the idea of a suitable dwelling not only to human habitation but also to a place where livestock can thrive, implying abundance, provision, and tranquility. Thus, nâʼâh encapsulates the notion of a place of rest, security, and sustenance, characterized by its inherent pleasantness or suitability for life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4999 appears in several key biblical passages, revealing its nuanced application:
* **[[2 Samuel 7:8]] / [[1 Chronicles 17:7]]**: In these parallel accounts, the LORD speaks to David through the prophet Nathan, declaring, "I took you from the pasture (נָאָה, nâʼâh), from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel." Here, nâʼâh is translated as "pasture," referring to David's humble origins as a shepherd. The context emphasizes God's sovereign choice and elevation of David from a place of simple sustenance to a position of leadership. It underscores the contrast between David's original "habitation" (the pasture) and the "house" (dynasty) God promises to build for him.
* **[[Psalm 23:2]]**: "He makes me lie down in green pastures (נָאָה, nâʼâh)." This iconic verse utilizes nâʼâh to describe the idyllic and restorative environment provided by the Divine Shepherd. The "green pastures" represent a place of abundant provision, safety, and profound rest, where the soul is refreshed. This usage powerfully illustrates the figurative sense of nâʼâh as a place of flourishing and peace.
* **[[Psalm 65:13]]**: "The pastures (נָאָה, nâʼâh) are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing." Here, nâʼâh again refers to "pastures," signifying fertile and productive land. The verse is part of a psalm celebrating God's bountiful provision and blessing upon the earth, where the land itself rejoices in its fruitfulness. It reinforces the idea of nâʼâh as a place of divine blessing and prosperity.
* **[[Jeremiah 25:37]]**: "And the peaceful habitations (נָאָה, nâʼâh) are cut off because of the fierce anger of the LORD." In stark contrast to the Psalms, this passage depicts a scene of desolation. nâʼâh is rendered as "habitations" or "pastures," but these once-peaceful places are now destroyed due to divine judgment. This usage highlights the fragility of earthly security and pleasantness when God's favor is withdrawn, serving as a lament over what was lost.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H4999 connects it to several other significant Hebrew terms:
* **Root Verb (implied):** The noun nâʼâh is derived from a root verb (also transliterated nâʼâh) meaning "to be comely, suitable, fitting, or pleasant." This underlying meaning imbues the noun with its core sense of a desirable or appropriate place.
* **Dwelling Places:**
* בַּיִת (bayit, `{{H1004}}`): The most common word for "house" or "home," often referring to a physical structure or a household/dynasty. While nâʼâh can mean "house," it carries a stronger connotation of pleasantness or suitability than bayit alone.
* מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan, `{{H4908}}`): "Dwelling place," particularly used for the Tabernacle, emphasizing God's presence among His people.
* מָעוֹן (ma'on, `{{H4583}}`): "Dwelling place," often with the nuance of a refuge or secure habitation.
* **Places of Provision:**
* מִרְעֶה (mir'eh, `{{H4830}}`): "Pasture," specifically a grazing place for flocks, often used interchangeably with nâʼâh in contexts like Psalm 23.
* דֶּשֶׁא (deshe', `{{H1877}}`): "Grass," "herbage," denoting the vegetation that constitutes a pasture.
The distinctiveness of nâʼâh lies in its inherent qualitative aspect; it is not merely a place, but a *pleasant* or *suitable* place.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4999 (nâʼâh) is multifaceted:
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The most prominent theological implication of nâʼâh is its portrayal of God's abundant provision. In the context of "green pastures" ([[Psalm 23:2]]) and "pastures clothed with flocks" ([[Psalm 65:13]]), nâʼâh becomes a symbol of divine care that leads to rest, nourishment, and flourishing. It speaks to the Lord's role as the Great Shepherd who leads His people to places of peace and plenty, ensuring their well-being in every aspect of life. This imagery evokes a deep sense of trust and security in God's faithfulness.
* **God's Sovereignty and Calling:** The reference to David being taken "from the pasture" ([[2 Samuel 7:8]]) highlights God's sovereign choice and ability to elevate individuals from humble beginnings to positions of great responsibility. It underscores that true dwelling and purpose are ultimately found in God's calling and not in human achievement or status.
* **The Nature of Blessing and Judgment:** The contrast between the pleasant nâʼâh of the Psalms and the "cut off peaceful habitations" of Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 25:37]]) powerfully illustrates the conditional nature of blessing within the covenant. While God provides places of peace and prosperity, these can be swiftly removed as a consequence of unfaithfulness and sin. This serves as a stark reminder that true and lasting pleasantness is contingent upon walking in the ways of the Lord.
* **Shalom and Wholeness:** Fundamentally, nâʼâh points towards a state of *shalom*—wholeness, peace, and well-being. A "pleasant place" is not merely aesthetically pleasing but functionally conducive to life, rest, and thriving. It embodies the ideal environment for human and animal flourishing under God's benevolent rule.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4999 (נָאָה, nâʼâh) signifies a "home," "habitation," or "pasture" characterized by its pleasantness, suitability, and conduciveness to flourishing. Its semantic range extends from a physical dwelling to a fertile grazing ground, consistently carrying connotations of comfort, provision, and security. Biblically, nâʼâh illustrates God's gracious and abundant provision for His people, leading them to places of rest and sustenance, as depicted in the pastoral imagery of the Psalms ([[Psalm 23:2]], [[Psalm 65:13]]). It also appears in contexts highlighting God's sovereign calling, as seen in David's elevation from the nâʼâh of a shepherd ([[2 Samuel 7:8]]). Conversely, the term can underscore the devastating consequences of divine judgment, where once "peaceful habitations" are laid waste ([[Jeremiah 25:37]]). Theologically, nâʼâh profoundly speaks to the divine care that ensures rest and abundance, the essential role of God's presence as the ultimate source of security, and the transient nature of earthly pleasantness apart from divine favor. It encapsulates the profound biblical concept of a place of *shalom* where life is sustained and blessed by the Lord.
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