### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5002}}` (נְאֻם, nᵉʼum) is a nominal form derived from the verb `{{H5000}}` (נָאַם, na'am), meaning "to utter, declare, or prophesy." While its basic sense is "an utterance" or "a declaration," its semantic range in the biblical text is almost exclusively refined to denote a *divine oracle* or a *prophetic utterance*. It carries a profound nuance of authoritative speech originating from a higher power, most typically God Himself. Thus, it is not merely any saying, but a pronouncement imbued with divine weight and certainty. Common translations include "oracle," "utterance," or, most frequently, "saith" when combined with the divine name, emphasizing the source of the declaration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5002}}` is a highly frequent term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing hundreds of times, predominantly in the prophetic books. Its most characteristic and significant usage is in the phrase נְאֻם יְהוָה (ne'um YHWH), meaning "the oracle of Yahweh" or "saith the LORD." This phrase serves as an emphatic and authoritative marker, signaling that the words that follow are not the prophet's own insights or opinions, but a direct, verbally inspired message from God.
Examples of its usage include:
* In prophetic warnings and judgments: [[Isaiah 1:24]] "Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel..." (נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת).
* In divine assurances and promises: [[Jeremiah 1:8]] "for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD." (כִּי אִתְּךָ אֲנִי לְהַצִּילֶךָ נְאֻם יְהוָה).
* In solemn divine oaths: [[Ezekiel 5:11]] "Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD..." (לָכֵן חַי אָנִי נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה).
* Even in Psalms, emphasizing God's direct address: [[Psalm 110:1]] "The LORD said unto my Lord..." (נְאֻם יְהוָה לַאדֹנִי).
The consistent use of `{{H5002}}` in these contexts underscores its function as a divine signature, authenticating the message as originating from the Almighty. It lends indisputable weight, certainty, and divine authority to the pronouncement, whether it be a command, a promise, a warning, or a declaration of judgment or blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5002}}` is its root verb, `{{H5000}}` (נָאַם, na'am), which signifies the act of uttering or declaring. The noun `{{H5002}}` represents the *result* or *content* of that divine utterance.
While the Hebrew Bible employs various terms for God's communication, `{{H5002}}` stands out for its specific emphasis on authoritative, often prophetic, speech:
* `{{H1697}}` (דָּבָר, davar): "word, matter, thing." While *davar* frequently refers to God's "word" (e.g., "the word of the LORD came to..."), it is a broader term. `{{H5002}}` specifically highlights the *authoritative utterance* aspect, often functioning as an emphatic marker for a *davar* that is directly from God.
* `{{H262}}` (אִמְרָה, imrah): "saying, word." Similar to *davar*, *imrah* can denote God's words, promises, or commands. However, `{{H5002}}` typically carries a more formal, prophetic, and unchallengeable weight.
* `{{H2374}}` (חָזוֹן, chazon): "vision." While visions are a form of divine revelation, *chazon* refers to a visual experience, whereas `{{H5002}}` refers to a verbal, auditory declaration. They are complementary aspects of how God reveals Himself.
The concept of divine revelation itself is intimately tied to `{{H5002}}`. It is a key term for understanding the verbal nature of much Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating how God chooses to communicate His will directly and audibly to humanity through His chosen messengers.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H5002}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** The phrase "ne'um YHWH" unequivocally establishes God's absolute authority. When God speaks, it is not merely a suggestion or a human opinion, but a binding declaration from the Sovereign Lord of the universe. His word is final, unchallengeable, and carries inherent power.
* **Reliability and Truthfulness of God's Word:** The term emphasizes the certainty and truthfulness of what God declares. His pronouncements, whether of blessing, judgment, or promise, are guaranteed to come to pass because they originate from His very being. This fosters deep trust in His character and His faithfulness to His covenant.
* **God's Active Engagement with Humanity:** `{{H5002}}` powerfully demonstrates that God is not a distant, silent deity, but one who actively communicates with His creation. He intervenes in human history through His spoken word, revealing His character, His will, His plans, and His redemptive purposes.
* **Foundation of Prophetic Ministry:** For the biblical prophets, "ne'um YHWH" was their ultimate validation and mandate. It underscored that their message was not of their own devising but the very words of God Himself. This highlights the prophet's role as a divine mouthpiece, faithfully relaying God's authoritative message.
* **Covenantal Context:** Many "ne'um" statements are found within a covenantal framework, reaffirming God's steadfast faithfulness to His promises or pronouncing the consequences of covenant disobedience, thereby reinforcing the binding nature of the covenant relationship.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H5002}}` (נְאֻם, nᵉʼum) signifies an "oracle" or "utterance," specifically denoting a divine, authoritative declaration. Derived from the verb `{{H5000}}` ("to declare, prophesy"), its most prevalent and significant usage is in the phrase "ne'um YHWH" ("the oracle of Yahweh" or "saith the LORD"). This phrase functions as an emphatic stamp of divine origin, authenticating the message as directly from God. `{{H5002}}` is crucial for comprehending God's direct and verbal communication with humanity, particularly through His prophets. It profoundly underscores the absolute sovereignty, unwavering truthfulness, and active engagement of God in the world, affirming that the words thus introduced are not human pronouncements but the certain and binding declarations of the Almighty, forming the very bedrock of biblical prophecy and divine revelation.
TRV