from an unused root meaning to be parched; the south (from its drought); specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt (as south to Palestine); south (country, side, -ward).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **negeb**, represented by `{{H5045}}`, originates from a root word meaning "to be parched." It appears **112 times** across **98 unique verses**, primarily denoting the **south** or a southern region, a reference derived from its characteristic drought. While it serves as a cardinal direction, it specifically identifies the Negeb desert, the southern district of Judah, and occasionally Egypt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5045}}` is used to define both direction and territory. God's covenant promise to Jacob included spreading abroad to the west, east, north, and **south** [[Genesis 28:14]]. It designates the specific geographical region where Abraham journeyed [[Genesis 20:1]] and Isaac dwelled [[Genesis 24:62]], known as the **south** country. The term is also critical in describing military campaigns, as Joshua smote the entire country of the hills and the **south** [[Joshua 10:40]]. In prophecy, it is portrayed as a "land of trouble and anguish" [[Isaiah 30:6]] and is the domain of the "king of the **south**" in Daniel's visions [[Daniel 11:40]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographic and directional context:
* `{{H8486}}` **têymân** (the south): A synonym used to specify the southern direction. Ezekiel's prophecy is directed toward the **south** `{{H8486}}` and also against the forest of the **south** `{{H5045}}` field [[Ezekiel 20:46]].
* `{{H1864}}` **dârôwm** (the south): Another term for south, used alongside `têymân` to give prophetic emphasis to the southern region [[Ezekiel 20:46]].
* `{{H6828}}` **tsâphôwn** (north): As the geographical opposite, it often appears in parallel with `negeb` to describe the full extent of a land or a divine judgment, as seen in the warning that all faces from the **south** `{{H5045}}` to the **north** `{{H6828}}` shall be burned [[Ezekiel 20:47]].
* `{{H776}}` **'erets** (country, land): This word is frequently paired with `negeb` to form the phrase "**south** country," designating the specific region where patriarchs like Abraham sojourned [[Genesis 20:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5045}}` is connected to its geographical and symbolic roles.
* **Covenantal Geography:** The term is essential in mapping the boundaries of the Promised Land. The territory given to Judah is explicitly defined by its **south** `{{H5045}}` coast, grounding God's promises in tangible, physical land [[Joshua 15:1-4]].
* **Symbol of Hardship and Judgment:** The word's connection to being "parched" is reflected in prophetic literature. Isaiah describes the **south** `{{H5045}}` as a "land of trouble and anguish," a terrible place through which whirlwinds pass ([[Isaiah 21:1]], [[Isaiah 30:6]]).
* **Direction of Prophetic Action:** God directs Ezekiel to "set thy face toward the **south**" and prophesy against it [[Ezekiel 20:46]]. Furthermore, the "king of the **south**" `{{H5045}}` is a recurring and significant figure in the conflicts detailed in the book of Daniel [[Daniel 11:5-40]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5045}}` **negeb** is far more than a simple directional term. It is a distinct geographical region defined by its arid nature, a key marker for tribal allotments, and the setting for significant historical events. Prophetically, it functions as a symbol of hardship, a focus of divine judgment, and a theater for eschatological conflict. The use of **negeb** illustrates how scripture weaves together geography and theology, using a physical place to communicate profound truths about covenant, trial, and God's sovereignty.
TRV