### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâgahh**, represented by `{{H5050}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to glitter; causatively, to illuminate; (en-) lighten, (cause to) shine**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, consistently depicting the action of light breaking into darkness or being withheld as a sign of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5050}}` illustrates both divine deliverance and condemnation. On one hand, it describes God's direct intervention, where a **great** `{{H1419}}` **light** `{{H216}}` has **shined** upon a **people** `{{H5971}}` who **walked** `{{H1980}}` in **darkness** `{{H2822}}` [[Isaiah 9:2]]. This same action applies personally, as the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` promises to **lighten** one's **darkness** ([[2 Samuel 22:29]], [[Psalms 18:28]]). Conversely, it is used to signify judgment, as when the **moon** `{{H3394}}` is prophesied to not cause her **light** to **shine** [[Isaiah 13:10]], or when the **light** of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` is put out and his **spark** `{{H7632}}` will not **shine** [[Job 18:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the theme of light and its absence:
* `{{H216}}` **'ôwr** (light): This noun for illumination is the object that `{{H5050}}` acts upon in most of its occurrences. For instance, a **great** `{{H1419}}` **light** is what **shined** on those in the **shadow of death** `{{H6757}}` [[Isaiah 9:2]].
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): As the direct opposite of light, this word defines the state that `{{H5050}}` overcomes. God is called upon to **enlighten** personal **darkness** [[Psalms 18:28]], and it is those who walk in **darkness** that see the light shine.
* `{{H1846}}` **dâʻak** (to be extinguished): This verb presents a contrast to `{{H5050}}`. While `{{H5050}}` describes light actively shining, `{{H1846}}` describes it being **put out**, as with the **light** `{{H216}}` of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` [[Job 18:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5050}}` is tied to the concepts of divine power and moral consequence.
* **Divine Illumination:** The word is used to show God's power to bring hope and clarity. He **will enlighten** the personal **darkness** `{{H2822}}` of the psalmist [[Psalms 18:28]] and cause light to **shine** upon the **ways** `{{H1870}}` of the righteous [[Job 22:28]].
* **Prophetic Hope:** In Isaiah, the shining of light upon those dwelling in the **land** `{{H776}}` of the **shadow of death** `{{H6757}}` is a messianic prophecy of deliverance and grace [[Isaiah 9:2]].
* **Judgment and Consequence:** The absence of the action of shining is a form of divine judgment. The light of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` is not only **put out** `{{H1846}}`, but its **spark** `{{H7632}}` is actively described as not shining [[Job 18:5]], signifying a complete end to their influence and prosperity.
### Summary
In summary, **nâgahh** `{{H5050}}` is more than just a word for shining; it is a verb of action and power. It captures the dynamic moment of illumination, whether it is the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` bringing light to a darkened soul, a prophetic promise breaking into a hopeless situation, or the finality of judgment as the light of the wicked ceases to shine.
TRV