from נָגַהּ; brilliancy (literally or figuratively); bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining.
Transliteration:nôgahh
Pronunciation:no'-gah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נֹגַהּ (nôgahh), Strong's number `{{H5051}}`, is derived from the verbal root נָגַהּ (nâgahh, `{{H5050}}`), meaning "to shine, glitter, be bright." As a noun, נֹגַהּ primarily denotes "brilliancy," "light," or "shining." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it refers to the brightness of celestial bodies, such as the sun or stars, or the clear light after rain. Figuratively and more significantly, it describes the resplendent glory of God, the radiant appearance of divine beings, or the metaphorical light of righteousness, wisdom, and salvation. The core concept is one of intense, often awe-inspiring, luminosity that dispels darkness and reveals truth or presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נֹגַהּ appears primarily in poetic and prophetic literature, often in contexts describing divine manifestation or the future glory of God's people.
In [[2 Samuel 23:4]], נֹגַהּ describes the "clear shining" after rain, illustrating the ideal reign of a righteous king, likened to the life-giving light of the morning sun. This imagery conveys blessing, clarity, and prosperity under just governance.
The prophet Isaiah employs נֹגַהּ to depict God's protective presence over Mount Zion, where "the shining of a flaming fire by night" will cover its glory [[Isaiah 4:5]]. This highlights God's visible, illuminating presence among His people. Furthermore, in [[Isaiah 60:3]], it speaks of nations coming to Zion's "brightness" (נֹגַהּ) as a result of God's light rising upon her, signifying the universal appeal and spiritual illumination emanating from God's restored people.
Ezekiel's visions frequently utilize נֹגַהּ to describe the overwhelming splendor of God's glory. In [[Ezekiel 1:4]], the prophet sees "a great cloud with brightness around it," referring to the divine presence. The "brightness" of the living creatures and the firmament above them [[Ezekiel 1:13]], [[Ezekiel 1:27]], and the glory of the Lord filling the temple [[Ezekiel 10:4]] are consistently described with this term, emphasizing the dazzling, awe-inspiring nature of the divine.
Finally, in [[Daniel 12:3]], נֹגַהּ is used metaphorically to describe the future state of the wise and those who lead many to righteousness: "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens." Here, it signifies the radiant glory and honor bestowed upon the faithful, reflecting divine wisdom and purity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for נֹגַהּ is its verbal root, נָגַהּ (nâgahh, `{{H5050}}`), "to shine." This root is essential for understanding the active nature of the noun.
Other related Hebrew terms that share semantic space with נֹגַהּ include:
* אוֹר (ʾôr, `{{H216}}`): The general word for "light," encompassing broad applications from physical light to spiritual illumination. While אוֹר is broader, נֹגַהּ often denotes a more intense, brilliant, or specific kind of light.
* כָּבוֹד (kāvôd, `{{H3519}}`): "Glory" or "honor." This term is frequently associated with divine manifestation and often appears alongside or in contexts implying intense light, as seen in Ezekiel's visions where God's "glory" is also His "brightness."
* זָהַר (zāhar, `{{H2094}}`): "To shine" or "to be bright," used in [[Daniel 12:3]] parallel to נֹגַהּ, reinforcing the concept of radiant appearance.
* The concept of fire (אֵשׁ, ʾēš, `{{H784}}`) is also often linked, as fire can be a source of light and a manifestation of divine presence, especially in theophanies.
Collectively, these words paint a rich picture of light as a medium for divine revelation, purity, and blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נֹגַהּ is profound, primarily centering on the revelation of God's nature and His interaction with humanity.
1. **Divine Manifestation and Presence:** Most significantly, נֹגַהּ describes the visible, tangible manifestation of God's glory (כָּבוֹד). It is the radiant splendor that accompanies the divine presence, making God's holiness, power, and transcendence palpable. In Ezekiel, this "brightness" is not merely light but the very essence of God's glorious being, inspiring awe and reverent fear.
2. **Purity and Righteousness:** Light, and particularly brilliant light, is a consistent biblical metaphor for purity, truth, and righteousness. Just as light dispels darkness, God's "brightness" signifies His absolute moral perfection and His ability to illuminate truth and expose error. The righteous are said to "shine" like this brightness, indicating their conformity to God's character and their role in reflecting His truth to the world.
3. **Salvation and Hope:** In prophetic literature, נֹגַהּ often signals the dawning of God's redemptive work. The "brightness" of Zion's dawn in Isaiah 60 symbolizes the coming era of salvation, where God's light will draw all nations to Himself, bringing spiritual enlightenment and restoration. It represents the hope of a future where God's presence is fully revealed, dispelling all spiritual and physical darkness.
4. **Contrast to Darkness:** The very presence of נֹגַהּ inherently implies a contrast with darkness, which biblically symbolizes evil, ignorance, and chaos. God's "brightness" is a conquering light, signifying His victory over all forces of darkness and His ultimate reign of truth and righteousness.
### Summary
The Hebrew term נֹגַהּ (nôgahh, `{{H5051}}`) encapsulates the concept of "brilliancy," "light," and "shining." Rooted in the verb "to shine," its primary application in the Old Testament is to describe the radiant, often overwhelming, splendor of God's glory and presence. From the ideal righteous rule likened to clear morning light to the awe-inspiring visions of Ezekiel's divine throne, נֹגַהּ consistently points to the visible manifestation of God's holiness, power, and truth. Theologically, it underscores God's illuminating nature, His absolute purity, and the hope of His redemptive work that dispels all darkness. It also speaks to the future glory of the righteous, who will reflect this divine light. Thus, נֹגַהּ is a powerful term conveying divine revelation, purity, and the radiant hope of God's kingdom.
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