from נָגַח; butting, i.e. vicious; used (wont) to push.
Transliteration:naggâch
Pronunciation:nag-gawkh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נַגָּח (naggâch, `{{H5056}}`) is a masculine singular adjective or participle derived from the verbal root נָגַח (nagach, `{{H5055}}`), meaning "to butt," "to gore," or "to push with horns." As a derivative, נַגָּח signifies a characteristic or habitual action, specifically describing an animal that is "wont to push," "habitually goring," or "vicious" in its tendency to butt. Its core meaning thus conveys a dangerous and aggressive disposition, implying a known propensity for violent physical contact, particularly with its head or horns. This is distinct from a single, isolated act of goring; rather, it denotes a persistent and recognized pattern of aggressive behavior.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נַגָּח (naggâch, `{{H5056}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Exodus, specifically within the legal framework provided in chapter 21, which addresses civil laws and liabilities. All five occurrences pertain to the "ox that habitually gored" or "is wont to push."
* **[[Exodus 21:28]]**: This verse introduces the basic law concerning an ox that gores a person to death. The ox is to be stoned, and its flesh is not to be eaten, but the owner is initially cleared of direct culpability if the act was unforeseen.
* **[[Exodus 21:29]]**: Here, נַגָּח (naggâch) is crucial. It states, "But if the ox was previously *naggâch* (wont to push/gore), and its owner had been warned but did not keep it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death." This verse highlights the critical distinction: the owner's knowledge of the animal's dangerous propensity (its *naggâch* nature) and subsequent negligence elevates the owner's culpability to a capital offense. The term signifies a known, established pattern of aggression.
* **[[Exodus 21:31]]**: This verse extends the application of the law from [[Exodus 21:29]] to cases where the *naggâch* ox gores a child, emphasizing that the same severe consequences apply to the owner.
* **[[Exodus 21:32]]**: The law specifies compensation if the *naggâch* ox gores a slave, requiring the owner to pay thirty shekels of silver to the slave's master, and the ox still to be stoned. This demonstrates the nuanced application of justice based on the status of the victim.
* **[[Exodus 21:36]]**: This verse addresses a scenario where a *naggâch* ox gores another animal, not a person. If the owner knew the ox was *naggâch* and failed to restrain it, they are liable to pay for the dead animal with another ox, and the gored animal becomes theirs.
Across these contexts, the consistent use of נַגָּח (naggâch) underscores the legal principle that knowledge of a danger, coupled with a failure to mitigate that danger, results in heightened responsibility and more severe penalties. The term moves beyond a singular incident to characterize a known, inherent risk.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for נַגָּח (naggâch, `{{H5056}}`) is its verbal root, נָגַח (nagach, `{{H5055}}`), which describes the action of butting or goring itself. Thus, נַגָּח is the adjective describing the one who *does* נָגַח habitually.
Conceptually, נַגָּח is linked to:
* **Negligence and Culpability**: The legal distinction drawn in Exodus 21 hinges on whether the owner was aware of the ox's *naggâch* nature. This directly relates to the concept of criminal negligence, where failure to act on known information leads to severe consequences.
* **Liability and Restitution**: The laws demonstrate God's concern for justice and the proper assignment of liability for harm caused, whether to persons or property.
* **Sanctity of Life**: The severe penalties for the owner of a *naggâch* ox that kills a human underscore the high value placed on human life in the Mosaic Law.
* **Animal Control**: The laws implicitly highlight the responsibility of humans to manage and control domesticated animals, especially those with dangerous propensities.
The concept of a "known danger" also resonates with other biblical laws concerning property and personal injury, where foresight and preventative action are often implicitly or explicitly required.
### Theological Significance
The laws concerning the נַגָּח (naggâch) ox are deeply significant in revealing aspects of God's character and His expectations for humanity.
1. **Divine Justice and Equity**: God's Law is meticulously just, distinguishing between unforeseen accidents and preventable tragedies stemming from negligence. The varying degrees of punishment (stoning the ox, capital punishment for the owner, monetary compensation) reflect a nuanced understanding of culpability based on knowledge and intent. This demonstrates God's commitment to a just society where accountability is paramount.
2. **Sanctity of Life**: The most severe penalty—the death of the owner—for failing to control a known dangerous animal that takes a human life powerfully underscores the supreme value God places on human life. Even property rights are secondary to the preservation of human life.
3. **Human Responsibility and Stewardship**: The laws implicitly teach that humans are responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to them, including their animals and property. This stewardship includes foreseeing potential dangers and taking appropriate measures to protect others. Failure to exercise responsible dominion over creation, especially when it results in harm, incurs divine judgment.
4. **Principle of Knowledge and Accountability**: The distinction between an ox that gores for the first time and a *naggâch* ox highlights the theological principle that greater knowledge brings greater responsibility. This resonates with broader biblical themes where those who know God's will are held to a higher standard (e.g., [[Luke 12:48]]).
5. **Metaphorical Application**: While specific to an ox, the principle can be extended metaphorically. A "naggâch" tendency might represent a known destructive habit or character flaw within an individual or community. The Law implicitly warns against ignoring such known dangers, whether in oneself or in those under one's care, lest they lead to catastrophic consequences.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נַגָּח (naggâch, `{{H5056}}`) precisely describes an ox that is "wont to push" or "habitually goring," indicating a known and dangerous disposition. Its exclusive use in Exodus 21:28-36 forms the bedrock of Mosaic legal statutes concerning liability for harm caused by such an animal. The term is pivotal in distinguishing between an accidental goring and one resulting from an owner's negligence regarding a known dangerous animal. Theologically, the laws surrounding the *naggâch* ox powerfully articulate God's profound concern for justice, the sanctity of human life, and the principle of accountability. They underscore the divine expectation that individuals will exercise responsible stewardship over their possessions, particularly when those possessions pose a known risk to the well-being of the community, demonstrating that greater knowledge of a danger necessitates greater responsibility for its prevention.
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