from נָגַף; a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease); plague, stumbling.
Transliteration:negeph
Pronunciation:neh'-ghef
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H5063 (נֶגֶף, *negeph*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H5062}}` (נָגַף, *nagaph*), which means "to strike," "smite," "plague," or "stumble." Consequently, *negeph* carries the core semantic range of a "blow," "stroke," or "infliction." Its meaning bifurcates into a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to a "trip" or "stumbling" of the foot, an accidental fall. Figuratively and more commonly, it denotes a severe "infliction," "plague," or "pestilence," often understood as a divine judgment or a calamitous blow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5063 appears in various contexts, primarily in the Pentateuch and historical books, with a few occurrences in wisdom literature.
* **Divine Plague/Pestilence:** Most frequently, *negeph* refers to a divinely sent plague or pestilence, often as a consequence of sin or disobedience.
* In [[Exodus 30:12]], taking a census without paying a ransom is warned against, lest a "plague" (*negeph*) break out among the people. This highlights the concept of ritual purity and divine protection.
* In [[Numbers 8:19]], the Levites' service is said to prevent a "plague" (*negeph*) from coming upon the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary. Here, the Levitical mediation averts divine wrath.
* The most vivid instances relate to the aftermath of rebellion or sin. Following Korah's rebellion, a "plague" (*negeph*) began among the congregation, which was only stayed by Aaron's intercession with incense ([[Numbers 16:46]], [[Numbers 16:47]], [[Numbers 16:50]], [[Numbers 17:11]]).
* Similarly, the "plague" (*negeph*) at Peor ([[Numbers 25:18]], [[Numbers 31:16]]) was a divine judgment for Israel's idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women.
* In [[1 Chronicles 21:22]], David seeks to build an altar to stay the "plague" (*negeph*) that afflicted Israel due to his unauthorized census, paralleling the narrative in 2 Samuel 24 (though that passage uses `{{H4046}}`).
* [[Psalm 91:10]] promises divine protection: "no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague (negeph) come near your dwelling." Here, *negeph* signifies a general calamity or affliction.
* **Chastisement/Blows:**
* In [[2 Samuel 7:14]], part of the Davidic covenant, God states, "If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes (negeph) of the children of men." Here, *negeph* refers to disciplinary "blows" or "stripes," indicating human or divine chastisement within a covenantal framework.
* **Literal Stumbling:**
* [[Proverbs 3:23]] offers the clearest instance of the literal meaning: "Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble (negeph)." This speaks of physical security and protection from literal tripping or falling.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The foundational connection is to `{{H5062}}` (נָגַף, *nagaph*), "to strike," "smite," "plague." The noun *negeph* is the direct result or consequence of this action.
* **Synonyms for Plague/Calamity:**
* `{{H4046}}` (מַגֵּפָה, *maggephah*): Also derived from `{{H5062}}`, this noun is very close in meaning to *negeph* and is frequently translated as "plague," "slaughter," or "blow," often in contexts of divine judgment (e.g., the plagues in Egypt, the pestilence after David's census in 2 Samuel 24). The two terms are often used interchangeably to denote a severe, often divinely inflicted, calamity.
* `{{H1698}}` (דֶּבֶר, *deber*): Commonly translated "pestilence," often appearing alongside sword and famine as instruments of divine judgment.
* **Concepts:** Divine judgment, divine retribution, consequences of sin, covenant fidelity, chastisement, physical and spiritual security, affliction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5063 (נֶגֶף) is profound, primarily illuminating God's active involvement in the world and His relationship with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The frequent association of *negeph* with divine plagues underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His role as a righteous judge. It demonstrates that God is not a passive observer but actively intervenes to uphold His holiness and justice, particularly in response to sin and rebellion.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** *Negeph* serves as a powerful reminder of the tangible and severe consequences that arise from disobedience to God's commands and covenant stipulations. The plagues in Numbers, for instance, are direct results of Israel's infidelity.
* **Covenantal Blessings and Curses:** The presence or absence of *negeph* often functions within the framework of covenantal blessings and curses. Protection from *negeph* is a blessing promised to the faithful ([[Psalm 91:10]]), while its infliction is a curse upon the disobedient.
* **Chastisement for Restoration:** In [[2 Samuel 7:14]], *negeph* as "stripes" reveals a facet of God's discipline within a loving, covenantal relationship. This chastisement is not for destruction but for correction and restoration, aiming to bring His people back to righteousness.
* **God as Protector:** Conversely, the promise that one's "foot will not stumble" ([[Proverbs 3:23]]) highlights God's role as a faithful protector for those who trust in Him, ensuring both physical safety and perhaps, by extension, stability in their spiritual walk.
### Summary
H5063 (נֶגֶף, *negeph*) is a potent Hebrew noun derived from the verb `{{H5062}}` ("to strike"), signifying a "blow," "stroke," or "infliction." While it can literally denote a "stumbling" or "tripping" of the foot ([[Proverbs 3:23]]), its predominant usage in the Old Testament is figurative, referring to a severe "plague" or "pestilence." These plagues are most often portrayed as divine judgments, divinely sent as a consequence of human sin or disobedience, as seen in the accounts of the census ([[Exodus 30:12]]) or the rebellion of Korah ([[Numbers 16:46]]). It can also describe "stripes" or "blows" as a form of chastisement ([[2 Samuel 7:14]]). Closely related to `{{H4046}}` (*maggephah*), *negeph* powerfully communicates God's sovereignty in both judgment and protection, underscoring the serious consequences of sin and the blessings of covenant faithfulness.
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