### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **negeph**, represented by `{{H5063}}`, primarily signifies a **plague** or an **infliction**. Its definition also extends figuratively to mean a trip of the foot or **stumbling**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, often describing a consequence of sin or a divine judgment that can be averted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5063}}` describes both direct and potential divine inflictions. During the Passover, the **plague** was a promised infliction "to destroy" that would not harm the Israelites who applied blood to their houses [[Exodus 12:13]]. The term is also used to describe a preventative measure; a ransom was required during a census "that there be no **plague**" among the people [[Exodus 30:12]]. In a narrative context, a **plague** breaks out among the congregation as a result of the LORD's wrath, requiring Aaron to make an atonement to stop it [[Numbers 16:46-47]]. Figuratively, the word is used when the LORD is described as a "stone of **stumbling**" for the houses of Israel [[Isaiah 8:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the cause, effect, and remedy associated with a `{{H5063}}` event:
* `{{H3722}}` **kâphar** (to cover... to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel; appease, make (an atonement...)): This is the action required to prevent or stop a plague, as seen when Aaron "made an atonement" for the people [[Numbers 16:47]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity... sin): This is presented as a direct cause for a plague, as referenced in the "iniquity of Peor" which resulted in a plague upon the congregation [[Joshua 22:17]].
* `{{H7110}}` **qetseph** (a splinter... figuratively, rage or strife; foam, indignation... wrath): This is the divine emotion from which a plague originates, as when Moses declares that "wrath is gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun" [[Numbers 16:46]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike... kill... punish... smite): This describes the action God takes when the plague is executed, such as when He would "smite the land of Egypt" but pass over the protected houses [[Exodus 12:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5063}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of divine justice and mercy.
* **Divine Judgment:** The term consistently portrays an infliction not as a random event, but as a direct consequence of sin, such as the iniquity of Peor [[Joshua 22:17]], or as an expression of God's wrath [[Numbers 16:46]].
* **Atonement and Prevention:** The concept of `negeph` is closely tied to the means of its prevention. Atonement, through a ransom or priestly intercession, is shown to be the remedy that can avert or halt the plague ([[Exodus 30:12]], [[Numbers 8:19]]).
* **Spiritual Stumbling:** The figurative use of `{{H5063}}` illustrates that God himself, while a sanctuary, can become an obstacle or a cause of stumbling for those who are disobedient [[Isaiah 8:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5063}}` is a multifaceted term that connects the concepts of divine judgment, human sin, and the necessity of atonement. It functions as both a literal plague and a figurative stumbling block, illustrating the severe consequences of straying from God's commands while also pointing toward the provisions He makes for reconciliation and protection.
TRV