נָגַר

nâgar /naw-gar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over
KJV usagefall, flow away, pour down (out), run, shed, spilt, trickle down.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâgar, represented by H5064, is a primitive root primarily meaning to flow. While it appears only 10 times in 10 unique verses, its application is diverse, ranging from the literal flow of liquids to figurative concepts like being delivered over to destruction. Its definitions include to pour out or down, fall, flow away, run, shed, spilt, and trickle down.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H5064 powerfully illustrates concepts of finality, grief, and judgment. It describes the irreversible nature of death, which is compared to water spilt on the ground that cannot be gathered again 2 Samuel 14:14. It conveys deep sorrow, as in Lamentations 3:49, where the eye trickleth down with tears. The word also carries a sense of violent judgment, as seen in prophetic warnings where God will pour out the blood of the wicked Jeremiah 18:21 or pour down the very stones of a city in its destruction Micah 1:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H5064 is used:

  • H5414 nâthan (to give, used with greatest latitude of application): This word often works in parallel with H5064 to signify a transfer or surrender. In Jeremiah 18:21, the plea is to "deliver up their children" and then to "pour out their blood."
  • H4325 mayim (water): As the most common substance associated with flowing, water is frequently the object of the action of H5064. It is used to describe God's power over nature, as with the waters that are poured down a steep place Micah 1:4.
  • H2026 hârag (to smite with deadly intent; destroy, kill, murder): This word connects the action of "pouring out" to its fatal consequence. The men of the unrighteous are to be put to death Jeremiah 18:21 as part of the same judgment that sees their blood poured out.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5064 is concentrated in its depiction of divine power and justice.

  • Irreversibility of Consequences: The image of spilt water that cannot be recovered serves as a stark metaphor for the finality of human life and the irreversible nature of divine acts 2 Samuel 14:14.
  • Divine Judgment: The word is a key descriptor for the execution of God's wrath. God poureth out judgment from a cup for the wicked Psalms 75:8, and the enemies of the righteous fall by the sword, delivered over to their fate Psalms 63:10. The shedding of blood is a direct consequence of iniquity Ezekiel 35:5.
  • Overwhelming Divine Presence: In Micah 1:4, the mountains melt and valleys are cleft like waters poured down, illustrating that the presence of the Lord is an overwhelming force capable of completely reshaping the physical world.

Summary

In summary, H5064 is a dynamic verb that conveys more than simple movement. It illustrates profound theological concepts, from the quiet trickling of an eye in sorrow to the unstoppable outpouring of divine judgment. Though used sparingly, nâgar effectively captures the finality of death, the violence of judgment, and the immense, transformative power of God.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hophal Participle Passive Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Niphal Participle Plural Feminine Absolute 1×
  • Niphal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
  • Qal Participle Passive Plural Masculine Construct 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hophal
The passive of the causative (Hiphil) stem.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Psalms (3 verses).

1
2 Samuel
1
Job
3
Psalms
1
Jeremiah
1
Lamentations
1
Ezekiel
2
Micah

Verse Explorer

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