passive participle of נָדַד; properly, tossed; abstractly, a rolling (on the bed); tossing to and fro.
Transliteration:nâdud
Pronunciation:naw-dood'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term nâdud (`{{H5076}}`) is a passive participle derived from the root verb nâdad (`{{H5074}}`), which signifies "to flee," "to wander," or "to be tossed." As a passive participle, nâdud describes a state of being acted upon, specifically "being tossed." In its abstract sense, particularly when used in the plural, it refers to "a rolling" or "tossing to and fro," most commonly in the context of restless movement on a bed, indicative of sleeplessness or profound agitation. The inherent semantic range thus encompasses physical restlessness, mental distress, and an inability to find repose, emphasizing a state of involuntary, disquieted motion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The form nâdud (`{{H5076}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the plural, נְדֻדִים (nᵊdudîm), and is found in a single, poignant occurrence:
* **[[Job 7:4]]**: "When I lie down, I say, 'When shall I arise, and the night be gone?' And I am full of *tossings* till the dawn."
In this verse, Job, in the depths of his suffering, vividly describes his agonizing nights. The "tossings" (נְדֻדִים) are not merely physical movements but a profound manifestation of his internal torment and inability to find peace or sleep. This single use powerfully conveys a state of perpetual restlessness, a physical symptom of overwhelming anguish and despair. It underscores the severity of Job's affliction, where even the solace of sleep is denied, leaving him in a continuous cycle of wakefulness and distress until daybreak. The word here encapsulates the physical and psychological burden of his trials, highlighting a complete absence of rest.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for nâdud (`{{H5076}}`) is its root verb, nâdad (`{{H5074}}`). This verb carries a broader semantic field, including "to flee," "to wander," "to move rapidly," or "to be agitated." While nâdad can describe voluntary movement, its passive participle nâdud emphasizes an involuntary state of being moved or tossed.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates of nâdud, include:
* **Restlessness/Sleeplessness:** The core meaning of nâdud directly addresses an inability to find rest, particularly in sleep. This stands in stark contrast to biblical concepts of *menûḥâ* (מְנוּחָה, `{{H4496}}`, "rest, quietness") or *šālôm* (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`, "peace, wholeness"), which denote states of tranquility and well-being.
* **Distress/Anguish:** The "tossings" are a physical manifestation of deep emotional and spiritual anguish. This aligns with other Hebrew terms for sorrow, pain, and affliction.
* **Wandering:** While nâdud specifically refers to restless tossing, the broader root nâdad (`{{H5074}}`) also encompasses the idea of "wandering," as seen in nodi (נֹדִי, `{{H5112}}`), used in [[Psalm 56:8]] to describe David's "wanderings" or exiled state. Both terms convey a lack of fixed abode or settled state, whether physically or in the sense of inner repose.
### Theological Significance
Though nâdud (`{{H5076}}`) appears only once, its singular occurrence in the book of Job imbues it with profound theological significance. It functions as a vivid descriptor of human suffering at its most acute, where even the basic human need for rest is denied.
1. **The Depth of Human Suffering:** Job's "tossings" highlight the comprehensive nature of his affliction, impacting not only his physical body and possessions but also his inner peace and ability to find solace. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of profound anguish, where the soul is so disquieted that the body cannot find rest.
2. **God's Awareness of Suffering:** While Job experiences these restless nights, the broader biblical narrative, especially in the Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 56:8]]), suggests that God is intimately aware of the "wanderings" and tears of His people. Even in the midst of seemingly abandoned suffering, the divine gaze perceives the deepest human distress, including the sleepless nights.
3. **The Longing for Rest:** The experience of nâdud underscores a universal human longing for rest, peace, and release from turmoil. This longing ultimately points to a deeper spiritual yearning for the ultimate rest found in God's presence and His promised deliverance. The absence of rest in this life can, paradoxically, intensify the desire for the eternal rest offered through divine grace.
### Summary
Nâdud (`{{H5076}}`) is a rare but powerful Hebrew term, a passive participle from nâdad (`{{H5074}}`), meaning "tossed" or "tossing to and fro." Its singular appearance in [[Job 7:4]] as "tossings" (נְדֻדִים) vividly portrays Job's profound physical and mental anguish, characterized by sleepless nights and restless agitation. This word encapsulates the human experience of severe distress, where peace and repose are utterly absent. Theologically, it serves as a potent symbol of the depth of human suffering, reminding us of God's awareness of our deepest turmoils and pointing to the ultimate human longing for true rest and peace, which is found in divine solace.
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