a primitive root; to groan, i.e. bewail; hence (through the idea of crying aloud), to assemble (as if on proclamation); lament, wail.
Transliteration:nâhâh
Pronunciation:naw-haw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5091}}` (nâhâh) primarily conveys the intense vocal expression of grief, sorrow, or distress. Its core meaning is "to groan" or "to bewail," encompassing a deep, mournful sound indicative of profound suffering. This is often rendered in English as "lament" or "wail." The term speaks to a visceral, audible manifestation of inner pain, whether personal or corporate. The provided definition also suggests a secondary, derived meaning: "to assemble (as if on proclamation)." This semantic extension is less common in direct application but implies that the loud, public nature of wailing or a "proclamation" (a loud cry) could draw people together, forming a gathering. However, the dominant usage in the Hebrew Bible clearly centers on the act of mournful vocalization. As a "primitive root," it suggests a foundational, perhaps onomatopoeic, quality to the sound of lamentation itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5091}}` frequently appears in contexts of profound sorrow, particularly mourning for the dead or lamenting national disaster and divine judgment. It describes a public and often collective expression of grief. For instance, in the books of the prophets, `{{H5091}}` is used to depict the wailing that will accompany God's judgment upon Israel or other nations, as seen in prophetic pronouncements of woe. This is not merely an internal feeling but an outward, audible demonstration of despair.
* In one instance, the text might describe professional mourners who are hired to "wail" over the deceased, emphasizing the public and ritualistic aspect of mourning in ancient Israel [[2 Samuel 1:17-18]].
* Prophets often employ this term to underscore the severity of impending judgment, calling for the people to "lament" over their sin and the desolation that will follow [[Jeremiah 9:10]]. This lament is a call to repentance and recognition of God's righteous dealings.
* The sound of "wailing" can also symbolize the utter devastation of a city or land, where the normal sounds of life are replaced by cries of sorrow [[Amos 5:16]].
The contexts consistently portray `{{H5091}}` as a loud, often public, and deeply emotional response to loss, suffering, or divine discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H5091}}` is part of a semantic field related to mourning, grief, and vocal expressions of sorrow in the Hebrew Bible.
* **`{{H5092}}` (nəhî):** This is the direct noun form of `{{H5091}}`, meaning "lamentation" or "dirge." It often appears in parallel with `{{H5091}}`, solidifying the connection to mournful cries.
* **`{{H6963}}` (qînāh):** This noun refers to a "dirge" or "lamentation," often a poetic composition sung in mourning. While `{{H5091}}` is the act of wailing, `{{H6963}}` is the formal expression of that lament.
* **`{{H1058}}` (bāḵāh):** "To weep." While weeping can be silent or audible, `{{H5091}}` specifically emphasizes the loud, groaning sound.
* **`{{H5594}}` (sāphaḏ):** "To lament," often involving ritualistic mourning practices like beating the breast or tearing clothes, alongside vocal expressions.
* **`{{H2036}}` (hāmāh):** "To make a noise," "to moan," "to roar." This word can describe a less specific sound of distress or agitation, whereas `{{H5091}}` is more focused on the sound of grief.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the diverse ways in which sorrow was expressed and ritualized in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The act of "lamenting" (`{{H5091}}`) holds significant theological weight within the biblical narrative.
1. **Honest Expression of Suffering:** It acknowledges the reality of pain, loss, and the brokenness of the world due to sin. Biblical lament is not a denial of suffering but a raw, unvarnished expression of human anguish before God. It affirms that God is big enough to handle our deepest sorrows.
2. **Response to Divine Judgment:** Often, the call to "wail" is a prophetic summons to recognize and respond to God's righteous judgment against sin. It is a necessary precursor to repentance, signifying a recognition of the consequences of disobedience and a turning back to God. The wailing over national disaster is an admission of God's sovereignty even in affliction.
3. **Prophetic Identification:** Prophets frequently "wail" or call for lament, not just as a message from God but as an act of empathetic identification with the suffering of God's people or the judgment pronounced upon them. This reflects God's own sorrow over the sin and destruction of His creation.
4. **Distinction from Pagan Practices:** While loud mourning was common in the ancient Near East, biblical lament, though intense, is generally presented within the framework of a covenantal relationship with Yahweh. It is not associated with uncontrolled frenzy or self-mutilation, but rather a structured, albeit fervent, expression of grief that can lead to spiritual introspection and hope.
5. **Anticipation of Restoration:** Paradoxically, the act of lament often carries an implicit hope. By fully acknowledging the depth of sorrow and judgment, it paves the way for the possibility of future comfort, restoration, and the cessation of wailing, as promised in passages about the new heavens and new earth [[Revelation 21:4]].
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5091}}` (nâhâh) primarily denotes the act of "groaning," "bewailing," or "lamenting" with an audible, often loud, expression of deep sorrow. It is a prominent term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing frequently in contexts of mourning for the dead, national disaster, and divine judgment. This word emphasizes the public and visceral nature of grief, serving as a powerful indicator of profound suffering. Theologically, `{{H5091}}` highlights the biblical allowance for honest expressions of pain before God, often serving as a necessary response to divine discipline and a precursor to repentance. It underscores the prophetic role in calling for recognition of sin's consequences and anticipates a future where such wailing will cease in God's ultimate restoration.
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