English · KJV
H5102

נָהַר

nâhar /naw-har'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto sparkle, i.e. (figuratively) be cheerful; hence (from the sheen of a running stream) to flow, i.e. (figuratively) assemble
KJV usageflow (together), be lightened.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of nâhar — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâhar, represented by H5102, is a primitive root with a dual meaning. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses. Its definition, "to sparkle, i.e. (figuratively) be cheerful; hence (from the sheen of a running stream) to flow, i.e. (figuratively) assemble," captures both an internal state of joy and an external act of gathering.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In Scripture, H5102 illustrates a powerful, irresistible movement toward God. In the last days, it is prophesied that "all nations shall flow unto" the mountain of the LORD's house (Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1). This gathering is a response to God's goodness, as people will "flow together to the goodness of the LORD" for provisions like wheat, wine, and oil Jeremiah 31:12. The word also describes an inner transformation; those who look to God "were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed" Psalms 34:5. Conversely, when the idol Bel is punished, the nations will no longer "flow together" to him, showing that this movement is a response to divine power and authority Jeremiah 51:44.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of H5102:

  • H1471 gôwy (nation, Gentile): This word identifies who is doing the "flowing." The prophetic vision is that "all nations" Isaiah 2:2 and the "forces of the Gentiles" Isaiah 60:5 will be drawn to the LORD, fulfilling the promise to make a great nation from Abraham Genesis 12:2.
  • H2898 ṭûwb (goodness): This term defines the motivation for the gathering. People are not coerced but are attracted, flowing together to the goodness of the LORD Jeremiah 31:12. This goodness is a divine attribute believers trust in and hope to see Psalms 27:13.
  • H6440 pânîym (face, presence): This word connects the internal experience of being "lightened" H5102 to an outward expression. After looking to God, their faces were not ashamed Psalms 34:5, reflecting an inner confidence found in seeking His presence 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5102 is significant, highlighting key scriptural themes:

  • Divine Attraction: The act of "flowing" depicts a voluntary and natural gathering of people drawn to the LORD's glory and provision. They "flow together to the goodness of the LORD" Jeremiah 31:12, and the abundance of the sea is converted to them Isaiah 60:5.
  • Eschatological Hope: The word is central to prophecies about the "last days," when the LORD's house will be established and all nations will flow to it, signifying a future time of universal worship and peace (Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1).
  • Spiritual Radiance: The concept of being "lightened" illustrates the personal transformation that comes from looking to God. It results in a soul like a "watered garden" Jeremiah 31:12 and a heart that is enlarged with joy Isaiah 60:5, free from shame Psalms 34:5.

Summary

In summary, H5102 conveys much more than simple movement. It beautifully links the sparkling cheer of a joyful heart with the powerful, river-like flow of nations assembling before God. It describes both the personal radiance found in seeking God's face and the collective, prophetic gathering of all people to His established kingdom. This single root word captures a grand vision of God's irresistible goodness drawing all of humanity to Himself.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • נָהֲרוּ
  • נָהַרְתְּ
  • יִנְהֲרוּ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1471 גּוֹי rarely (shortened) גֹּי; apparently from the same root as גֵּוָה (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a G H2898 טוּב from טוֹב; good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladne H6440 פָּנִים plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a gre

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 4 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Isaiah and Jeremiah (2 verses each); never once in the other 35.

1
Psalms
2
Isaiah
2
Jeremiah
1
Micah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.