from נָהַר in its original sense; daylight; light.
Transliteration:nᵉhârâh
Pronunciation:neh-haw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נְהָרָה (nᵉhârâh) `{{H5105}}` is derived from the verbal root נָהַר (nâhar) `{{H5102}}`. While נָהַר primarily means "to flow" or "to stream" (often in reference to rivers), it also carries a significant secondary sense of "to shine" or "to radiate light." Consequently, נְהָרָה specifically denotes "daylight" or "light" in the sense of a brilliant, pervasive illumination. Its core meaning refers to the physical light that dispels darkness, particularly the light associated with the day. The semantic range extends to any powerful or striking radiance, signifying clarity, visibility, and often, splendor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נְהָרָה (nᵉhârâh) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Job, offering rich, albeit concentrated, contextual insights:
1. **[[Job 3:4]]**: "May that day be darkness; may God above not care for it; may no light (נְהָרָה) shine upon it."
* Context: This verse is part of Job's profound lament, where he curses the day of his birth. His desperate wish is for the complete absence of נְהָרָה, or "daylight," on that day. This expresses a desire for utter darkness, a state of non-existence and unrememberedness, contrasting sharply with God's initial act of creation where light was called forth ([[Genesis 1:3]]). The absence of נְהָרָה here symbolizes despair, a void, and a reversal of life-giving order.
2. **[[Job 41:32]]**: "Behind him he leaves a shining wake; one would think the deep had white hair." (Referring to Leviathan)
* Context: This verse describes the majestic and terrifying power of Leviathan, a creature of immense strength and splendor. The "shining wake" or "path of light" (נְהָרָה) left by Leviathan as it moves through the water vividly portrays its formidable presence and energy. Here, נְהָרָה is not natural daylight but an intense, radiant emanation, a brilliant trail that underscores the creature's overwhelming power and awe-inspiring nature. It speaks to a powerful, almost supernatural glow.
In both contexts, נְהָרָה signifies light, but with distinct nuances: in [[Job 3:4]], it is the desired absence of natural light, representing despair; in [[Job 41:32]], it is a powerful, radiant glow, representing might and splendor.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **נָהַר (nâhar) `{{H5102}}`**: The verbal root, meaning "to flow" or "to shine." This connection highlights the dynamic, spreading quality of light.
* **אוֹר (ʾôr) `{{H216}}`**: The most common and general Hebrew word for "light," encompassing physical, metaphorical, and divine light. נְהָרָה is more specific, often emphasizing daylight or a distinct, powerful radiance, whereas אוֹר is broader.
* **מָאוֹר (māʾôr) `{{H3974}}`**: Refers to a "luminary" or "light-bearer," such as the sun, moon, or stars.
* **נֹגַהּ (nōgah) `{{H5051}}`**: "Brightness," "radiance," "gleam." Frequently used to describe the glory or splendor of God or divine manifestations.
* **זֹהַר (zōhar) `{{H2096}}`**: "Glow," "splendor," "radiance." Used in Daniel to describe the brightness of the firmament or the wise.
While these terms all relate to light, נְהָרָה specifically evokes the quality of pervasive daylight or an intense, effulgent glow, distinguishing it from general light or light sources.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, נְהָרָה (nᵉhârâh) carries significant theological weight, particularly within the contemplative framework of Job:
1. **Light as a Divine Gift and Essential for Life**: In Job's lament ([[Job 3:4]]), the desire for the absence of נְהָרָה is a wish for non-existence. This implicitly acknowledges that daylight is a fundamental divine blessing, intrinsically linked to life, order, and God's creative act ([[Genesis 1:3]]). To wish for its absence is to desire a return to primordial chaos, symbolizing a state of utter despair and divine abandonment.
2. **Light as a Manifestation of Power and Glory**: The "shining wake" of Leviathan ([[Job 41:32]]) demonstrates that נְהָרָה can also be a powerful, awe-inspiring emanation. This radiant light, produced by a creature of immense strength, ultimately points to the Creator's own omnipotence and majesty. God's creation, even its most formidable aspects, reflects His glory. This echoes descriptions of God's own presence, which is often depicted in terms of overwhelming light and splendor ([[Psalm 104:2]], [[Isaiah 60:19]]).
3. **The Dual Nature of Light and Divine Sovereignty**: The contrasting uses of נְהָרָה in Job highlight the multifaceted nature of light in biblical theology. While light is overwhelmingly positive, symbolizing life, blessing, and divine presence, its absence signifies despair and chaos. Moreover, the light emanating from Leviathan reminds us that divine power, though glorious, can also be fearsome and beyond human comprehension or control, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, even its most terrifying elements.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נְהָרָה (nᵉhârâh) `{{H5105}}`, derived from the root נָהַר `{{H5102}}` ("to flow," "to shine"), denotes "daylight" or a powerful, effulgent "light." Its two unique appearances in the book of Job offer profound theological insights. In [[Job 3:4]], Job's desperate wish for the absence of נְהָרָה underscores light as a fundamental divine blessing, essential for life and order, and its lack symbolizing despair and non-existence. Conversely, in [[Job 41:32]], the "shining wake" of Leviathan illustrates נְהָרָה as a dazzling manifestation of immense power and awe-inspiring might, ultimately reflecting the Creator's own glory and sovereignty. Thus, נְהָרָה, though rare, powerfully conveys the biblical understanding of light as a divine gift, a symbol of life and order, and a radiant expression of God's majestic power.
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