The Hebrew word nûwʼ, represented by H5106, is a primitive root defined as the power to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize. It appears 10 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. The core meaning revolves around the ability to break, disallow, discourage, or make of none effect.
In biblical usage, H5106 functions in several distinct domains. In the legal context of vows, it establishes the authority of a father to disallow a vow made by his daughter Numbers 30:5 or a husband to do the same for his wife Numbers 30:8. If a husband hears a vow and does not disallow it, the vow stands Numbers 30:11. The word is also used to describe a failure of leadership, as the spies discouraged the heart of the children of Israel from entering the promised land Numbers 32:9. The term is even used twice in one verse for emphasis, questioning why the people would discourage the heart of their brethren Numbers 32:7. Theologically, the LORD maketh the devices of the people of none effect Psalms 33:10, and in a personal prayer, the psalmist hopes that righteous correction will not break his head Psalms 141:5.
Several related words help clarify the scope of H5106:
- H6565 pârar (to break up): This root means to violate or frustrate, often translated as "disannul" or "make of none effect." It is used to describe the direct consequence of a husband's action when he disallowed his wife's vow, thereby making it of none effect Numbers 30:8.
- H2790 chârash (to be silent): Meaning to hold peace or let alone, this word is used in direct contrast to H5106. A vow is confirmed if a husband "held his peace at her, and disallowed her not" Numbers 30:11, showing that silence is the opposite of disallowing.
- H3198 yâkach (to reprove): This term signifies correction, argument, or rebuke. It appears in the passage where the psalmist accepts righteous reproof, praying that this correction will not break his head Psalms 141:5.
The theological weight of H5106 is demonstrated through its application in different spheres of authority and influence.
- Headship and Authority: The word establishes a clear principle within the family and covenant community. A father or husband is given the explicit right to disallow a vow, effectively neutralizing a spoken oath and absolving the one who made it Numbers 30:5.
- The Power of Discouragement: H5106 highlights the profound spiritual danger of discouragement. The act of discouraging the heart of Israel was a critical sin that prevented an entire generation from entering the land God had given them Numbers 32:9.
- God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the power to neutralize plans belongs to God. He is the one who maketh the "devices of the people of none effect," demonstrating that human intentions are subject to His overriding will Psalms 33:10.
In summary, H5106 is a powerful verb that conveys the act of invalidating or stopping something. It operates on a legal level in the disallowing of vows, on a psychological level in the discouraging of hearts, and on a divine level in God's sovereign frustration of human plans. The word shows how authority, whether human or divine, can be exercised to forbid, refuse, or completely neutralize an action or intention.
TRV