### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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