a primitive root; (compare נָוֶה); to rest (as at home); causatively (through the implied idea of beauty ), to celebrate (with praises); keept at home, prepare an habitation.
Transliteration:nâvâh
Pronunciation:naw-vaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5115 (נָוָה, nâvâh) is a primitive verbal root primarily conveying the idea of "resting" or "dwelling at home." Its fundamental sense is one of settling, abiding, and finding repose in a secure, established place. The definition explicitly links it to H5116 (נָוֶה, nâveh), which functions as a noun meaning "habitation," "dwelling place," or "pasture." This connection underscores the spatial and relational aspect of the root: a place where one is settled and at peace.
Interestingly, the definition notes a causative sense, "to celebrate (with praises)," derived "through the implied idea of beauty." This semantic expansion suggests that the state of being settled, secure, and at rest in one's dwelling can lead to an overflow of joy and thanksgiving, expressing itself in praise. Thus, nâvâh encompasses both the physical act of dwelling and the spiritual/emotional state of contentment and worship that can arise from such dwelling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal root H5115 occurs relatively few times in the Hebrew Bible, but its usage is significant.
One prominent occurrence is in [[Exodus 15:2]], part of the Song of the Sea. Here, Moses declares, "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation: this is my God, and I will praise him; my father's God, and I will exalt him." The verb translated "I will praise him" (וְאַנְוֵהוּ, v'anvehu) is derived from nâvâh. This usage perfectly illustrates the causative sense of "to celebrate with praises," specifically in the context of divine deliverance and salvation. The people, having been brought to safety and rest from their enemies, respond with exuberant worship. This demonstrates the "beauty" or goodness of God's act leading to praise.
Another instance is found in [[Psalm 93:5]], which speaks of the steadfastness of God's testimonies: "Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns your house, O LORD, forevermore." While some translations render the verb here (תִּנְוֶה, tinveh) as "adorns" or "becomes," it carries the underlying sense of "dwelling" or "abiding." Holiness is not merely an external adornment but an intrinsic characteristic that "dwells" or "rests" within God's house, making it a place of sacred repose. This connects back to the core meaning of settling and being at home, applied to the divine presence.
The root's connection to H5116 (נָוֶה, nâveh, "habitation, pasture") is crucial for understanding its broader implications, even when the verb itself is not used. For example, in [[Isaiah 32:18]], "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." While nâvâh isn't present, the concept of "dwelling places" (נְוֹת, ne'ot, plural of H5116) is central, reflecting the ideal state of secure rest implied by the root.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is H5116 (נָוֶה, nâveh), a noun derived from H5115. H5116 consistently refers to a "dwelling place," "habitation," "pasture," or "fold." This noun concretizes the abstract action of the verb, representing the physical locus of rest and security. Examples include "shepherds' folds" ([[Jeremiah 33:12]]) or "habitation of dragons" ([[Isaiah 34:13]]), highlighting a place where something settles or abides.
Other related concepts revolve around the themes of rest, security, and praise:
* **Rest/Sabbath:** Words like H7673 (שָׁבַת, shâbath, "to cease, rest") or H5117 (נוּחַ, nûach, "to rest, settle down") share the semantic domain of cessation from labor and finding repose. However, nâvâh often emphasizes the *quality* of rest as being "at home" or in a secure dwelling.
* **Peace/Shalom:** H7965 (שָׁלוֹם, shâlôm) encompasses wholeness, well-being, and peace, which are natural outcomes of being securely "at home" or at rest.
* **Praise/Worship:** Words such as H1984 (הָלַל, hâlal, "to praise") or H3034 (יָדָה, yâdhâh, "to praise, give thanks") connect to the causative sense of nâvâh. The transition from a state of secure rest to an expression of praise underscores a theological link between divine provision and human worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5115 (נָוָה, nâvâh) is multifaceted. At its core, it speaks to God's provision of secure dwelling and rest for His people. The concept of being "at home" implies safety, belonging, and an absence of threat. This resonates deeply with the covenant promises of God to provide a land and a secure dwelling for Israel, a place where they could "rest" from their enemies ([[Deuteronomy 12:10]]).
The causative sense, "to celebrate with praises," elevates the concept beyond mere physical rest. It suggests that true rest and security in God's presence naturally lead to worship. The deliverance experienced by Israel at the Red Sea (as seen in [[Exodus 15:2]]) was not just an escape; it was a divine act that established God as their dwelling and salvation, prompting an immediate and profound response of praise. This highlights that praise is not just an obligation but a spontaneous overflow of a heart that finds its ultimate rest and provision in God.
Furthermore, in contexts like [[Psalm 93:5]], where holiness "dwells" or "adorns" God's house, nâvâh points to the intrinsic nature of God's presence. His holiness is not an external decoration but an abiding quality that makes His dwelling (and by extension, His people when they dwell with Him) a place of sacred repose and beauty. This anticipates the New Testament concept of believers as temples of the Holy Spirit, where God's presence "dwells" (`{{G3611}}`, οἰκέω, oikeō), leading to lives of worship and holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5115 (נָוָה, nâvâh) primarily signifies "to rest (as at home)" or "to dwell securely." Its foundational meaning is intertwined with the noun H5116 (נָוֶה), denoting a "habitation" or "dwelling place" characterized by peace and stability. Beyond mere physical settlement, nâvâh carries a profound causative sense: the experience of secure dwelling and divine provision naturally culminates in "celebrating with praises." This is powerfully illustrated in [[Exodus 15:2]], where the people's salvation prompts an outpouring of worship. Theologically, nâvâh underscores God's commitment to provide rest and security for His people, a provision that evokes spontaneous praise and establishes a holy dwelling place. It links the physical reality of a secure home with the spiritual reality of finding repose and expressing adoration in the presence of God.
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