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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâvâh**, represented by `{{H5115}}`, is a primitive root with a dual sense of resting and celebrating. Appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, its meaning shifts dramatically with context, from preparing a beautiful habitation to describing a restless state. Its core definition involves resting, as at home, but can be causatively used to mean celebrating with praise or preparing a habitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H5115}}` present a stark contrast. In Exodus, following God's deliverance, it is used in a song of praise: "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will **prepare him an habitation**" [[Exodus 15:2]]. Here, the word signifies an act of worship and the creation of a sacred space for God. Conversely, in Habakkuk, it describes the character of an arrogant man: "he is a proud man, neither **keepeth at home**, who enlargeth his desire as hell" [[Habakkuk 2:5]]. In this context, it depicts a state of restless discontent and boundless greed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the contexts in which `{{H5115}}` appears:
* `{{H3093}}` **yâhîyr** (haughty, proud): This word directly describes the man in Habakkuk who "neither **keepeth at home**," linking his restlessness to arrogance [[Habakkuk 2:5]].
* `{{H3444}}` **yᵉshûwʻâh** (salvation): This is the direct motivation for the act of worship in [[Exodus 15:2]]. Because God has become their **salvation**, the people respond by promising to prepare Him a habitation.
* `{{H7337}}` **râchab** (to broaden, enlarge): This word captures the insatiable nature of the proud man who does not stay at home. Instead, he **enlargeth** his desire, gathering all nations to himself [[Habakkuk 2:5]].
* `{{H7585}}` **shᵉʼôwl** (grave, hell, pit): The desire of the man who "keepeth not at home" is compared directly to **hell**, highlighting its unending and destructive appetite [[Habakkuk 2:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5115}}` is found in its sharp dichotomy between godly rest and prideful restlessness.
* **Worship as Home-Making:** The positive use shows that a proper response to God's salvation `{{H3444}}` and strength `{{H5797}}` is to prepare a sacred space for Him, a habitation worthy of praise [[Exodus 15:2]].
* **Pride's Insatiable Nature:** The negative use links pride `{{H3093}}` and transgression by wine `{{H3196}}` to a profound lack of inner rest. This man cannot be "kept at home" because his desire `{{H5315}}` is as insatiable as death `{{H4194}}` and hell `{{H7585}}`.
* **The Condition of the Heart:** The word implicitly contrasts two spiritual states. One is centered on God, finding purpose in preparing a place for Him. The other is centered on self, restlessly and fruitlessly seeking to satisfy a desire that cannot be filled.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5115}}` is a rare but potent term that explores the concept of "home" as both a physical and spiritual state. It can signify the highest form of worship—preparing a habitation for God as an act of praise and exaltation. In direct opposition, it can also describe the defining trait of a proud and greedy man who has no rest, whose soul is never "at home" but is always enlarging its desires.
TRV