or נוֹחַ; from נוּחַ; quiet; rest(-ed, -ing place).
Transliteration:nûwach
Pronunciation:noo'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נוּחַ (nûwach), Strong's H5118, primarily conveys the concept of "rest" or "settling down." It is often understood in its causative Hiphil form as "to cause to rest," "to give rest," or "to set down." The Qal stem implies "to rest," "to settle," "to remain," or "to be quiet." The noun form derived from this root also signifies a "resting place" or "quietness." The semantic range extends from physical cessation of activity to a state of tranquility, security, and divine provision of peace. It can also denote the act of depositing or letting something settle, as in the resting of the ark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root נוּחַ appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its multifaceted meaning.
In the narrative of the flood, נוּחַ describes the ark "resting" upon the mountains of Ararat ([[Genesis 8:4]]). This signifies a cessation of movement and a secure settling. Similarly, the dove finds no "resting place" ([[Genesis 8:9]]), emphasizing a lack of stability or security.
In the context of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, נוּחַ often refers to God providing a "resting place" or "rest" for His people. Moses prays for God's presence to "go with us, and give us rest" ([[Exodus 33:14]]). This "rest" is not merely physical cessation but a state of security, peace, and divine favor in the promised land. Joshua's conquest is described as the Lord giving "rest" to Israel from all their enemies ([[Joshua 21:44]], [[Joshua 22:4]], [[Joshua 23:1]]). This rest is tied to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, a state of settled prosperity and freedom from conflict.
The concept of "rest" is also applied to the Sabbath, where God "rested" from His work of creation ([[Exodus 20:11]]). Here, נוּחַ denotes the completion of a task and a cessation from labor, establishing a divine pattern for humanity.
In the Hiphil causative, the term frequently describes God "causing" His Spirit to "rest" upon individuals, empowering them for service. For instance, the Spirit "rested" upon the seventy elders ([[Numbers 11:25-26]]) and upon Joshua ([[Numbers 27:18]]). This indicates a divine impartation and indwelling.
Furthermore, נוּחַ can denote the "depositing" or "setting down" of something, as when the ark of the covenant "rests" in its place ([[2 Samuel 7:1]]). This highlights a sense of permanence and establishment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of rest (נוּחַ) is deeply intertwined with several other significant Hebrew terms:
* **שָׁבַת (shābat, `{{H7673}}`):** To cease, desist, or rest. While both נוּחַ and שָׁבַת relate to rest, שָׁבַת often emphasizes the cessation of activity, particularly in the context of the Sabbath. נוּחַ, however, often carries the additional nuance of settling, finding a secure place, or experiencing tranquility. God "rested" (שָׁבַת) on the seventh day, but He also "gave rest" (נוּחַ) to Israel in the land.
* **מְנוּחָה (mᵉnûchāh, `{{H4496}}`):** A noun directly derived from נוּחַ, meaning "resting place," "rest," or "quietness." This word often refers to the *state* or *place* of rest, as in the land of Canaan being Israel's "resting place" ([[Deuteronomy 12:9]]).
* **שָׁקַט (shāqaṭ, `{{H8252}}`):** To be quiet, undisturbed, or at peace. This term often describes a state of national tranquility after war, complementing the "rest" (נוּחַ) provided by God.
* **יָשַׁב (yāshab, `{{H3427}}`):** To sit, dwell, or inhabit. While not directly synonymous, the concept of "resting" in the land implies "dwelling" securely within it.
These terms collectively paint a picture of divinely ordained peace, security, and cessation from toil, both physical and spiritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נוּחַ is profound, touching upon God's character, His covenant promises, and His relationship with humanity.
1. **Divine Provision of Rest:** God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate source of rest. He *gives* rest to His people, not as a reward for their merit, but as an act of His grace and faithfulness to His covenant ([[Deuteronomy 3:20]]). This rest is multifaceted: freedom from enemies, security in the land, and an inner tranquility.
2. **Sabbath Rest:** The divine pattern of rest established at creation ([[Exodus 20:11]]) underscores God's sovereignty over time and labor. It calls humanity to participate in a rhythm of work and rest that reflects the divine order, acknowledging God as the provider and sustainer.
3. **The Promised Land as Rest:** The land of Canaan is depicted as the ultimate "resting place" for Israel, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. This rest is not merely geographic but represents a state of security, abundance, and communion with God, free from the burdens of slavery and wandering. It serves as a type for the ultimate spiritual rest found in God.
4. **The Spirit's Resting:** The Spirit of God "resting" upon individuals signifies divine empowerment and anointing for specific tasks or leadership roles. This demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs, equipping His chosen ones.
5. **Messianic Hope:** The concept of rest finds its ultimate fulfillment in Messianic expectation. The Messiah is often associated with bringing true and lasting rest, peace, and security to His people, a theme picked up in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 11:28-30]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word נוּחַ (nûwach, H5118) is a rich and foundational term in the Old Testament, signifying "rest," "settling," "quietness," and the act of "causing to rest." Its semantic range encompasses physical cessation from labor, the secure establishment of a dwelling, and a state of peace and tranquility, often divinely bestowed. Contextual analysis reveals its application to the ark's settling, God's provision of rest in the promised land, the divine pattern of the Sabbath, and the Spirit's anointing. It is closely related to terms like שָׁבַת (to cease) and מְנוּחָה (resting place), collectively emphasizing God as the ultimate source of peace and security. Theologically, נוּחַ highlights God's faithful provision, the sacredness of Sabbath, the fulfillment of covenant promises in the land, and the empowering presence of His Spirit. Ultimately, it points to a deep and abiding rest found only in relationship with the sovereign God.
TRV