### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5120}}` (נוּט, *nûwṭ*) carries the core meaning of "to quake," "to totter," "to waver," or "to be moved." Its semantic range extends to encompass both physical instability and a more abstract sense of being dislodged or unsettled from a stable position. It implies a lack of firmness or a state of trembling. While it can describe the literal shaking of the earth or mountains, it is frequently employed metaphorically to speak of the security or insecurity of individuals, nations, or even the cosmic order. The nuance often suggests a movement away from a fixed or upright stance, implying a potential fall or collapse if not upheld.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5120}}` appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Psalms and Proverbs, highlighting themes of divine power, human stability, and judgment.
In expressions of divine majesty, `{{H5120}}` describes the earth's reaction to God's presence:
* [[Psalm 99:1]]: "The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth quake!" Here, the earth's "quaking" underscores God's supreme authority and the response of creation to His kingship.
A significant theological application of `{{H5120}}` relates to the security of the righteous in contrast to the instability of the wicked:
* [[Psalm 10:6]]: The wicked person boasts, "I shall not be moved; from generation to generation I shall not suffer adversity." This illustrates the wicked's false sense of security, which is ultimately baseless.
* [[Psalm 15:5]]: "He who does these things shall never be moved." This promises enduring stability for the one who walks righteously.
* [[Psalm 16:8]]: "I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." The psalmist's unwavering trust in God is the source of his steadfastness.
* [[Psalm 46:5]]: "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." This refers to Jerusalem's divine protection, ensuring its stability against adversaries.
* [[Psalm 62:2]]: "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved." The repetition in [[Psalm 62:6]] ("I shall not be moved") emphasizes the absolute security found in God alone.
* [[Psalm 121:3]]: "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber." This speaks of God's vigilant care, preventing His people from stumbling or falling.
* [[Proverbs 10:30]]: "The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not dwell in the land." This proverb succinctly contrasts the inherent stability of the righteous with the destined instability of the wicked.
* [[Proverbs 12:3]]: "No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved." This highlights that true, deep-seated stability is a characteristic only of the righteous.
In contexts of judgment, `{{H5120}}` can describe the earth's instability under divine curse:
* [[Isaiah 24:20]]: "The earth staggers like a drunken man; it sways like a hut; its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it will fall, and not rise again." Here, the "swaying" (נוּט) of the earth signifies its impending collapse due to the weight of human sin and divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H5120}}` shares semantic proximity with several other Hebrew terms related to movement, shaking, or stability.
* `{{H4131}}` (מוּט, *mûṭ*): This verb is very similar in meaning, often translated as "to totter," "to slip," or "to be moved." It frequently appears in parallel with `{{H5120}}`, emphasizing a state of instability or being dislodged from a secure position (e.g., [[Psalm 30:6]]).
* `{{H7493}}` (רָעַשׁ, *ra'ash*): This word typically means "to quake," "to tremble," or "to shake," often referring to more violent seismic activity or the trembling of people in fear.
* `{{H6323}}` (פּוּק, *pûq*): Meaning "to stumble" or "to totter," it focuses on the act of losing balance.
In contrast, words denoting stability and firmness provide a theological antithesis:
* `{{H3559}}` (כּוּן, *kûn*): "to be established," "to be firm," "to be secure."
* `{{H6697}}` (צוּר, *tsûr*): "rock," "fortress," a metaphor for God's unshakeable nature.
The concept of "not being moved" is intimately linked with trust in God, righteousness, divine protection, and an enduring inheritance. It stands in stark opposition to the fleeting, unstable nature of the wicked and the consequences of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5120}}` is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character, the human condition, and the nature of salvation.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** When the earth "quakes" or "is moved" before the Lord, it serves as a powerful testament to His absolute sovereignty and awe-inspiring power. Creation itself cannot stand firm in the face of its Creator's majesty, demonstrating that all stability ultimately derives from Him.
2. **Security of the Righteous:** A central theological insight is that those who place their trust in the Lord and walk in His ways "will not be moved." This is not a promise of immunity from physical hardship or external challenges, but rather an assurance of spiritual and existential steadfastness. Their foundation is in God, who is the unshakeable Rock, granting them an inner stability that transcends changing circumstances. This stability is a mark of divine favor and a consequence of living righteously.
3. **Instability of the Wicked:** Conversely, the wicked are portrayed as inherently unstable. Their perceived security is an illusion, and they are destined to be dislodged, to stumble, and to fall. Their lack of a firm foundation in God means their prosperity and plans are ultimately fleeting and subject to divine judgment.
4. **Dependence on God for Steadfastness:** The ability to "not be moved" is never presented as an inherent human strength or achievement. Instead, it is consistently attributed to God's presence, protection, and the righteous life lived in communion with Him. This underscores a deep theological truth: true security and unwavering steadfastness are not self-generated but are gifts received through faith and obedience to the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5120}}` (נוּט, *nûwṭ*), meaning "to quake" or "to be moved," serves as a potent theological indicator of stability and instability in the biblical narrative. It describes the earth's trembling before God's awesome power, acknowledging His supreme authority. More significantly, it delineates a profound contrast between the righteous and the wicked: the righteous, anchored in the Lord, are promised enduring stability and "will not be moved," while the wicked, lacking such a divine foundation, are inherently unstable and destined for downfall. Thus, `{{H5120}}` powerfully communicates that ultimate security, steadfastness, and an unshakeable existence are found not in human strength or worldly foundations, but solely in the unyielding presence and protection of the Almighty God.