### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nâvîyth**, represented by `{{H5121}}`, primarily refers to a **residence**. All of its biblical appearances denote a specific place in Palestine known as Naioth. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses**, exclusively within the book of 1 Samuel, tying it directly to a single, significant narrative involving David, Samuel, and Saul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5121}}` is consistently identified as "Naioth in Ramah." It functions as a sanctuary for David after he escapes from King Saul. David flees to Samuel in Ramah, and together they go to dwell in **Naioth** [[1 Samuel 19:18]]. This location becomes the center of a tense episode when Saul is told of David's whereabouts [[1 Samuel 19:19]]. Saul's attempt to capture David at **Naioth** is supernaturally thwarted, and the story concludes with David's flight from **Naioth** to seek help from Jonathan [[1 Samuel 20:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The events at Naioth are enriched by the actions described through several related Hebrew words:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind... spirit): This is the "Spirit of God" that came upon Saul as he approached Naioth, neutralizing his threat to David [[1 Samuel 19:23]]. It signifies the divine presence and power protecting the location.
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy): This is the specific action the Spirit of God compelled Saul to perform upon arriving at Naioth [[1 Samuel 19:23]]. It characterizes the location as a place of divine inspiration and intervention.
* `{{H5046}}` **nâgad** (to... announce... tell): This verb drives the plot. David "told" Samuel everything Saul had done [[1 Samuel 19:18]], and later, it was "told" to Saul where David was hiding [[1 Samuel 19:19]], prompting the confrontation at Naioth.
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H5121}}` is profound, marking it as more than a simple geographical location.
* **Divine Sanctuary:** Naioth serves as a place of refuge where God's protection is made manifest. Saul's hostile intentions are pacified by a powerful move of God's Spirit, demonstrating that the location was under divine authority.
* **Center of Prophetic Power:** The events that unfold identify Naioth as a place saturated with prophetic activity. Under the influence of Samuel, it becomes a space where God's will is powerfully exerted, even upon his enemies.
* **Narrative Fulcrum:** The episode at Naioth is a critical turning point. It highlights Saul's inability to defy God's will concerning David and solidifies the divine protection over David's life, forcing him to flee from **Naioth** and continue his journey as a fugitive under God's care [[1 Samuel 20:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5121}}` designates **Naioth**, a "residence" that becomes a pivotal setting in the Old Testament. While a simple place name, it is the backdrop for a dramatic confrontation where God's sovereignty is displayed. The events at Naioth illustrate how a physical location can become a symbol of divine protection and prophetic power, where the Spirit of God directly intervenes to safeguard His anointed one.
TRV