### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נוֹף (nôwph, `{{H5131}}`) is a rare term, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text. Its base definition, derived from the verbal root נוּף (nûph, `{{H5130}}`), suggests "elevation" or "situation." The root נוּף (nûph) primarily means "to wave, to brandish, to sift," often in the context of a wave offering (e.g., [[Exodus 29:24]]). From this root, נוֹף (nôwph) likely denotes a place or feature that is "lifted up," "prominent," or "situated" in a particular way, much like an object waved is elevated. Thus, its semantic range points to a geographical feature characterized by its position or height, such as a "side," "shore," or "slope."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of נוֹף (nôwph, `{{H5131}}`) is found in [[Numbers 34:11]], within the detailed description of the boundaries of the Promised Land: "And the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach unto the *side* (נוֹף) of the sea of Chinnereth eastward." In this context, נוֹף (nôwph) refers to the eastern "side" or "shore" of the Sea of Chinnereth (the Sea of Galilee). The translation "side" captures the sense of a specific geographical "situation" or "elevation" where the land meets the water. It delineates a precise point on the boundary, emphasizing the exactitude with which the tribal inheritances were to be defined. The term highlights a natural elevation or distinct edge that forms a clear demarcation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for נוֹף (nôwph, `{{H5131}}`) is its verbal root נוּף (nûph, `{{H5130}}`), "to wave, to brandish." While the noun's meaning of "elevation" or "situation" might not immediately seem related to the verb's action of "waving," the connection lies in the concept of something being "lifted up" or "set apart." A wave offering is *elevated* and *presented*. Similarly, a geographical "elevation" or "side" is a distinct, prominent feature. Other related concepts include terms for geographical features such as "hill" (e.g., גִּבְעָה, giv'ah, `{{H1389}}`), "mountain" (הַר, har, `{{H2022}}`), or "boundary" (גְּבוּל, g'vul, `{{H1366}}`). While the base definition notes "Compare נֹף," referring to נֹף (nōph, `{{H5197}}`), which means "honeycomb" or "dropping," this is likely a note on orthographic similarity rather than a direct semantic or etymological link, as the root of `{{H5131}}` is clearly נוּף (nûph, `{{H5130}}`).
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence and seemingly mundane geographical context, נוֹף (nôwph, `{{H5131}}`) contributes to a profound theological truth. The meticulous detailing of Israel's tribal boundaries, of which this term is a part, underscores God's sovereign precision in fulfilling His covenant promises. The description of the "elevation" or "side" of the Sea of Chinnereth is not arbitrary; it is part of a divinely ordained blueprint for the inheritance of the land. This precision speaks to God's faithfulness and His orderly establishment of His people's dwelling place. The very specificity of the geographical terms ensures that the land given was a tangible, identifiable reality, a concrete manifestation of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants ([[Genesis 15:18]]). Thus, נוֹף (nôwph) points to the meticulous care of a God who defines and demarcates the inheritance of His people with exactitude.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun נוֹף (nôwph, `{{H5131}}`) is a rare term meaning "elevation" or "situation," derived from the verb נוּף (nûph, `{{H5130}}`) "to wave." Its single biblical occurrence is in [[Numbers 34:11]], where it describes the "side" or "shore" of the Sea of Chinnereth as part of the divinely ordained boundary of the Promised Land. This term, though rare, highlights the precise and detailed nature of God's geographical provisions for Israel, underscoring His faithfulness and the tangible reality of His covenant promises concerning the land. It contributes to the overall picture of God's orderly and exact fulfillment of His purposes.
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