a primitive root; properly, to flash; hence, to blossom (from the brilliancy of color); also, to fly away (from the quickness of motion); flee away, bud (forth).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nûwts**, represented by `{{H5132}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning derived from its core idea "to flash." This can refer to the brilliant flash of color, meaning **to blossom**, or the quick flash of movement, meaning **to fly away**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting two starkly different concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5132}}` illustrates a contrast between life and exile. In the Song of Solomon, it describes the vibrant budding of nature. The lovers go to the vineyards to see if the pomegranates **bud forth** [[Song of Solomon 7:12]], and in another passage, the speaker goes down to the garden of nuts to see if the pomegranates **budded** [[Song of Solomon 6:11]]. In sharp contrast, Lamentations uses the word to describe a sudden departure due to judgment. After being declared unclean, the people **fled away** and wandered, with the heathen noting they could no longer sojourn there [[Lamentations 4:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H5132}}` appears:
* `{{H6524}}` **pârach** (to flourish): This word is used in direct parallel with `{{H5132}}` in the Song of Solomon, describing how the vine will **flourish** while the pomegranates bud [[Song of Solomon 6:11]]. It means to break forth as a bud, or bloom.
* `{{H7416}}` **rimmôwn** (pomegranate): This is the specific plant that is described as budding forth `{{H5132}}`. The **pomegranate** is a symbol of fruitfulness and beauty in the garden settings of the Song of Solomon [[Song of Solomon 7:12]].
* `{{H5128}}` **nûwaʻ** (to wander): In Lamentations, this word is paired with `{{H5132}}` to describe the state of the people who have fled. They **fled away** `{{H5132}}` and **wandered** `{{H5128}}`, indicating a life of instability and exile [[Lamentations 4:15]].
* `{{H2931}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (unclean): This term provides the reason for the flight in Lamentations. The people are commanded to depart because they are **unclean** `{{H2931}}`, making their quick departure a consequence of their defiled state [[Lamentations 4:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5132}}` lies in its powerful dualism, stemming from the root idea of a "flash."
* **A Flash of Life and Beauty:** In Song of Solomon, the word signifies a brilliant, visible sign of life and promise. The budding of the pomegranates is an event to be witnessed, representing the flourishing of creation and the blossoming of love [[Song of Solomon 7:12]].
* **A Flash of Judgment and Removal:** In Lamentations, the word signifies a sudden, swift removal as a result of sin. The act of "fleeing away" is not a choice but a consequence of being declared unclean, a rapid expulsion from a place of dwelling [[Lamentations 4:15]].
* **Contrasting Destinies:** The two uses present a clear dichotomy. One path leads to the vibrant blossoming of life in a garden, a place of love and fruitfulness. The other leads to a swift flight into wandering and exile, cut off due to uncleanness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5132}}` is a potent word whose rare usage emphasizes two opposite outcomes. While its primary meaning is "to flash," it is applied either to the beautiful blossoming of a pomegranate or the quick fleeing of a people under judgment. It vividly contrasts the flourishing that comes from a state of beauty and love with the sudden exile that results from uncleanness.
TRV