or נִחֻם; from נָחַם; properly, consoled; abstractly, solace; comfort(-able), repenting.
Transliteration:nichûwm
Pronunciation:nee-khoom'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H5150 (נִחוּם, *nichûwm*) derives from the root verb H5162 (נָחַם, *nācham*), which carries a rich and dual semantic range: "to comfort," "to console," and "to repent," "to be sorry," or "to change one's mind." Consequently, H5150 embodies both aspects. Primarily, it signifies "consolation," "comfort," or "solace"—the act or state of being relieved from distress, sorrow, or affliction. This can refer to the comfort given or received. Secondarily, reflecting the "repent" sense of its root, H5150 can denote "repentance" or "regret," particularly in the context of God's "relenting" or "changing His mind" from a course of action, often from judgment to mercy. This "repentance" in the divine sense is not an admission of error, but a sovereign alteration of disposition or action in response to circumstances or covenantal faithfulness. Thus, H5150 captures both the soothing balm of comfort and the profound turning of heart, whether human or divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5150 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, illuminating its nuanced meanings:
* **[[Isaiah 57:18]]**: "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort (נִחוּם) to him and his mourners." Here, H5150 clearly refers to divine solace and restoration. God, having observed the waywardness of His people, promises not only healing but also the provision of comfort to those who mourn over their spiritual state. It is a promise of divine care and the alleviation of sorrow.
* **[[Hosea 11:8]]**: "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? My heart is changed within me; my compassion (נִחוּם) is aroused." This is a pivotal passage for understanding the "repentance" or "relenting" aspect of the root H5162 as applied to God, and thus the meaning of H5150. While some translations render it "my repentings," the context speaks of God's profound internal struggle and His ultimate decision to show mercy rather than execute full judgment. It signifies God's deep, compassionate change of heart, a turning from wrath to tender mercy, demonstrating His enduring love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness. It is an expression of divine pathos and commitment to covenant.
* **[[Zechariah 1:13]]**: "And the LORD answered the angel who talked with me with good and comforting (נִחוּם) words." In this instance, H5150 describes the nature of God's communication. The divine words are characterized as "comforting," providing reassurance and solace to the prophet in a time of national distress and uncertainty. This highlights God's role as a source of encouragement and hope.
Across these contexts, H5150 consistently points to a profound emotional and spiritual state—either the reception or provision of relief from distress, or a deep, compassionate turning of the heart.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H5150 is its root verb, H5162 (נָחַם, *nācham*), which is foundational to its meaning. Other related terms from the same root include:
* H5165 (נְחָמָה, *nᵉchāmāh*): A feminine noun also meaning "comfort" or "consolation," often used interchangeably with H5150 in similar contexts (e.g., [[Jeremiah 16:7]]).
* H8575 (תַּנְחוּמִים, *tanḥûmîm*): A plural noun meaning "consolations" (e.g., [[Job 15:11]]).
Beyond its direct derivatives, H5150 exists within a broader semantic field encompassing:
* **Divine Compassion and Mercy:** Concepts like H2617 (חֶסֶד, *ḥesed*, "loyal love, steadfast love") and H7356 (רַחֲמִים, *raḥamîm*, "compassion, mercy") resonate with the compassionate "change of heart" seen in [[Hosea 11:8]].
* **Human Sorrow and Mourning:** Words related to grief and distress, from which H5150 offers relief (e.g., H6045 (עֹנִי, *‘onî*, "affliction")).
* **Repentance and Turning:** While H5150 can denote God's "relenting," the more common Hebrew word for human repentance is H7725 (שׁוּב, *shuv*, "to return, turn back"). The divine "repentance" of H5150 and H5162 is distinct from human repentance, signifying a change in action or disposition rather than regret over sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5150 is profound, particularly in its dual capacity to describe both comfort and divine "repentance."
1. **God as the Ultimate Comforter:** The word underscores God's character as the source of true solace. In a world fraught with suffering and sorrow, H5150 points to a divine presence that actively provides healing and comfort to His people ([[Isaiah 57:18]], [[Zechariah 1:13]]). This comfort is not merely a passive feeling but an active intervention, leading, healing, and speaking good words. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His creation, especially those who mourn or are afflicted.
2. **Divine Pathos and Relenting:** The use of H5150 (and its root H5162) to describe God's "repentance" or "change of heart" ([[Hosea 11:8]]) is a crucial theological concept. It does not imply a change in God's perfect nature or eternal plan, but rather a dynamic responsiveness within His covenantal relationship with humanity. God's "relenting" from judgment demonstrates His boundless compassion and His desire for reconciliation over destruction. It reveals a God who is not rigidly deterministic but one who engages relationally with His people, allowing His mercy to triumph over judgment in response to their plight or a change in their disposition. This divine "repentance" is a profound expression of His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant.
3. **Hope in Adversity:** For the believer, H5150 offers hope. It assures that even in the deepest valleys of affliction, God is present to provide comfort. Moreover, it reminds us that God's ultimate disposition towards His people is one of mercy and restoration, even when they deserve judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5150 (נִחוּם, *nichûwm*) is a potent term derived from H5162 (נָחַם), encompassing the rich meanings of "consolation," "comfort," and "repentance" or "compassionate change of mind." In its biblical occurrences, it highlights God's role as the ultimate Comforter, providing solace and restoration to His people in their distress ([[Isaiah 57:18]], [[Zechariah 1:13]]). Crucially, H5150 also reveals the depth of God's divine pathos, demonstrating His capacity for a compassionate "relenting" from judgment towards mercy, as powerfully illustrated in [[Hosea 11:8]]. This dual aspect underscores both the divine provision of solace for human suffering and the profound, relational nature of God, whose heart is moved by His covenant people. Thus, H5150 is a testament to God's active involvement, unwavering compassion, and ultimate desire for the well-being of His creation.
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