from נָחַם; ruefulness, i.e. desistance; repentance.
Transliteration:nôcham
Pronunciation:no'-kham
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H5164 (נֹחַם, *nôcham*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H5162}}` (נָחַם, *nacham*), which carries a broad semantic range including "to be sorry," "to repent," "to comfort," or "to console." As a noun, nôcham signifies the *state* or *act* of this root's meaning. Its base definition includes "ruefulness," "desistance," and "repentance."
"Ruefulness" suggests a deep sense of regret or sorrow, often leading to a change of heart or action. "Desistance" implies the cessation of a particular course of action, typically one that was previously intended, due to this change of heart. "Repentance," in this context, refers to a turning or changing of one's mind or intention. While the root `{{H5162}}` can describe both human and divine "repenting" or "relenting," nôcham specifically captures the resultant state of this internal shift. It conveys a profound internal movement that leads to an alteration in external expression or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun H5164 (נֹחַם, *nôcham*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its single occurrence profoundly significant for understanding its meaning and theological implications. This unique instance is found in the prophetic book of Hosea:
* [[Hosea 11:8]]: "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me; my compassions are kindled together. I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come in wrath."
In this powerful lament, God expresses His profound anguish over the impending judgment of Israel (Ephraim). The context highlights God's internal struggle between His righteous judgment against Israel's sin and His deep, compassionate love for His covenant people. The phrase, "My heart is turned within me; my compassions are kindled together," directly precedes the declaration of divine nôcham. Here, nôcham is not explicitly stated in the verse but is the implied result of God's internal turning and the kindling of His compassions. The following lines, "I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim," reveal the *effect* of God's nôcham – a desistance from the full measure of deserved wrath.
Crucially, this is not human repentance stemming from error or regret over a mistake. Rather, it is a divine "relenting" or "desistance" from a previously declared course of action (destruction) due to the overwhelming force of His own unchanging compassion and covenant faithfulness. It underscores God's freedom and His ultimate desire for restoration over annihilation, even in the face of persistent rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the verbal root `{{H5162}}` (נָחַם, *nacham*), from which nôcham is derived. This root is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* **Human repentance:** A change of mind and action, often toward God, as seen in [[Jeremiah 8:6]].
* **Divine "repenting" or "relenting":** This often refers to God changing His course of action concerning a declared judgment or blessing, as in [[Exodus 32:14]] or [[Jonah 3:10]]. This is not a change in God's character or eternal purpose, but a change in His *relationship* to a situation based on human response or His own sovereign compassion.
* **Comfort or consolation:** The root can also mean to comfort oneself or others, as in [[Genesis 37:35]].
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Compassion (`{{H7356}}`, *rachamim*):** This is explicitly linked in [[Hosea 11:8]] as the driving force behind God's nôcham. It signifies a deep, visceral, motherly love and pity.
* **Divine Justice:** The tension between God's justice (which demands punishment for sin) and His mercy (which leads to nôcham) is a central theme in the prophetic books.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's nôcham in [[Hosea 11:8]] can be seen as an expression of His enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H5164 (נֹחַם, *nôcham*) in [[Hosea 11:8]] offers a profound theological insight into the character of God. It presents a divine "relenting" from judgment that is born out of intense, self-generated compassion. This is not a sign of weakness or indecision on God's part, but rather a powerful demonstration of His sovereign freedom and His ultimate commitment to mercy and redemption.
The phrase "For I am God, and not man, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come in wrath" (Hosea 11:9) is crucial. It differentiates God's "repentance" or "relenting" from that of humans. Human repentance often stems from fallibility, regret over error, or weakness. God's nôcham, however, is consistent with His perfect holiness and unchangeable nature. It is a deliberate, holy choice driven by His boundless love and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His compassion triumphs over His just wrath.
This passage, therefore, becomes a cornerstone for understanding God's redemptive heart. It assures humanity that God's ultimate desire is not destruction but reconciliation, even when His people are deserving of judgment. It highlights the mystery and wonder of divine love, which can lead the Holy One to "desist" from executing full wrath, choosing instead a path of potential restoration. It underscores the hope of the gospel, where God's nôcham ultimately finds its fullest expression in the atoning work of Christ, turning away wrath from those who believe.
### Summary
H5164 (נֹחַם, *nôcham*) is a rare but deeply significant Hebrew noun, derived from the root `{{H5162}}` (nacham), signifying "ruefulness," "desistance," or "repentance." Its sole occurrence in [[Hosea 11:8]] provides a unique glimpse into the divine character. In this pivotal verse, nôcham describes God's profound "relenting" from the execution of fierce anger and destruction upon Ephraim (Israel). This divine nôcham is portrayed not as a human weakness or change of mind due to error, but as a sovereign act of compassion, where God's "heart is turned within Him" by His overwhelming mercy (`{{H7356}}`, *rachamim*). It beautifully illustrates the tension between God's justice and His love, ultimately affirming that He is "God, and not man," and His nature is to extend grace and seek restoration rather than solely to bring deserved wrath. This word, though singular in its appearance, powerfully encapsulates a core aspect of God's redemptive character.
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