The Hebrew word nachar, represented by H5170, is a term for a snorting or nostrils. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The word derives from an unused root that means to snort or snore, pointing to a forceful or audible exhalation associated with power and presence.
In scripture, H5170 is used to depict the powerful and intimidating nature of war horses. In Jeremiah 8:16, the snorting of invading horses is so loud it is heard from a great distance, causing the entire land to tremble. In the book of Job, the word shifts from the sound to the source, describing the magnificent "glory of his nostrils" as something terrible Job 39:20, highlighting the awesome and fearsome power of the creature.
Several related words clarify the context of power and fear surrounding H5170:
- H5483 çûwç (a horse): This is the creature described by H5170. In scripture, the horse often symbolizes military might and strength, with trust in horses contrasted against trust in the LORD Psalms 20:7.
- H367 ʼêymâh (terrible, terror): This word is used to describe the "glory" of the horse's nostrils Job 39:20. It conveys a sense of dread or fright, and is also used to describe the terror of God that falls upon Israel's enemies Joshua 2:9.
- H7493 râʻash (to tremble, make afraid): This root appears in both occurrences of H5170. The snorting of horses makes the land tremble Jeremiah 8:16, and the question is posed whether one can make the horse afraid Job 39:20, linking the sound directly to the feeling of fear and instability.
The theological weight of H5170 lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awesome power and impending events.
- Harbinger of Judgment: The snorting in Jeremiah 8:16 is not merely the sound of an army, but an audible sign of divine judgment being executed upon the land. The sound itself is part of the terror that precedes destruction.
- Manifestation of Creative Power: In Job 39:20, the powerful nostrils of the horse are presented by God as evidence of His creative majesty. The creature's fearsome nature, which man cannot easily tame, reflects the untamable power of its Creator.
- The Sound of Overwhelming Might: The word links an auditory experience to a physical and emotional response. The snorting is heard H8085, and as a result, the land trembles H7493. This illustrates how the display of power can overwhelm and instill fear.
In summary, H5170 nachar is a highly specific and evocative term. Though appearing only twice, it powerfully conveys themes of might and fear. It is used to describe the sound of an unstoppable invading army bringing judgment Jeremiah 8:16 and to illustrate the magnificent and terrible power of God's creation Job 39:20. The word transforms a simple animal characteristic into a symbol of overwhelming force that causes the very land to tremble.
TRV