### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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