נָחַשׁ

nâchash /naw-khash'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to hiss, i.e. whisper a (magic) spell
Meaninggenerally, to prognosticate
KJV usagedivine, enchanter, learn by experience, diligently observe.
Idioms & phrasesidiom certainly · (use) idiom enchantment · idiom indeed
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâchash, represented by H5172, is a primitive root that properly means to hiss or whisper a magic spell, and more generally to prognosticate. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its various uses are translated as to divine, use enchantment, learn by experience, diligently observe, and idiomatically for emphasis as "certainly" or "indeed."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H5172 is used in two distinct ways. It frequently refers to forbidden occult practices, such as when the Law commands, "neither shall ye use enchantment" Leviticus 19:26. Being an enchanter is listed among the detestable acts forbidden to Israel Deuteronomy 18:10, and practicing enchantments was one of the evils that provoked the LORD to anger 2 Kings 17:17. Conversely, the word can describe gaining insight through non-magical means. Laban states, "I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake" Genesis 30:27. It is also used when men did diligently observe a king to catch his words 1 Kings 20:33 and when Joseph claims he can certainly divine Genesis 44:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words are often listed alongside H5172 in passages condemning occult practices:

  • H7081 qeçem: This word means "divination" and is often paired with H5172 in lists of prohibited spiritual activities (Deuteronomy 18:10, 2 Kings 17:17).
  • H6049 ʻânan: Defined as to "observe times" or act as a "soothsayer," this term appears next to the prohibition of using enchantment in the Law Leviticus 19:26 and in descriptions of wicked kings 2 Kings 21:6.
  • H3784 kâshaph: Meaning to "whisper a spell" or "practise magic," this word for a "witch" or "sorcerer" is included in the same prohibitions as the enchanter (Deuteronomy 18:10, 2 Chronicles 33:6).
  • H178 ʼôwb: This term for a "familiar spirit" or "necromancer" is mentioned in contexts where kings "used enchantments" (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chronicles 33:6).

Theological Significance

The use of H5172 highlights a clear theological boundary regarding sources of knowledge and power.

  • Forbidden Divination: The primary use of H5172 is to identify and prohibit attempts to gain hidden knowledge through means other than God. The practice of using enchantments is defined as evil and wickedness in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chronicles 33:6).
  • Observation and Deduction: In contrast, the word is also used for a natural or intense form of observation. Laban's conclusion that he was blessed because of Jacob is described as something he "learned by experience" Genesis 30:27. Similarly, the men who "did diligently observe" Benhadad show keen watchfulness, not occult practice 1 Kings 20:33.
  • Ambiguous Insight: The case of Joseph presents a unique application. His servant states Joseph uses his cup to divine, and Joseph himself claims he can "certainly divine" (Genesis 44:5, Genesis 44:15), suggesting an exceptional capacity for insight.

Summary

In summary, H5172 nâchash is a multifaceted term. Its dominant meaning is negative, referring to the forbidden act of enchantment or divination that is consistently condemned in Scripture. However, it also carries a more neutral sense of learning through intense observation or experience. The word's application demonstrates the stark contrast the Bible draws between illicit occultism and legitimate insight, whether it is gained through natural deduction or from God himself.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 9 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Genesis (3 verses).

3
Genesis
1
Leviticus
1
Deuteronomy
1
1 Kings
2
2 Kings
1
2 Chronicles

Verse Explorer

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