a primitive root; to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down; be broken, (cause to) come down, enter, go down, press sore, settle, stick fast.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâchath**, represented by `{{H5181}}`, is a primitive root with meanings centered on downward motion. It is defined as to sink or descend, and causatively, to press or lead down. It appears **9 times** across **8 unique verses**, conveying actions like being broken, coming down, entering, going down, pressing sore, settling, or sticking fast.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5181}}` is used in a variety of contexts to describe a downward force or movement. In a military or judgmental sense, it depicts God's mighty ones being caused to **come down** for battle [[Joel 3:11]] or the breaking of a **bow** of steel by human **arms** empowered by God ([[Psalms 18:34]], [[2 Samuel 22:35]]). The word also illustrates personal affliction, as when God’s **arrows** **stick fast** in someone and His **hand** **presseth them sore** [[Psalms 38:2]]. On the other hand, it can describe a psychological impact, where a **reproof** **entereth** a wise person’s heart [[Proverbs 17:10]], or the final descent as people **go down** to the **grave** [[Job 21:13]]. In a gentler sense, it is used for God’s creative care, where He **settlest** the **furrows** of the earth with rain [[Psalms 65:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions and agents associated with `{{H5181}}`:
* `{{H2671}}` **chêts** (arrow): As the object that pierces or sinks in, this word is directly linked to `{{H5181}}` in the context of divine affliction. The psalmist cries out that God's **arrows** **stick fast** in him [[Psalms 38:2]].
* `{{H2220}}` **zᵉrôwaʻ** (arm): Representing force and power, the **arm** is the agent that causes something to be broken. It is by God's strength that the psalmist's **arms** can break a bow of steel [[2 Samuel 22:35]].
* `{{H7585}}` **shᵉʼôwl** (grave): This is the destination for the descent described by `{{H5181}}`. The wicked **go down** to the **grave** in a moment, ending their days of wealth [[Job 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5181}}` is seen in its diverse applications of divine power and influence.
* **Divine Power and Judgment:** The word signifies God's sovereign ability to bring down the proud and execute judgment. He can cause His **mighty ones** to **come down** [[Joel 3:11]] and empower His servants to break symbols of military strength [[Psalms 18:34]].
* **Penetrating Affliction and Wisdom:** `{{H5181}}` describes the deep impact of both hardship and truth. God's disciplinary hand can **press sore** [[Psalms 38:2]], while a **reproof** can **enter** deeply into a wise man, showing that God's word can penetrate more effectively than physical punishment [[Proverbs 17:10]].
* **Creative and Blessing Action:** Not exclusively negative, the word is used to describe God's tender care for creation, where He **settlest** the furrows of the earth to prepare it for growth, blessing its springing with **showers** [[Psalms 65:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5181}}` is a dynamic verb that captures the essence of downward movement and pressure. Its meaning shifts with its context, from the violent force that breaks a bow of steel to the gentle settling of watered earth. It can describe a physical descent into the **grave**, the piercing of an **arrow**, or the profound entry of wisdom into the heart. Through its various uses, **nâchath** illustrates a consistent theme of a superior force causing something to descend, sink, or be pressed down, whether for judgment, discipline, or blessing.
TRV