נָחַת

nâchath /naw-khath'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down
KJV usagebe broken, (cause to) come down, enter, go down, press sore, settle, stick fast.
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine 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.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Psalms (3 verses).

1
2 Samuel
1
Job
3
Psalms
1
Proverbs
1
Jeremiah
1
Joel

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