from נְחַת; also (intransitively; perhaps from נוּחַ); a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food); restfulness; lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on.
Transliteration:Nachath
Pronunciation:nakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H5183}}` (נַחַת, *Nachath*) primarily derives from the Aramaic root `{{H5182}}` (נְחַת, *n'chat*), meaning "to go down," "to descend," or "to alight." This gives rise to senses of physical descent, an "alighting," or something "brought down" or "imposed." Interestingly, the base definition also suggests a possible connection to the Hebrew root `{{H5117}}` (נוּחַ, *nuach*), which signifies "to rest," "to settle down," or "to be quiet." This dual etymological possibility accounts for the word's diverse semantic range.
Therefore, `{{H5183}}` can denote:
1. A literal "descent" or "alighting" (e.g., a roof sinking).
2. An "imposition," which can be either negative (a blow, punishment) or positive (a favorable reception, food).
3. A state of "restfulness," "quietness," or "peace," often in contrast to agitation or conflict.
4. By extension, "favor" or "acceptance," particularly in a divine context, implying a settled, pleased disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5183}}` in the Hebrew Bible beautifully illustrate its multifaceted meaning:
* **Proverbs 29:9**: "If a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man rages and laughs, and there is no `{{H5183}}`." Here, `{{H5183}}` is best translated as "rest" or "peace." The context describes the futility of reasoning with a fool, as no quiet resolution or cessation of conflict can be achieved. It denotes a state of tranquility or cessation of strife.
* **Ecclesiastes 10:18**: "Through slothfulness the roof sinks in, and through idleness of hands the house leaks." The word `{{H5183}}` here describes the "sinking in" or "coming down" of a roof. This is a direct manifestation of the root meaning "to descend" or "to alight," indicating a physical deterioration due to neglect.
* **Isaiah 30:30**: "And the LORD will cause His glorious voice to be heard, and the `{{H5183}}` of His arm to be seen, with furious anger and a flame of devouring fire, with a cloudburst and a tempest and hailstones." In this prophetic passage, "the `{{H5183}}` of His arm" refers to the "coming down" or "descent" of God's arm in judgment. It signifies the powerful and decisive imposition of divine wrath upon His enemies.
* **Isaiah 30:32**: "And every stroke of the appointed staff, which the LORD will lay on him, will be with tambourines and lyres; and in battles of brandishing He will fight with them." Similar to the previous verse, `{{H5183}}` is translated as "stroke" or "blow." It denotes something "brought down" or "imposed" with force, emphasizing the punitive action of God.
* **Malachi 2:13**: "And this is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with `{{H5183}}` from your hand." This is a crucial theological usage. Here, `{{H5183}}` means "favor," "acceptance," or "pleasure." God is displeased with the insincere offerings of the priests and people; He does not receive their sacrifices with a settled, favorable disposition. The absence of `{{H5183}}` indicates divine rejection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic range of `{{H5183}}` connects it to several important Hebrew roots and concepts:
* `{{H5182}}` (נְחַת, *n'chat*): The Aramaic root from which `{{H5183}}` is directly derived, meaning "to descend," "to go down," or "to alight." This connection is evident in the physical descent and imposition senses of `{{H5183}}`.
* `{{H5117}}` (נוּחַ, *nuach*): The Hebrew root meaning "to rest," "to settle down," "to be quiet." This is a significant conceptual link, particularly for the "restfulness" and "quietness" meanings of `{{H5183}}`. The proper name Noah (`{{H5118}}`, נוֹחַ) also stems from this root, signifying "rest" or "comfort."
* `{{H7257}}` (רָגַע, *raga'*): "To rest," "to repose," "to quiet." This verb shares the sense of finding peace or cessation from activity.
* `{{H7951}}` (שָׁקַט, *shaqat*): "To be quiet," "to be at rest," "to be undisturbed." This verb further emphasizes the state of tranquility.
The conceptual network surrounding `{{H5183}}` thus includes notions of physical movement (descent), divine action (imposition, judgment), and states of being (peace, rest, favor, acceptance).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5183}}` is profound, particularly in its varied applications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: In Isaiah 30, `{{H5183}}` vividly portrays the "coming down" or "descent" of God's arm in judgment. This highlights God's active, powerful, and decisive intervention in human history. His `{{H5183}}` is not a passive observation but an active imposition of His will, bringing about consequences for sin and rebellion. It underscores the reality of divine retribution.
2. **The Nature of Acceptable Worship**: Malachi 2:13 provides a critical insight into the divine-human relationship. God's refusal to accept offerings with `{{H5183}}` (favor/acceptance) reveals His righteous indignation against insincere, ritualistic worship. True worship requires a heart of devotion and obedience, without which offerings, no matter how outwardly fervent (covering the altar with tears), are rejected. God desires a "restful" and pleasing disposition towards His people's worship, which is only possible when the covenant is honored.
3. **Human Peace and Wisdom**: Proverbs 29:9 uses `{{H5183}}` to describe the absence of "rest" or "peace" when confronting folly. This speaks to the disruptive nature of unrighteousness and the elusive quality of true tranquility in the midst of conflict. It implicitly points to wisdom as the path to `{{H5183}}`, as wisdom fosters understanding and avoids unnecessary strife.
4. **Consequences of Neglect**: Ecclesiastes 10:18, while seemingly mundane, carries a theological undertone. The "sinking in" of the roof due to slothfulness illustrates a principle of divine order: neglect leads to decay. While not directly a divine act of `{{H5183}}`, it reflects the natural consequences within God's created order when human responsibility is abandoned.
### Summary
`{{H5183}}` (נַחַת, *Nachath*) is a rich Hebrew noun with a dual etymological background, contributing to its diverse semantic range. It encompasses the literal "descent" or "alighting" of an object, the "imposition" of a blow or judgment, and crucially, a state of "rest," "quietness," or "favor." Biblically, `{{H5183}}` reveals God's active involvement in the world, whether through the "coming down" of His arm in judgment (Isaiah 30:30, 32) or His desire for "favor" and "acceptance" in worship (Malachi 2:13). It also highlights the human pursuit of "rest" or "peace" (Proverbs 29:9) and the consequences of neglect (Ecclesiastes 10:18). Theologically, `{{H5183}}` underscores divine sovereignty, the requirements for acceptable worship, and the interplay between human action, wisdom, and the presence or absence of true peace.
TRV