### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉṭîyl**, represented by `{{H5187}}`, translates as **laden** or **that bear**. This term is exceptionally specific and rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entirety of the biblical text. Its meaning is derived from the action of carrying a heavy load.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H5187}}` is found in a prophecy of judgment in [[Zephaniah 1:11]]. The verse commands the inhabitants of **Maktesh** `{{H4389}}` to **howl** `{{H3213}}` because the **merchant** `{{H3667}}` **people** `{{H5971}}` face destruction. Within this context, `{{H5187}}` identifies a specific group targeted for judgment: "all they **that bear** silver." This connects the physical act of carrying wealth directly with the coming divine retribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word's meaning is sharpened by the surrounding terms in its only appearance:
* `{{H3213}}` **yâlal** (howl): Defined as "to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell," this word establishes the atmosphere of intense grief and terror accompanying the judgment [[Zephaniah 1:11]].
* `{{H3667}}` **Kᵉnaʻan** (merchant): While also the name for a land and people, in this context it refers to "merchant, traffick." This identifies the group facing judgment by their commercial activity [[Zephaniah 1:11]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver): Meaning "silver" and by implication "money," this is the substance being carried. It represents the material wealth that has become the basis for judgment [[Zephaniah 1:11]].
* `{{H1820}}` **dâmâh** (cut down): This word, meaning to "perish," "be destroyed," or "be cut down," describes the fate of the merchant people, reinforcing the finality of the sentence [[Zephaniah 1:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5187}}` is concentrated in its singular, powerful use. It serves to illustrate a core biblical principle regarding wealth and divine justice.
* **Judgment on Materialism:** The term specifically isolates those who are **laden** with silver, indicating that their identity is tied to their material possessions. Their destruction is directly linked to the very wealth they carry.
* **Condemnation of Unjust Gain:** Occurring in a passage about the downfall of "merchant people," the phrase "they **that bear** silver" points to a judgment against a system of commerce that has led to a corrupt heart. Their wealth accumulation is met with being "cut off" `{{H3772}}`.
* **The Futility of Riches:** The scene in [[Zephaniah 1:11]] demonstrates that being "laden" with silver offers no protection from God's wrath. In fact, it becomes the marker for condemnation.
### Summary
In summary, while **nᵉṭîyl** `{{H5187}}` is used only once, its application is precise and potent. It functions within a prophecy of judgment to define a people by their attachment to material wealth. The term "they **that bear** silver" becomes a label for those whose worldly burdens lead not to security, but to being "cut off," illustrating that earthly riches are meaningless in the face of divine reckoning.
TRV