### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term nᵉṭîyl (`{{H5187}}`) is a relatively rare word in the Old Testament, derived from the root verb nāṭal (`{{H5186}}`). The root nāṭal carries the primary meaning of "to lift," "to bear," "to carry," or "to take up." It often implies the handling of something heavy or a burden. As a passive participle, nᵉṭîyl therefore describes a state of being "laden," "burdened," or "that which bears" or "is borne." Its core semantic range centers on the concept of having a weight or load imposed upon one, emphasizing the passive reception of this burden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nᵉṭîyl (`{{H5187}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Lamentations:
* **[[Lamentations 3:28]]**: "He sits alone and keeps silence, because He has laid it on him." (KJV: "because he hath borne it upon him.")
In this solitary occurrence, nᵉṭîyl describes the state of the one suffering in the context of God's judgment. The preceding verses in Lamentations 3 detail the profound affliction and sorrow experienced by the prophet Jeremiah, emblematic of the suffering of Judah during the Babylonian exile. The "it" that is "laid on him" refers back to the "yoke" of God's wrath and the deep suffering described by the prophet. The use of nᵉṭîyl here emphasizes that this burden is not self-imposed but divinely ordained and placed upon the individual. The response of "sitting alone and keeping silence" is a posture of humble submission and quiet endurance in the face of this overwhelming, God-given burden. It highlights the weight and the divine origin of the suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to nᵉṭîyl (`{{H5187}}`) is its root verb:
* **nāṭal (`{{H5186}}`)**: "to lift, bear, carry, take up." This root appears more frequently and broadly, describing the physical act of carrying ([[Numbers 11:14]]; [[Isaiah 46:3]]) or even the metaphorical "lifting" of a spirit or heart ([[2 Samuel 24:10]]). The passive form nᵉṭîyl specifically focuses on the state of being the recipient of such an action.
Other related Hebrew terms that convey the concept of "burden" or "load" include:
* **maśśāʾ (מַשָּׂא, `{{H4853}}`)**: Commonly translated as "burden," often referring to prophetic pronouncements or heavy physical loads.
* **sāval (סָבַל, `{{H5445}}`)**: A verb meaning "to bear a burden," "to carry a load."
* **ʿōl (עֹל, `{{H5923}}`)**: "Yoke," frequently used metaphorically to represent a burden, servitude, or oppression.
The concept of bearing a burden is also intrinsically linked to themes of suffering, divine discipline, responsibility, and submission to God's will.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of nᵉṭîyl (`{{H5187}}`) in [[Lamentations 3:28]] carries significant theological weight. It profoundly underscores the sovereignty of God in human suffering and affliction. The burden described is not accidental or random; it is "laid on him" by God. This emphasizes that even in the deepest despair, the hand of God is present and active, often in a disciplinary or refining capacity.
The prophet's response—"He sits alone and keeps silence"—is a theological model of humble submission. It suggests that when one is nᵉṭîyl, burdened by God's hand, the appropriate response is not defiance or complaint, but quiet endurance and recognition of divine authority. This aligns with the broader message of Lamentations, which, despite its sorrow, ultimately points to God's faithfulness and mercy ([[Lamentations 3:22-23]]). The term nᵉṭîyl thus highlights the profound and often painful reality of bearing a divinely appointed cross, a concept that resonates with later biblical teachings on suffering and discipleship.
### Summary
nᵉṭîyl (`{{H5187}}`) is a unique Hebrew term, appearing only in [[Lamentations 3:28]]. Derived from the verb nāṭal (`{{H5186}}`) meaning "to bear" or "to carry," nᵉṭîyl signifies the state of being "laden" or "burdened." Its sole biblical occurrence describes a divinely imposed burden, emphasizing the passive reception of a heavy load placed upon an individual by God. Theologically, it illuminates God's sovereignty in affliction, calling for a response of humble submission and quiet endurance under the weight of divine discipline. This rare word powerfully encapsulates the experience of bearing a God-given burden.
TRV