a primitive root; to lift; by implication, to impose; bear, offer, take up.
Transliteration:nâṭal
Pronunciation:naw-tal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָטַל (nâṭal, `{{H5190}}`) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental action of "to lift" or "to take up." From this core physical sense, its semantic range expands to include several important implications. It can denote the act of "bearing" a weight or object, suggesting the physical carrying or removal of something. Furthermore, it carries the significant nuance of "to impose," indicating the laying of a burden, responsibility, or condition upon another. In certain contexts, it can also mean "to offer" or "to present," implying the act of taking something up to present it to someone else, often with the expectation of a response or choice. This range, from simple physical elevation to the imposition of a burden or the presentation of a choice, highlights its versatility in describing both literal and metaphorical actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָטַל (nâṭal, `{{H5190}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, each illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
* In [[Leviticus 15:10]], the word is used in the context of ritual purity laws: "And whoever carries (נָטַל) them shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until evening." Here, נָטַל refers to the act of "bearing" or "carrying" an object that has been defiled by a woman with a discharge. The emphasis is on the transmission of uncleanness through physical contact and the subsequent need for purification, underscoring the pervasive nature of ritual defilement in the Mosaic Law.
* A striking usage occurs in [[2 Samuel 24:12]], where the prophet Gad addresses David: "Go and tell David, ‘Thus says the Lord, “I offer (נָטַל) you three things; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.”’” In this instance, נָטַל signifies "to offer" or "to present." It describes Yahweh presenting David with a choice of three judgments, highlighting divine sovereignty in offering options, even within the framework of impending discipline. The Lord "lifts up" these choices for David's consideration.
* The most prominent metaphorical use appears in the parallel accounts of Rehoboam's oppressive reign in [[1 Kings 12:11]] and [[2 Chronicles 10:11]]. Rehoboam declares, "And now, whereas my father laid (נָטַל) on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke." Here, נָטַל means "to impose" or "to lay upon." It vividly describes the imposition of a burdensome yoke of labor and taxation, leading to the division of the kingdom. This usage underscores the weight of oppressive rule and the consequences of leadership that disregards the people's welfare.
* Finally, in [[Isaiah 40:15]], the word is employed in a grand declaration of God's incomparable power: "Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; he takes up (נָטַל) the coastlands like fine dust." This profound passage uses נָטַל to describe God's effortless "lifting" or "taking up" of entire nations, likening them to insignificant dust. It powerfully conveys the Creator's absolute sovereignty and the utter insignificance of human kingdoms in comparison to His might.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָטַל (nâṭal, `{{H5190}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to carrying, bearing, and imposing:
* `{{H5375}}` נָשָׂא (nāśāʾ): This is by far the most common Hebrew verb for "to lift," "to carry," "to bear," or "to take away." While נָשָׂא has a much broader range of applications (from lifting hands in prayer to bearing sin), נָטַל in its "lifting" or "carrying" sense often implies the imposition of a burden or a specific act of taking something up for a purpose (e.g., offering, removing uncleanness).
* `{{H5445}}` סָבַל (sābal): Meaning "to bear," "to carry a burden," or "to be burdened." This word often emphasizes the weight or difficulty of what is being carried, aligning with the "imposing a yoke" sense of נָטַל.
* `{{H6006}}` עָמַס (ʿāmas): To "load" or "lay a burden upon." This term specifically denotes the act of placing a load, often a heavy one, onto someone or something, similar to the "impose" meaning of נָטַל.
While these words share semantic overlap, נָטַל often carries a specific nuance of a decisive act of taking up, whether it be an object, a choice, or a burden. Its usage in the context of divine action (Isaiah 40, 2 Samuel 24) elevates its meaning beyond mere physical action to describe God's sovereign engagement with creation and humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָטַל (nâṭal, `{{H5190}}`) is profound, despite its limited occurrences.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence:** The usage in [[Isaiah 40:15]] is perhaps the most theologically potent. It paints a breathtaking picture of God's absolute power and transcendence. The nations, so mighty in human eyes, are effortlessly "taken up" by God as if they were mere dust. This imagery challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, redirecting worship and trust solely to the Creator, who is incomparable in His might. It affirms that all human endeavors and powers are utterly insignificant before the divine will.
2. **Consequences of Leadership and Oppression:** The accounts in [[1 Kings 12:11]] and [[2 Chronicles 10:11]] use נָטַל to describe the "imposition" of a heavy yoke by Rehoboam. This highlights the theological implications of oppressive leadership. A ruler who "imposes" an unbearable burden on the people acts contrary to God's design for just governance, leading to rebellion and division. This serves as a warning against tyrannical power and a call for leaders to bear the welfare of their people, rather than imposing burdens upon them.
3. **Ritual Purity and Holiness:** In [[Leviticus 15:10]], the act of "carrying" something defiled underscores the meticulous nature of the Mosaic purity laws. The necessity of purification after "bearing" uncleanness emphasizes the pervasive impact of sin and defilement on human life and the community's need for cleansing to approach a holy God. It points to the constant need for ritual and moral separation from that which is unholy.
4. **Divine Judgment and Human Choice:** The "offering" of choices in [[2 Samuel 24:12]] reveals God's interaction with humanity even in judgment. While God is sovereign, He sometimes "lifts up" or "presents" options, allowing for human agency and response within His overarching plan. This demonstrates a divine justice that, even when punitive, allows for a degree of human participation in the unfolding of consequences.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָטַל (nâṭal, `{{H5190}}`) is a rich and versatile term, primarily signifying "to lift" or "to take up," but extending to "to bear," "to impose," and "to offer." Its sparse but impactful occurrences in the biblical text reveal significant theological truths. From the physical act of "carrying" ritual impurity in [[Leviticus 15:10]] to the divine "offering" of choices to David in [[2 Samuel 24:12]], נָטַל illuminates specific actions. Most profoundly, it depicts the "imposition" of oppressive burdens by human rulers in [[1 Kings 12:11]] and [[2 Chronicles 10:11]], contrasting sharply with God's effortless "taking up" of entire nations as mere dust in [[Isaiah 40:15]]. Through these varied contexts, נָטַל contributes to our understanding of divine sovereignty, the consequences of human leadership, and the pervasive nature of ritual defilement, underscoring both God's immense power and His intricate engagement with humanity.
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