### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nêṭel**, represented by `{{H5192}}`, means **a burden** or **weighty**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its sole use powerfully illustrates a concept by comparing a physical load to an emotional one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H5192}}` is in the book of Proverbs, where it is used to create a stark contrast. The verse states, "A stone is heavy, and the sand **weighty**; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both" [[Proverbs 27:3]]. Here, **nêṭel** describes the physical burden of sand, setting up a comparison to demonstrate that the vexation caused by a fool is an even more oppressive and difficult burden to bear.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Proverbs 27:3]] help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H3514}}` **kôbed** (heavy): This term, meaning "weight, multitude, vehemence," is used in the same verse to describe the stone `{{H68}}`. It establishes the baseline of a physical burden against which the fool's wrath is measured.
* `{{H68}}` **'eben** (stone): A common word for **a stone**, it serves as the first tangible example of a heavy object in the proverb. Scripture also uses it metaphorically, such as the "stony heart" that God promises to remove [[Ezekiel 36:26]].
* `{{H191}}` **'ĕvîyl** (fool): This word for a **fool** or "silly" man is central to the proverb's meaning. The dossier shows that a fool's wrath is known instantly [[Proverbs 12:16]] and that they despise wisdom and instruction [[Proverbs 1:7]].
* `{{H3708}}` **kaʻaç** (wrath): Defined as "vexation; anger, grief, indignation," this is the intangible burden that is declared heavier than both the stone and the sand.
### Theological Significance
The theological lesson of `{{H5192}}` is contained entirely within its single, illustrative use.
* **The Weight of Folly:** The primary point is to teach about the oppressive nature of foolishness. The proverb uses `{{H5192}}` to frame the wrath `{{H3708}}` of a fool `{{H191}}` not just as an annoyance, but as a burden heavier than significant physical weights [[Proverbs 27:3]].
* **Tangible vs. Intangible Burdens:** The use of **nêṭel** is a classic example of wisdom literature's method of teaching. It takes a known physical reality—the weight of sand—to explain a more profound, abstract moral truth about the destructive and burdensome nature of human anger.
* **A Warning Against Foolish Anger:** By comparing a fool's wrath to a crushing physical load, the verse provides a strong warning. It highlights that the consequences and emotional toll of dealing with an unthinking, angry person are more grievous than a difficult physical task.
### Summary
In summary, **nêṭel** is a highly specific term whose meaning is locked into its singular context in [[Proverbs 27:3]]. Though it appears only once, its role is crucial. It provides the physical reference point that gives the proverb its power, demonstrating that the intangible burden of a fool's anger is more draining and difficult to endure than a literal, **weighty** load like sand.
TRV