a primitive root; properly, to strike in, i.e. fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively); fastened, plant(-er).
Transliteration:nâṭaʻ
Pronunciation:naw-tah'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5193}}` (nâṭaʻ) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental sense of "to strike in" or "to fix firmly." This foundational meaning extends directly to its most common usage: "to plant." The act of planting inherently involves pressing something into the ground and establishing it securely. Therefore, `{{H5193}}` denotes not merely placing an object, but intentionally embedding or fastening it so that it may take root, grow, or remain in place. Its semantic range thus encompasses both the literal act of cultivating flora and the figurative establishment, settlement, or firm placement of people, nations, structures, or even abstract concepts. The emphasis is on permanence, intentionality, and the initiation of a process that leads to stability or growth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5193}}` appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications.
Literally, it describes the planting of trees and gardens, as seen in the foundational account of creation: "The Lord God planted a garden in Eden" [[Genesis 2:8]]. Noah, after the flood, "began to be a farmer and planted a vineyard" [[Genesis 9:20]]. This usage highlights human stewardship and the provision of sustenance. In prophetic literature, `{{H5193}}` often depicts the divine act of establishing Israel: "I will appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and not be disturbed again" [[2 Samuel 7:10]] / [[1 Chronicles 17:9]]. This speaks to God's sovereign care and covenant faithfulness, ensuring the stability and security of His chosen people.
Figuratively, `{{H5193}}` extends to the establishment of individuals or principles. Psalm 1:3 famously describes the righteous person as being "like a tree planted by streams of water," emphasizing spiritual nourishment, stability, and fruitfulness. In Jeremiah, `{{H5193}}` is frequently juxtaposed with verbs of destruction (e.g., `{{H5428}}` nathash, "to pluck up"), illustrating God's dual power to judge and to restore: "To pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" [[Jeremiah 1:10]]. This prophetic motif underscores divine sovereignty over nations, promising future restoration and re-establishment for Israel: "I will plant them on their own land, and they shall no longer be plucked up from their land which I have given them" [[Amos 9:15]]. The word can also refer to the "fixing" or "pitching" of tents or structures, as in Daniel 11:45, where the king "will pitch the tents of his palace."
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H5193}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms. It stands in close conceptual proximity to `{{H3245}}` (yasadh), "to found" or "to establish," and `{{H1129}}` (banah), "to build," particularly when referring to the establishment of nations or structures. While `{{H5193}}` focuses on the initial act of setting something firmly in place, `{{H3245}}` emphasizes the laying of a secure foundation, and `{{H1129}}` points to the construction and completion of a structure.
In agricultural contexts, `{{H5193}}` (to plant) is distinct from `{{H2232}}` (zara'), "to sow," which refers to scattering seeds. Planting implies a more deliberate and individual placement, often of larger entities like saplings or vines.
The antonyms of `{{H5193}}` are particularly illuminating, especially in prophetic literature. `{{H5428}}` (nathash), "to pluck up" or "to root out," and `{{H2042}}` (haras), "to break down" or "to destroy," frequently appear in contrast to `{{H5193}}`, highlighting God's power to both dismantle and re-establish. These contrasting pairs underscore the themes of judgment, exile, and ultimate restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5193}}` is profound, permeating themes of creation, covenant, divine sovereignty, and eschatological hope.
1. **Divine Initiative and Sustenance:** God is depicted as the ultimate Planter. He "planted" the Garden of Eden, providing a perfect environment for humanity [[Genesis 2:8]]. He "planted" Israel, establishing them as His chosen people in the land of promise [[2 Samuel 7:10]]. This highlights God's active, intentional, and benevolent involvement in creation and in the history of His people, demonstrating His role as the source of all life and stability.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness and Restoration:** The repeated promise to "plant" Israel again in their land, especially after periods of exile, underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness [[Jeremiah 24:6]], [[Amos 9:15]]. This word becomes a powerful symbol of hope for restoration, renewal, and a secure future under God's watchful care. It signifies a divine commitment to permanence and flourishing.
3. **Spiritual Rootedness and Flourishing:** The imagery of being "planted" is applied to the righteous, who are like trees "planted by streams of water" [[Psalm 1:3]]. This metaphor speaks to the importance of being deeply rooted in God's word and presence, drawing nourishment for spiritual growth, stability, and fruitfulness. It suggests that true flourishing comes from being firmly established in divine truth and grace.
4. **Judgment and Transformation:** The contrast between "uprooting" and "planting" in prophetic texts reveals God's righteous judgment upon sin, leading to displacement and destruction, but also His redemptive purpose to bring about new life and re-establishment through repentance and grace [[Jeremiah 1:10]]. This dynamic illustrates the transformative power of God's work in history.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5193}}` (nâṭaʻ) fundamentally means "to strike in" or "to fix firmly," extending most commonly to the act of "planting." This word encompasses both the literal cultivation of the earth and the profound figurative establishment of people, nations, and divine purposes. Its biblical occurrences reveal God as the ultimate Planter, initiating creation, establishing His covenant people, and promising future restoration. Paired with its antonyms like "to pluck up," `{{H5193}}` illuminates the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the hope of re-establishment. Theologically, it speaks to God's initiative, faithfulness, and the call for humanity to be spiritually rooted in Him, bearing fruit in righteousness. `{{H5193}}` thus conveys a deep sense of permanence, intentionality, and the life-giving power of divine action.
TRV