### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâṭaʻ**, represented by `{{H5193}}`, is a primitive root that means to plant, fix, or fasten. Appearing **58 times** across **55 unique verses**, its core meaning is to strike something in, whether it be a seed in the ground or a nail into a board. This action carries both literal agricultural significance and deep figurative meaning related to establishment, security, and divine purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its most common usage, `{{H5193}}` refers to the literal act of planting. This includes planting vineyards ([[Isaiah 5:2]]), gardens ([[Jeremiah 29:5]]), groves ([[Genesis 21:33]]), and trees for food ([[Leviticus 19:23]]). Figuratively, the term is used to describe God's establishment of His people, Israel, promising to **plant** them in their own land so they will not be disturbed ([[2 Samuel 7:10]]). The scope of this action can be cosmic, as when God says He will **plant** the heavens ([[Isaiah 51:16]]). The word is often set in a powerful contrast between creative and destructive actions, such as "a time to **plant**, and a time to pluck up" ([[Ecclesiastes 3:2]]) or in God's commission to Jeremiah to "build, and to **plant**" ([[Jeremiah 1:10]]). In a unique non-agricultural sense, it describes words of the wise as nails **fastened** by masters of assemblies ([[Ecclesiastes 12:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the meaning of `{{H5193}}`:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This word is frequently paired with **nâṭaʻ** to express God's complete work of restoration and establishment. God's promise is not just to **plant** but also to **build** His people and their homes ([[Jeremiah 24:6]]).
* `{{H5428}}` **nâthash** (to tear away; pluck up): As the direct antonym, this verb highlights divine judgment. God's sovereignty is shown in His power to both **plant** and **pluck up** a nation ([[Jeremiah 18:9]]).
* `{{H3754}}` **kerem** (a garden or vineyard): This is a frequent object of the action of planting. The act of planting a **vineyard** is tied to blessings of security and prosperity ([[Isaiah 65:21]]), while the inability to enjoy its fruit is a sign of curse ([[Zephaniah 1:13]]).
* `{{H2232}}` **zâraʻ** (to sow): A related agricultural term, **zâraʻ** is sometimes used in parallel with **nâṭaʻ**. Rulers who are not established by God will not be **planted** or **sown** ([[Isaiah 40:24]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5193}}` is significant, illustrating God's sovereign control over creation and history.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The acts of planting and plucking up are presented as divine prerogatives. God sets authorities over nations to root out and destroy, but also to build and to **plant** ([[Jeremiah 1:10]]), demonstrating His ultimate control over the fate of kingdoms.
* **Covenantal Faithfulness:** God's promise to **plant** His people is an expression of His covenant love and faithfulness. He pledges to **plant** Israel securely in their land, never again to be pulled up, as a sign of permanent restoration and blessing ([[Amos 9:15]]).
* **Purposeful Creation:** The word extends beyond the soil to God's creative work. In the same way He **planted** a garden in Eden ([[Genesis 2:8]]), He is the one who **planted** the ear and formed the eye, implying that all of creation is fixed and established with divine purpose ([[Psalms 94:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5193}}` conveys a powerful concept of deliberate and secure establishment. While rooted in the simple agricultural act of planting, it expands to encompass God's sovereign work in history—establishing nations, securing His people in covenant promise, and fixing the very elements of creation. The word demonstrates that whether it is a vineyard, a nation, or the heavens themselves, true and lasting establishment comes from the hand of God.
TRV