### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâṭaph**, represented by `{{H5197}}`, is a primitive root meaning to ooze, distil gradually, or fall in drops. It appears **18 times** across **14 unique verses**. While its literal sense describes a slow dripping, it is figuratively used to mean speaking by inspiration, often translated as to prophesy or to let one's words drop.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H5197}}` in scripture covers both literal and figurative dropping. In a literal sense, it describes the heavens dropping water in response to God's presence ([[Judges 5:4]], [[Psalms 68:8]]). It is also used poetically to describe lips that **drop** as the honeycomb [[Song of Solomon 4:11]] or hands **dropped** with myrrh [[Song of Solomon 5:5]]. Figuratively, the word is used for speech that flows from a person, as when Job says his speech **dropped** upon his listeners [[Job 29:22]]. This extends to divine communication, where prophets are commanded to **drop** their word upon the people ([[Ezekiel 21:2]], [[Amos 7:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two main applications of **nâṭaph**:
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H5197}}` to describe the act of delivering a divine message, highlighting the inspired nature of the speech ([[Amos 7:16]], [[Ezekiel 20:46]]).
* `{{H4405}}` **millâh** (a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic): This term for spoken words or discourse is what is said to have **dropped** from Job's mouth, emphasizing the content of the speech [[Job 29:22]].
* `{{H6071}}` **ʻâçîyç** (must or fresh grape-juice (as just trodden out)): This word for sweet or new wine is what the mountains are prophesied to **drop**, linking `{{H5197}}` to a vision of supernatural abundance and blessing ([[Amos 9:13]], [[Joel 3:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5197}}` is evident in its application to divine action and communication.
* **Response of Creation:** The heavens are said to **drop** at the presence of God, illustrating creation's tangible reaction to the Creator's power and majesty ([[Judges 5:4]], [[Psalms 68:8]]).
* **Prophetic Utterance:** The term describes the very method of prophetic speech. A prophet's word "drops," suggesting it is not their own but is distilled from a divine source. This is used for both true prophecy [[Ezekiel 21:2]] and false prophecy [[Micah 2:11]].
* **Eschatological Blessing:** In prophetic visions of the future, the land itself overflows with divine blessing, as mountains **drop** down new wine, a powerful symbol of restoration and God's favor ([[Joel 3:18]], [[Amos 9:13]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5197}}` is a vivid term that moves from the physical to the spiritual. It captures the sense of a substance, whether water, myrrh, or words, being dispensed gradually and with purpose. From the clouds dripping rain to a prophet dripping divine truth, **nâṭaph** illustrates how both the natural world and human speech can be conduits for the influence and messaging of God.
TRV