### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâṭar**, represented by `{{H5201}}`, is a primitive root with a dual meaning: **to guard** or, figuratively, **to cherish anger**. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The word's usage splits between a literal sense of being a keeper, such as for a vineyard, and a metaphorical sense of holding a grudge or reserving wrath.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical application, `{{H5201}}` most often describes the act of retaining anger. The people of Israel are explicitly commanded not to "bear any **grudge**" against one another [[Leviticus 19:18]]. In contrast, the term is used to describe an aspect of God's divine judgment, as He "reserveth" wrath for His enemies [[Nahum 1:2]]. However, this is tempered by God's mercy, as both Jeremiah and the Psalms state that He will not "**keep**" His anger forever ([[Jeremiah 3:12]], [[Psalms 103:9]]). In a more literal context, the Song of Solomon uses `{{H5201}}` to depict the role of a "**keeper**" of vineyards, highlighting a responsibility of guardianship ([[Song of Solomon 1:6]], [[Song of Solomon 8:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of guardianship and retained anger:
* `{{H5358}}` **nâqam** (a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish; avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance): This word appears directly alongside `{{H5201}}` in the command, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor **bear any grudge**," distinguishing between active revenge and the passive holding of a grudge [[Leviticus 19:18]].
* `{{H2534}}` **chêmâh** (heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever); anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful)): This is the wrath that God "reserveth" `{{H5201}}` for His enemies, linking the act of keeping with the object of divine fury [[Nahum 1:2]].
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man)): This term is used in parallel with `{{H5201}}` when questioning if God will "reserve his anger for ever" and "**keep** it to the end," suggesting a closely related concept of guarding or preserving something over time [[Jeremiah 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5201}}` is significant, primarily in its portrayal of anger and mercy.
* **Divine Justice:** The word establishes that reserving wrath is a divine prerogative. While humans are forbidden from bearing a grudge, God is described as one who "reserveth" wrath as an instrument of judgment against His enemies [[Nahum 1:2]].
* **God's Forbearance:** Scripture repeatedly uses `{{H5201}}` to emphasize God's mercy. His character is defined not by endlessly retaining anger but by His choice not to "**keep**" it forever, a promise of grace and forgiveness ([[Psalms 103:9]], [[Jeremiah 3:12]]).
* **Human Responsibility:** In its literal sense, the word points to a principle of stewardship. The lament in Song of Solomon about being made a "**keeper**" of others' vineyards while one's own is not "kept" illustrates the personal duty to guard what is valuable [[Song of Solomon 1:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5201}}` is a focused term that contrasts the literal act of guarding a possession with the figurative act of holding onto anger. It serves to distinguish between a forbidden human tendency to bear a grudge and God's sovereign right to execute justice. Ultimately, the word is most often used to highlight God's mercy, showing that His nature is not to retain anger indefinitely but to offer a path to restoration.
TRV