(Aramaic) or נִיחֹחַ; (shorter) (Aramaic), corresponding to נִיחוֹחַ; pleasure; sweet odour (savour).
Transliteration:nîychôwach
Pronunciation:nee-kho'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term נִיחוֹחַ (nîychôwach), Strong's H5208, carries the core meaning of "pleasure" or "sweet odour/savour." It denotes that which is pleasing, agreeable, or acceptable, particularly in the context of an offering presented to a deity. While the precise nuance of "odour" is present, the underlying sense is one of divine satisfaction or contentment derived from the offering. This Aramaic form corresponds directly to the more frequently occurring Hebrew term `{{H5207}}` (nîyḥōaḥ), which consistently describes sacrifices and offerings as a "soothing aroma" or "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. The semantic range thus extends from a literal pleasant smell to the metaphorical concept of an act that brings delight or acceptance to the recipient.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term נִיחוֹחַ (nîychôwach) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[Ezra 6:10]]. The context is a decree issued by King Darius, commanding that resources be provided for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and for the priests to offer sacrifices there. The verse states: "that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours (נִיחוֹחַ) to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons."
In this unique occurrence, נִיחוֹחַ refers to the offerings presented to the God of heaven, emphasizing their nature as something pleasing and acceptable. The decree from a Persian king highlights a recognition, even among Gentile rulers, of the importance of proper worship and the presentation of acceptable sacrifices to the God of Israel. The inclusion of prayer for the king and his sons further underscores the belief that these "sweet savours" would evoke divine favor and blessing, not only upon the worshipers but also upon the secular authority who facilitated the worship. This singular usage in an Aramaic legal document reinforces the term's association with the formal and divinely sanctioned aspects of sacrificial worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5207}}` (nîyḥōaḥ), which is derived from the root נוּח (nuach), meaning "to rest" or "to settle." This root connection suggests that the "sweet savour" brings a sense of rest, satisfaction, or appeasement to God. `{{H5207}}` is extensively used throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, to describe various offerings (burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings) as a "soothing aroma to the Lord" (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Numbers 28:2]]). This common usage establishes the theological understanding that certain sacrifices, when offered according to divine command and with the proper disposition, are inherently pleasing to God.
Other related concepts include:
* **Sacrifice (זֶבַח, zevach; עוֹלָה, olah):** The physical act and object of offering.
* **Acceptance (רָצוֹן, ratson):** The divine approval or favor that results from a pleasing offering.
* **Pleasure (חֵפֶץ, chephets):** God's delight in the worship and obedience of His people.
The Aramaic נִיחוֹחַ (H5208) serves as a linguistic bridge, demonstrating the continuity of this theological concept across related Semitic languages and within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern sacrificial practices, albeit distinctly applied to the worship of the God of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The concept of a "sweet savour" (נִיחוֹחַ) holds profound theological significance, representing the divine acceptance and pleasure derived from human worship and obedience. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not merely an impersonal force but a being who delights in His creation's reverence and devotion. When an offering is described as a "sweet savour," it implies that the sacrifice has met God's requirements, is free from blemish, and is offered with a pure heart, thereby finding favor in His sight.
This idea transcends mere ritualism; it points to the spiritual reality of communion between God and humanity. The "sweet savour" signifies a restoration of relationship, an appeasement of divine wrath (in the case of sin offerings), or an expression of gratitude and devotion that God finds satisfying. It prefigures the ultimate "sweet savour" of Christ's sacrifice, described in the New Testament as an "aroma pleasing to God" ([[Ephesians 5:2]]), which perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and provided the ultimate propitiation for sin. Thus, the Aramaic נִיחוֹחַ, though rare, contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of God's desire for acceptable worship and humanity's means of approaching a holy God.
### Summary
The Aramaic term נִיחוֹחַ (nîychôwach), Strong's H5208, signifies "pleasure" or "sweet odour/savour," denoting that which is pleasing and acceptable to God. Its singular occurrence in [[Ezra 6:10]] refers to the offerings made to the God of heaven, highlighting the divine acceptance of such sacrifices. This term is the Aramaic counterpart to the more common Hebrew `{{H5207}}`, which frequently describes offerings as a "soothing aroma" to the Lord, rooted in the idea of divine rest and satisfaction. Theologically, נִיחוֹחַ encapsulates the concept of acceptable worship, emphasizing God's delight in obedient and heartfelt devotion, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative of humanity's relationship with the Divine.
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