The Hebrew word nîyç, represented by H5211, means fugitive or that fleeth. It is derived from the root H5127 nûwç, which means to flit or escape. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 times in 1 unique verses in the Bible.
The sole appearance of H5211 is in Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab. The verse states, "He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit" Jeremiah 48:44. Here, nîyç describes an individual in the act of fleeing from a divinely ordained terror. The context portrays an inescapable sequence of judgment where any attempt to escape one peril only leads to another, moving from "the fear" H6343 to "the pit" H6354 and then to "the snare" H6341. This is declared as the "year of their visitation" H6486 brought upon Moab H4124 by the LORD H3068.
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the concept of a fugitive under judgment:
- H5127 nûwç (to flit): As the primitive root of nîyç, this word establishes the core idea of fleeing or escaping. It is the verb used to describe the action taken by the fugitive in Jeremiah 48:44 and is also used to describe the wicked who flee Proverbs 28:1.
- H6343 pachad (fear): This is the direct cause for the fugitive's flight in Jeremiah 48:44. It refers to a sudden alarm or terror, often one originating from God's judgment 2 Chronicles 19:7.
- H5307 nâphal (to fall): This word describes the immediate consequence for the fugitive. The attempt to flee results in falling into the pit, highlighting the futility of the escape Jeremiah 48:44.
The theological weight of H5211 is focused and potent due to its singular, specific context.
- Inescapable Judgment: The primary theme associated with nîyç is the futility of escaping divine judgment. The sequence in Jeremiah 48:44—fleeing fear only to fall into a pit and then be caught in a snare—illustrates that God's "visitation" H6486 upon Moab is comprehensive and unavoidable.
- A Component of Destruction: The fugitive state is not a path to safety but a part of the judgment itself. The act of fleeing is presented as the first step in a guaranteed sequence of destruction, reinforcing the message that there is no refuge from the consequences of magnifying oneself against the LORD Jeremiah 48:26.
- Prophetic Certainty: The use of nîyç within an oracle ("saith the LORD," H5002) gives it the weight of a divine decree. It is not a possibility but a certainty that anyone attempting to flee the ordained judgment will be caught.
In summary, H5211 nîyç provides a sharp, focused image of a fugitive. While extremely rare, its sole use in Scripture is powerful. It functions within a prophetic declaration of judgment against Moab to illustrate the absolute certainty and inescapable nature of God's punishment. The word shows that attempting to flee from divinely appointed consequences is not a means of escape, but merely the first step in a sequence of certain capture and destruction.
TRV