a root probably identical with that of נִיר, through the idea of the gleam of a fresh furrow; to till the soil; break up.
Transliteration:nîyr
Pronunciation:neer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נִיר (nîyr), `{{H5214}}`, fundamentally denotes the action of "tilling the soil" or "breaking up" ground. Its base definition suggests a connection to the "gleam of a fresh furrow," implying the act of plowing or preparing land for cultivation. This root points to a primary agricultural context, emphasizing the laborious yet essential work of preparing ground for future sowing. The semantic range therefore includes concepts such as to plow, to break up fallow ground, and to cultivate, all with the intent of making the land receptive and productive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נִיר (nîyr), `{{H5214}}`, appears in two significant prophetic contexts, both employing the agricultural metaphor to convey a profound spiritual message.
1. **[[Jeremiah 4:3]]**: "For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: 'Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.'"
* Here, the imperative form of נִיר ("Break up") is directed towards the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The direct object, "fallow ground" (ניר), refers to land that has been left uncultivated, becoming hardened and overgrown. In this context, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the unrepentant or spiritually neglected hearts of the people. The command is a call to radical spiritual repentance and preparation, urging them to remove the obstacles (like "thorns") that hinder the reception of God's word and the bearing of righteous fruit.
2. **[[Hosea 10:12]]**: "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."
* Similar to Jeremiah, Hosea uses נִיר ("break up your fallow ground") as an imperative, directly linking the agricultural act to spiritual seeking and righteousness. This verse presents a clear sequence: breaking up the ground is a prerequisite for sowing righteousness and, subsequently, reaping steadfast love. The promise of "rain righteousness" from the Lord is contingent upon this preparatory work, underscoring the necessity of human responsiveness in preparing the heart to receive divine blessing and transformation.
In both instances, נִיר transcends its literal agricultural meaning to become a vivid metaphor for internal spiritual preparation, urging a deep, transformative work of the heart rather than superficial reform.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept embedded in נִיר (nîyr), `{{H5214}}`, is intrinsically linked to other agricultural terms and spiritual concepts:
* **Agricultural Terms**:
* זרע (zara'), `{{H2232}}`: "to sow." This verb is explicitly paired with נִיר in both [[Jeremiah 4:3]] and [[Hosea 10:12]], highlighting the sequential nature of preparation and planting.
* קצר (qatsar), `{{H7114}}`: "to reap, harvest." While not directly stated as the result of נִיר, it is the implied outcome of successful sowing, emphasizing the fruitfulness that follows proper preparation.
* שדה (sadeh), `{{H7704}}`: "field," the common ground for such agricultural activity.
* אדמה (adamah), `{{H127}}`: "ground, land," the broader context of the soil being worked.
* **The Concept of "Fallow Ground"**: The direct object of נִיר is often the "fallow ground" (ניר itself, used as a noun meaning "freshly plowed ground" or "fallow ground to be plowed"). This signifies land that has been neglected, becoming hard and unproductive, serving as a potent symbol for a hardened or spiritually inert heart.
* **Metaphorical Concepts**:
* **Repentance**: A turning away from old, unproductive ways.
* **Preparation of the Heart**: Making the inner self receptive to God's word and will.
* **Spiritual Receptivity**: The openness and readiness to receive divine truth and grace.
* **Seeking the Lord**: An active pursuit of God's presence and righteousness.
* **Righteousness**: The desired outcome of a properly prepared heart and obedient life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נִיר (nîyr), `{{H5214}}`, is profound, primarily due to its metaphorical application to the human heart and spiritual life:
1. **Prerequisite for Divine Encounter and Blessing**: The act of "breaking up fallow ground" symbolizes the essential internal work required to receive God's word, guidance, and blessing. Just as hard, unplowed ground cannot effectively receive seed and yield a harvest, a hardened, unrepentant, or unprepared heart cannot truly absorb spiritual truth or bear the fruit of righteousness. It underscores that while God initiates and provides, human preparation is a necessary response.
2. **Call to Radical Repentance and Renewal**: Both prophetic passages employing נִיר function as urgent calls to deep spiritual transformation. It is not merely a superficial adjustment but a fundamental breaking down of stubbornness, unrighteousness, and spiritual apathy. This "breaking up" is often depicted as a painful but vital process, necessary for new life and spiritual vitality to emerge. It demands a tearing away from past patterns that hinder growth.
3. **Human Responsibility in Spiritual Cultivation**: The imperative command to "break up your fallow ground" highlights human agency and responsibility in the spiritual journey. While God provides the "rain of righteousness" ([[Hosea 10:12]]), humanity is called to prepare the "soil" of the heart. This interplay between divine grace and human effort is central: God's initiative enables, but human obedience and active preparation are required for flourishing.
4. **Foundation for Righteousness and Fruitfulness**: The passages explicitly link the breaking up of fallow ground to the sowing of righteousness and the reaping of steadfast love. This connection establishes נִיר as a foundational act for a life lived in accordance with God's will, leading to spiritual fruitfulness and a flourishing relationship with the Divine. Without this preparatory work, true righteousness and lasting spiritual harvest are unattainable.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נִיר (nîyr), `{{H5214}}`, literally means "to till the soil" or "break up" ground, particularly fallow ground. Its two significant biblical occurrences in [[Jeremiah 4:3]] and [[Hosea 10:12]] elevate this agricultural act into a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation. Theologically, נִיר signifies a crucial call to repentance and inner renewal, urging the "breaking up" of hardened, unrepentant hearts. This arduous but necessary work is presented as a prerequisite for sowing righteousness, receiving divine blessing, and ultimately experiencing spiritual fruitfulness. It underscores the vital human response and active preparation required for a receptive and vibrant relationship with God.
TRV