or נִר; also נֵיר; or נֵר; or (feminine) נֵרָה; from a primitive root (see נִיר; נוּר) properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner) or light (literally or figuratively); candle, lamp, light.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nîyr**, represented by `{{H5216}}`, refers to a **lamp** or **light**. It appears 48 times across 42 unique verses in the Bible. While it can mean a literal lamp or candle, it is most often used figuratively to represent concepts of divine guidance, life, blessing, and God's enduring promises.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H5216}}` describes the **lamps** of the golden **candlestick** `{{H4501}}` within the tabernacle, which were to be kept burning continually ([[Leviticus 24:2]], [[Exodus 25:37]]). Figuratively, the term is used to illustrate divine guidance; God's **word** `{{H1697}}` is a **lamp** to the feet and a **light** `{{H216}}` to the path [[Psalms 119:105]]. The **commandment** `{{H4687}}` is also called a **lamp** [[Proverbs 6:23]]. The concept extends to God's covenant with **David** `{{H1732}}`, where the promise of an enduring lineage is described as a **light** `{{H5216}}` that the LORD `{{H3068}}` would not **destroy** `{{H7843}}` ([[2 Chronicles 21:7]], [[1 Kings 11:36]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of `{{H5216}}`:
* `{{H216}}` **'ôwr** (light): This word for illumination is often used in parallel with **nîyr**. In [[Psalms 119:105]], God's word is both a **lamp** `{{H5216}}` and a **light** `{{H216}}`, reinforcing the theme of divine guidance.
* `{{H4501}}` **mᵉnôwrâh** (candlestick): This term refers to the lampstand that held the sacred **lamps** `{{H5216}}`. Its presence is central to the tabernacle rituals, as seen in the vision of a golden **candlestick** `{{H4501}}` with seven **lamps** `{{H5216}}` upon it [[Zechariah 4:2]].
* `{{H1846}}` **dâʻak** (to be put out): This verb, meaning to be extinguished or quenched, is frequently used to describe the fate of the **lamp** `{{H5216}}` of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}`, symbolizing judgment and the cessation of life or blessing [[Proverbs 13:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5216}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Divine Guidance and Revelation:** The **lamp** is a metaphor for God's revealed will. His **word** `{{H1697}}` serves as a **lamp** `{{H5216}}` that illuminates the correct **path** `{{H5410}}` for humanity [[Psalms 119:105]], and His **commandment** `{{H4687}}` is a **lamp** that leads to **life** `{{H2416}}` [[Proverbs 6:23]].
* **Symbol of Life and Judgment:** A lit lamp symbolizes life, blessing, and vitality. The LORD `{{H3068}}` lights the psalmist's **candle** `{{H5216}}` and enlightens his **darkness** `{{H2822}}` [[Psalms 18:28]]. Conversely, the **lamp** `{{H5216}}` of the **wicked** `{{H7563}}` being **put out** `{{H1846}}` signifies judgment and loss ([[Proverbs 13:9]], [[Proverbs 24:20]]).
* **Emblem of Covenant Faithfulness:** God's promise to **David** `{{H1732}}` is symbolized by a **lamp** or **light** `{{H5216}}` that will never be extinguished, representing the unending nature of the Davidic dynasty and God's unwavering commitment to His **covenant** `{{H1285}}` ([[2 Kings 8:19]], [[1 Kings 11:36]], [[Psalms 132:17]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5216}}` transcends its simple definition of a lamp. It begins as a physical object for illumination in worship and expands into a powerful spiritual metaphor. It represents the light of God's word in a dark world, the vitality of the human spirit sustained by the LORD, and the unbreakable promise of God's covenant with His people, shining as a perpetual light for generations.
TRV