a primitive root; to smite, i.e. drive away; be viler.
Transliteration:nâkâʼ
Pronunciation:naw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) is a primitive root, conveying a core meaning related to striking or smiting, which extends semantically to driving away or expelling. This physical action of forceful removal or impact then gives rise to a derived state of degradation or abasement, expressed as "to be viler" or "to be brought low." The transition from an active verb ("to smite/drive away") to a stative verb ("to be viler") suggests that the action of being smitten or driven away results in a diminished, contemptible, or base condition. It implies a loss of standing, dignity, or worth, often as a consequence of being forcefully subjected to a negative experience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Niphal stem, in [[Job 30:8]]. The form is נִכְאוּ (nikh'u), meaning "they were made vile" or "they became vile."
In [[Job 30:8]], Job describes those who mock him, contrasting them with his former esteemed position: "They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth." (וּבְנֵי־בְלִיַּעַל גַּם בְּנֵי נִכְאוּ מֵאָרֶץ). The context portrays individuals of the lowest social standing, utterly despised and without any redeeming quality. Job uses this strong language to emphasize the depth of his fall, as even these contemptible figures now mock him. The phrase "viler than the earth" underscores their extreme degradation, suggesting they are even lower than the dust they walk upon, perhaps implying they are less valuable than the very ground from which humanity was formed. The Niphal conjugation here is crucial, indicating a state of being "made vile" or "having become vile," a passive or resultant condition rather than an active smiting. This single occurrence powerfully conveys the ultimate state of abasement and worthlessness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) connects it to other Hebrew terms expressing concepts of striking, rejection, degradation, and worthlessness.
* **Striking/Smiting:** Roots like נָכָה (nâkâh, `{{H5221}}`, "to strike, smite"), which is very common, or הָלַם (hâlam, `{{H1986}}`, "to strike down, beat"), share the physical action aspect. However, נָכָא's unique contribution is the direct link to the *resultant state* of vileness.
* **Degradation/Abasement:** Words such as שָׁפַל (shâphal, `{{H8213}}`, "to be low, abased"), קָלָל (qâlal, `{{H7043}}`, "to be light, swift; to be trifling, despised"), or בּוּז (bûz, `{{H936}}`, "contempt, scorn") describe states of lowliness or being despised. נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) in [[Job 30:8]] expresses an extreme form of this degradation, emphasizing an inherent or acquired baseness.
* **Worthlessness/Base Men:** The preceding phrase in [[Job 30:8]], "בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל" (beney beliya'al, "sons of worthlessness/Belial"), directly parallels and reinforces the meaning of נִכְאוּ (nikh'u). The concept of "worthlessness" (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliya'al, `{{H1089}}`) strongly resonates with the "viler" aspect of נָכָא.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) in [[Job 30:8]] carries significant theological weight within the book of Job. It vividly portrays the utter degradation and contempt experienced by those at the very bottom of society, a state into which Job, in his suffering, feels he has descended. The "vile" individuals described are not merely poor or unfortunate, but are depicted as morally and socially debased, "viler than the earth."
This word underscores the profound despair of Job, who finds himself mocked even by those whom society deems utterly worthless. It highlights the reversal of fortune and the complete loss of honor and dignity that Job endures. Theologically, it can prompt reflection on:
1. **The Nature of Suffering:** How suffering can strip away all external markers of worth and reduce an individual to the lowest possible state in human eyes.
2. **Divine Justice and Human Perception:** While Job's friends attribute his suffering to sin, Job's use of this word to describe his tormentors (who are themselves vile) challenges simplistic notions of divine retribution. It raises questions about who is truly "vile" in God's sight versus human judgment.
3. **Humility and Abasement:** The word evokes a state of profound humility, albeit one imposed by circumstance rather than chosen. It speaks to the ultimate vulnerability of humanity and the potential for any individual to be brought to a state of extreme lowliness.
### Summary
The Hebrew root נָכָא (nâkâʼ, `{{H5217}}`) is a rare but potent word, carrying the primary sense of "to smite" or "drive away," which leads to a secondary, resultant meaning of "to be viler" or "to be brought low." Its sole occurrence in the Hebrew Bible in [[Job 30:8]] (as נִכְאוּ, "they were made vile") powerfully depicts extreme social and moral degradation. In this context, it describes individuals so contemptible that they are "viler than the earth," serving to illustrate the profound depth of Job's suffering and the complete reversal of his status. The word highlights themes of abasement, worthlessness, and the stripping away of human dignity, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and societal judgment.
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