or נָכָא; from נָכָא; smitten, i.e. (figuratively) afflicted; broken, stricken, wounded.
Transliteration:nâkêʼ
Pronunciation:naw-kay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective נָכֵא (nâkêʼ), Strong's `{{H5218}}`, derives from the verbal root נָכָא (nâkâʼ), meaning "to strike" or "to smite." As an adjective, נָכֵא describes the state of being "smitten," "broken," "stricken," or "wounded." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical injury to encompass a profound sense of inner affliction. It conveys a state of being deeply distressed, crushed in spirit, or emotionally devastated. The term signifies a pervasive lack of ease, a soul that is languishing under a heavy burden, or a heart that has been profoundly affected by sorrow or hardship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נָכֵא appears in a limited number of biblical passages, yet its usage is highly impactful, consistently pointing to a state of deep internal suffering.
* **[[Deuteronomy 28:65]]**: "And among these nations you shall find no ease, and there shall be no resting place for the sole of your foot, but the Lord will give you there a trembling heart and failing eyes and a languishing soul." Here, נָכֵא (translated as "languishing" or "stricken" soul) describes the spiritual and emotional desolation that will befall Israel as a consequence of disobedience. It paints a picture of utter weariness, despair, and a soul devoid of comfort or hope, indicative of divine judgment.
* **[[Psalm 109:22]]**: "For I am poor and needy, and my heart is smitten within me." In this lament of David, נָכֵא (translated as "smitten" or "wounded" heart) expresses the psalmist's profound personal anguish. His heart is not merely sad, but deeply wounded and crushed, likely by the oppression of his enemies and a sense of abandonment. This usage highlights the internal, emotional dimension of being "smitten," reflecting deep sorrow and vulnerability.
In both contexts, נָכֵא signifies a comprehensive state of being deeply affected, whether by divine judgment or severe personal tribulation, resulting in a profound lack of inner peace and well-being.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding נָכֵא is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H5217}}` (נָכָא, nâkâʼ):** The verbal root from which נָכֵא is derived. It means "to strike down," "to smite," or "to crush." This connection emphasizes that the state of נָכֵא is often the result of being acted upon, of suffering a blow, whether physical or metaphorical.
* **`{{H1792}}` (דָּכָא, dâkâʼ):** Meaning "to crush," "to be crushed," or "to be contrite." This word shares a strong semantic overlap, particularly in its use to describe spiritual brokenness, as in a "broken and contrite heart" ([[Psalm 51:17]]). Both נָכֵא and דָּכָא convey a sense of being humbled or brought low.
* **`{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, shâbar):** "To break" or "to shatter." While often referring to physical breakage, it is also used for the breaking of the spirit or heart ([[Psalm 69:20]]).
* **`{{H2478}}` (חָלָה, chalah):** "To be sick," "to be weak," or "to be grieved." This term captures the aspect of suffering and affliction that is inherent in נָכֵא.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of human vulnerability and the various forms of suffering, both physical and spiritual, that lead to a state of brokenness or affliction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָכֵא lies in its portrayal of human suffering and vulnerability before God.
Firstly, it often appears in contexts of **divine judgment or the consequences of sin**. As seen in [[Deuteronomy 28:65]], the "languishing soul" is a direct result of disobedience, illustrating that alienation from God leads to deep spiritual and emotional distress. This highlights God's justice and the severe impact of straying from His covenant.
Secondly, נָכֵא underscores the **reality of profound personal anguish**. In [[Psalm 109:22]], the psalmist's "smitten heart" is a cry of deep distress, revealing the raw pain experienced by individuals, even those who seek God. This reminds believers that suffering is a part of the human experience and that lament is a legitimate expression of faith.
Thirdly, while נָכֵא describes a painful state, it implicitly points to the **potential for humility and dependence on God**. A "broken" or "stricken" heart is often a prerequisite for genuine repentance and a renewed relationship with the Divine. God is often depicted as being close to the "brokenhearted" and saving those who are "crushed in spirit" ([[Psalm 34:18]]; [[Isaiah 57:15]]). The state of נָכֵא can thus be a crucible for spiritual growth, leading to a deeper reliance on God's comfort and healing rather than self-sufficiency. It contrasts sharply with human pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָכֵא (nâkêʼ), `{{H5218}}`, derived from the root נָכָא "to smite," denotes a profound state of being "smitten," "broken," "stricken," or "wounded." It describes a deep internal affliction, whether emotional, spiritual, or a general sense of being utterly distressed and lacking ease. Its occurrences in the biblical text, such as in [[Deuteronomy 28:65]] and [[Psalm 109:22]], consistently depict a soul or heart that is languishing, crushed, or deeply wounded by circumstances, often in the context of divine consequence or intense personal suffering. Theologically, נָכֵא highlights human vulnerability and the pervasive nature of suffering due to sin or tribulation. Yet, it also subtly points to the transformative potential of such brokenness, leading to humility, a deeper dependence on God, and the ultimate hope of divine comfort and restoration for those who turn to Him.
TRV