from נָכֵא; properly, a smiting, i.e. (concretely) an aromatic gum (perhaps styrax) (as powdered); spicery(-ces).
Transliteration:nᵉkôʼth
Pronunciation:nek-ohth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth), transliterated as nᵉkôʼth (Strong's `{{H5219}}`), denotes a specific type of aromatic gum or spicery. Its etymological root is linked to the verb נָכֵא (nâkêʼ, Strong's `{{H5218}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to smite," "to crush," or "to be broken." This etymological connection suggests that נְכֹֹאת may refer to a substance obtained through the crushing or pulverizing of a plant, or perhaps a gum that naturally breaks into small, irregular pieces. While the precise botanical identity remains uncertain, scholarly consensus often points towards a resinous gum, possibly styrax, known for its fragrant properties. The semantic range is narrow, exclusively referring to this valuable aromatic commodity, often traded and used as a luxury item or ingredient.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) appears exclusively in the book of Genesis, always in contexts related to valuable trade goods or gifts.
1. **[[Genesis 37:25]]**: "And they sat down to eat bread. And they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing balm and נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) and myrrh, going down to Egypt." Here, nᵉkôʼth is presented as one of three precious aromatic substances being transported by a merchant caravan. Its inclusion alongside "balm" (צֹרִי, tsôrî, `{{H6875}}`) and "myrrh" (לֹט, lôṭ, `{{H3910}}`) underscores its value and its origin as an export from the region of Gilead, known for its fragrant resins. The narrative highlights the economic activity and trade routes of the ancient Near East during the patriarchal period.
2. **[[Genesis 43:11]]**: "Then their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man a present: a little balm, and a little honey, spices [נְכֹאת, nᵉkôʼth], and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.'" In this instance, Jacob instructs his sons to take a selection of the finest produce of Canaan as a gift for the powerful Egyptian official (unbeknownst to them, Joseph). Again, nᵉkôʼth is grouped with other highly prized items—balm, honey, myrrh, pistachios, and almonds—all indicative of the fertility and wealth of the land, and suitable for diplomatic offerings. The term is translated as "spices," emphasizing its use as an aromatic ingredient.
In both contexts, נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) functions as a valuable commodity, either for trade or as a diplomatic gift, sourced from the Levant and destined for Egypt. Its consistent association with other precious aromatics and foodstuffs solidifies its status as a luxury item.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root נָכֵא (nâkêʼ, `{{H5218}}`), meaning "to smite," "to crush," or "to be broken." This etymological link suggests that the aromatic substance may have been processed by crushing or grinding, or that it naturally occurred in a fragmented state.
Other related terms are the specific aromatics and foodstuffs with which נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) is consistently paired:
* צֹרִי (tsôrî, `{{H6875}}`): "balm" or "balsam," a medicinal and fragrant resin, often associated with Gilead.
* לֹט (lôṭ, `{{H3910}}`): "myrrh" or "ladanum," another fragrant gum.
* דְּבַשׁ (dᵊbash, `{{H1706}}`): "honey," a valuable sweetener and food item.
* בָּטְנִים (boṭnîm, `{{H992}}`): "pistachios," a prized nut.
* לֹז (lôz, `{{H3811}}`): "almonds," another valuable nut.
Conceptually, נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) is related to:
* **Trade and Commerce:** It exemplifies the ancient trade networks connecting the Levant and Egypt.
* **Diplomacy and Gifts:** Its use as a present highlights the custom of offering valuable commodities to gain favor or show respect.
* **Ancient Agronomy and Botany:** It points to the specific plant resources cultivated or collected in the biblical lands.
### Theological Significance
While נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) does not carry explicit theological weight in the same manner as terms like "covenant" or "holiness," its presence in the biblical narrative offers several indirect theological insights:
1. **Divine Provision and Blessing:** The ability of the land of Canaan (specifically Gilead) to produce such valuable and sought-after commodities like nᵉkôʼth speaks to God's abundant provision for His people. The patriarchs, though sojourners, benefited from the richness of the land, a foretaste of the promised land "flowing with milk and honey."
2. **Context for Human Interaction:** The inclusion of nᵉkôʼth as a trade item and a gift provides a realistic backdrop for the human interactions described in Genesis. It illustrates the economic realities and social customs that shaped the lives of the patriarchs, reminding us that God's redemptive plan unfolds within the tangible, everyday experiences of humanity. The act of sending a gift (including nᵉkôʼth) to an unknown ruler in Egypt in [[Genesis 43:11]] underscores themes of human ingenuity, diplomacy, and dependence on divine favor in navigating difficult circumstances.
3. **Symbolism of Value:** As a precious aromatic, nᵉkôʼth, along with other spices, can broadly symbolize that which is desirable, pleasant, or valuable. While not used in cultic contexts, the broader category of "sweet-smelling" offerings (e.g., incense) in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals often carried connotations of pleasantness before God, a concept rooted in the inherent value of such substances.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth, `{{H5219}}`) refers to an aromatic gum or spice, possibly styrax, whose name may derive from a root meaning "to crush," suggesting its form or method of preparation. Its limited occurrences are exclusively found in Genesis, where it consistently appears as a valuable commodity. In [[Genesis 37:25]], it is part of a merchant caravan's cargo from Gilead to Egypt, alongside balm and myrrh. In [[Genesis 43:11]], it is included among the choice products of Canaan that Jacob instructs his sons to take as a diplomatic gift to Egypt. The word thus illuminates the economic life, trade routes, and social customs of the patriarchal era. Although not a term of direct theological discourse, its presence indirectly highlights themes of divine provision, the practicalities of human interaction, and the inherent value placed upon certain natural resources within the biblical narrative.
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