from an unused root meaning to propagate; offspring; nephew, son's son.
Transliteration:neked
Pronunciation:neh'-ked
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נֶכֶד (H5220, *nekeḏ*) derives from an unused root signifying propagation or continuation. Its primary semantic range encompasses "offspring," particularly a "grandson" (literally, a son's son), and by extension, "descendant" or "posterity." While the King James Version occasionally renders it as "nephew," this reflects an older English usage of "nephew" to mean any direct descendant, rather than strictly a brother's or sister's son. The core meaning firmly establishes *nekeḏ* within the direct lineal succession, emphasizing the generational continuity of a family line. It is distinct from more general terms for child or son, specifically denoting a subsequent generation beyond one's immediate children.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *nekeḏ* appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its few occurrences carry significant weight, always pertaining to the continuation or cessation of a family line.
1. **[[Genesis 21:23]]**: In this foundational passage, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, swearing an oath: "that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my descendant" (וְלֹא לְנִינִי וְלֹא לְנֶכְדִּי). Here, *nekeḏ* is paired with `{{H5209}}` (*nîn*), both terms emphasizing the future generations. Abraham's concern extends beyond his immediate son, Isaac, to subsequent progeny, highlighting the importance of securing a lasting covenant for his entire lineage. The context underscores the enduring nature of promises and relationships across generations.
2. **[[Job 18:19]]**: Bildad, in his discourse concerning the fate of the wicked, declares: "He has no offspring or descendant among his people, nor any survivor in his dwelling places" (לֹא נִין וְלֹא נֶכֶד לוֹ בְּעַמּוֹ). Similar to the Genesis passage, *nekeḏ* is coupled with `{{H5209}}` (*nîn*), signifying the complete eradication of the wicked person's lineage. The absence of *nekeḏ* here is presented as a severe judgment, implying that the wicked will leave no lasting legacy or continuation of their name among the living. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of posterity as a vital aspect of one's enduring existence and reputation.
3. **[[Isaiah 14:22]]**: In a prophetic oracle against Babylon, the Lord declares: "I will cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and offspring and descendant" (וְהִכְרַתִּי לְבָבֶל שֵׁם וּשְׁאָר וְנִין וָנֶכֶד). This declaration of divine judgment mirrors the sentiment in Job. The cutting off of "name and remnant, and offspring and descendant" signifies a total and irreversible annihilation of Babylon's future. The inclusion of *nekeḏ* underscores the comprehensive nature of this destruction, ensuring that no future generation will carry on the Babylonian identity or legacy.
Across these contexts, *nekeḏ* consistently refers to the direct continuation of a family line, particularly a grandson or subsequent descendant, and its presence or absence denotes blessing or judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term *nekeḏ* is semantically related to several key Hebrew words and concepts central to biblical anthropology and theology:
* **`{{H5209}}` (נִין, *nîn*)**: Frequently paired with *nekeḏ* (e.g., [[Job 18:19]], [[Isaiah 14:22]]), this term also signifies "offspring," "posterity," or "progeny." While their precise distinction is debated, their consistent pairing suggests a comprehensive reference to future generations, perhaps covering different degrees of remoteness or simply serving as a hendiadys for "all descendants."
* **`{{H2233}}` (זֶרַע, *zera'*)**: Meaning "seed," this word is perhaps the most significant term for "offspring" or "descendants" in the Hebrew Bible. It is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises Abraham countless *zera'* ([[Genesis 13:16]], [[Genesis 22:17]]). While *nekeḏ* is more specific to a direct, usually immediate, descendant beyond the son, *zera'* encompasses the entire lineage, often with a theological emphasis on covenantal inheritance.
* **`{{H1121}}` (בֵּן, *ben*)**: The most common word for "son" or "child." *nekeḏ* represents the generation after the *ben*, highlighting the progression of the family line.
* **Lineage and Genealogy**: The very existence of *nekeḏ* underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, genealogy, and the tracing of family lines, which were crucial for identity, inheritance, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific families (e.g., the lineage of David leading to the Messiah).
* **Inheritance and Posterity**: The concept of leaving behind an *nekeḏ* was intrinsically linked to the continuation of one's name, property, and legacy. To have no *nekeḏ* was to face a form of extinction, a profound tragedy in ancient Israelite society.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent occurrences of *nekeḏ* illuminate several profound theological themes:
1. **Covenantal Faithfulness and Continuity**: In [[Genesis 21:23]], Abraham's concern for his *nekeḏ* reflects the divine promise of a numerous offspring. God's covenant with Abraham was not merely for him but for his *zera'* and *nekeḏ*, underscoring the intergenerational nature of divine promises. This highlights God's faithfulness in perpetuating His covenant through successive generations, ensuring the continuity of His people and His redemptive plan.
2. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: The use of *nekeḏ* in [[Job 18:19]] and [[Isaiah 14:22]] reveals a severe aspect of divine judgment. To have one's *nekeḏ* cut off signifies the complete eradication of a lineage, a profound and ultimate curse. This judgment emphasizes the consequences of unrighteousness, where the very memory and future of a wicked entity or individual are expunged from the earth. It underscores the biblical principle that sin can have generational repercussions, leading to the termination of a family line.
3. **The Value of Posterity and Legacy**: For the Israelites, the continuation of one's family through *nekeḏ* was a profound blessing and a testament to God's favor. It ensured the perpetuation of one's name, inheritance, and identity within the community. The absence of *nekeḏ* was a source of great sorrow and a sign of divine disfavor, highlighting the cultural and theological importance of leaving a legacy through descendants. This concept points towards the ultimate legacy of faith passed down through generations, culminating in the "seed" of Abraham, Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed.
### Summary
The Hebrew term נֶכֶד (H5220, *nekeḏ*) denotes a direct descendant, specifically a grandson or subsequent offspring. Though infrequent in its biblical occurrences, its usage is highly significant, consistently appearing in contexts that emphasize either the blessed continuation of a lineage or its devastating cessation. In [[Genesis 21:23]], *nekeḏ* underscores the intergenerational nature of God's covenant promises, ensuring Abraham's posterity. Conversely, in [[Job 18:19]] and [[Isaiah 14:22]], its absence signifies a severe divine judgment, marking the complete eradication of a wicked family or nation. Thus, *nekeḏ* serves as a potent indicator of divine blessing and curse, reflecting the profound theological importance of generational continuity, inheritance, and legacy within the biblical narrative. It contributes to the broader biblical understanding of God's sovereign plan unfolding through specific lineages, ultimately pointing towards the ultimate "seed" through whom all God's promises are fulfilled.
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