; smitten, i.e. (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected; contrite, lame.
Transliteration:nâkeh
Pronunciation:naw-keh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נָכֶה (nâkeh), `{{H5223}}`, functions primarily as an adjective or passive participle, derived from the verbal root נָכָה (nâkâh), `{{H5221}}`, meaning "to strike," "to smite," or "to wound." Its core meaning, therefore, describes a state of being "smitten" or "struck." This foundational sense branches into a dual semantic range:
1. **Literal Sense (Physical Impairment):**
* **Maimed/Lame:** This refers to a physical injury or disability, often permanent, resulting from being struck, wounded, or a congenital defect. It specifically denotes an inability to walk properly or a significant physical imperfection.
2. **Figurative Sense (Spiritual/Emotional State):**
* **Dejected/Cast Down:** Extending the idea of being "struck down" to an internal state, it describes someone who is disheartened, lowly, or in a state of emotional distress.
* **Contrite/Broken in Spirit:** This is the profound spiritual application, signifying a heart that has been "smitten" or "broken" by the recognition of sin, leading to deep sorrow, humility, and repentance before God. It implies a profound awareness of one's unworthiness and a readiness to yield to divine truth.
The semantic trajectory of נָכֶה moves from a tangible physical defect to a profound spiritual posture of humility and brokenness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָכֶה in the Hebrew Bible demonstrate its varied applications:
* **Physical Lameness/Maiming:**
* In the narratives concerning Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, נָכֶה is used literally to describe his physical condition: "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame (נָכֶה) in his feet" [[2 Samuel 4:4]]. This lameness was a result of a fall in his youth, highlighting a permanent physical disability ([[2 Samuel 9:3]], [[2 Samuel 9:13]]).
* In the book of Malachi, נָכֶה describes animals that are physically blemished and thus unacceptable for sacrifice: "When you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame (נָכֶה) and sick, is it not evil?" [[Malachi 1:8]]. Again, "And you bring what was taken by robbery, and the lame (נָכֶה) and the sick; so you bring the offering! Should I accept this from your hand?' says the Lord" [[Malachi 1:13]]. Here, the word emphasizes imperfection and unsuitability for holy purposes, violating the purity standards of the Law (cf. [[Leviticus 22:21-22]]).
* **Figurative/Spiritual Contrition:**
* In [[Psalm 109:22]], the psalmist uses נָכֶה metaphorically to describe his state of utter weakness and vulnerability due to affliction: "For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded (נָכֶה) within me." Here, "wounded" or "lame" speaks to a profound emotional and spiritual debilitation, a sense of being unable to stand firm.
* The most theologically significant use is found in [[Isaiah 66:2]], where God declares, "But to this one I will look: to him who is humble and contrite (נָכֶה) in spirit and trembles at My word." In this context, נָכֶה transcends physical or emotional weakness, denoting a spiritual state of deep humility, penitence, and brokenness before God. It describes a heart that has been "smitten" by divine truth, leading to an acknowledgement of sin and a reverent submission to God's will.
These contexts reveal a progression from concrete physical impairment to a nuanced spiritual disposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָכֶה is enriched by its connections to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root Verb:** נָכָה (nâkâh) `{{H5221}}`: The direct verbal root, meaning "to strike," "to smite," "to wound." This connection underscores that נָכֶה describes the *result* of being struck, whether physically or spiritually.
* **Physical Impairment:**
* צֵלַע (tsela') `{{H6761}}`: "limp," "lameness," often referring to a physical defect in walking.
* פֶּסַח (pesach) `{{H6455}}`: "lame," "crippled."
* עִוֵּר (ʿiwwer) `{{H5787}}`: "blind," frequently paired with "lame" in discussions of physical blemishes or those in need of care.
* **Spiritual Humility/Brokenness:**
* עָנִי (ʿani) `{{H6041}}`: "afflicted," "humble," "poor." This word often describes a state of lowliness or destitution, which can be a precursor to or a component of a contrite spirit.
* דַּכָּא (dakka') `{{H1793}}`: "crushed," "broken." This root is used in passages like [[Psalm 34:18]] ("brokenhearted") and [[Psalm 51:17]] ("broken and contrite spirit"), which are almost synonymous with the "contrite" meaning of נָכֶה, emphasizing a deep, internal brokenness of spirit.
* שָׁפָל (shafal) `{{H8213}}`: "low," "humble," "abased." This describes the posture or state of humility that often accompanies a contrite heart.
These related terms highlight that נָכֶה is part of a broader biblical vocabulary describing both physical vulnerability and the spiritual disposition of humility and repentance before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָכֶה is profound, particularly in its spiritual application:
1. **The Unacceptability of Blemished Offerings:** In Malachi, the use of נָכֶה for "lame" animals underscores God's demand for perfection and holiness in worship. To offer that which is blemished or imperfect is an act of contempt and irreverence towards the divine, reflecting a heart that does not truly honor God.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The literal sense of lameness, as seen in Mephibosheth, serves as a powerful metaphor for human weakness and dependence. Just as the physically lame rely on others for support, humanity, in its spiritual brokenness, must rely entirely on God's grace and provision. The psalmist's "lameness" in [[Psalm 109:22]] similarly illustrates a state of utter helplessness, driving him to seek divine intervention.
3. **The Contrite Heart as the Object of Divine Favor:** The most climactic theological insight comes from [[Isaiah 66:2]]. Here, the "contrite" (נָכֶה) spirit is identified as the very disposition that captures God's attention and favor. God does not look upon the proud, the self-sufficient, or those who merely perform outward religious duties, but upon those whose spirits have been "smitten" by the weight of their sin and their own inadequacy. This brokenness is not a weakness in God's eyes but a prerequisite for genuine relationship. It signifies a profound awareness of one's need for God's mercy and a humble willingness to obey His word.
4. **Foundation for True Repentance and Restoration:** The concept of a contrite spirit is fundamental to biblical repentance. It is more than mere sorrow for consequences; it is a deep, internal brokenness over sin itself, leading to a turning towards God in humility. This state of being "smitten" spiritually is the fertile ground upon which God can work healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal (cf. [[Psalm 51:17]], [[Psalm 34:18]]).
Thus, נָכֶה moves from describing a physical defect to embodying a core theological truth: God values a humble, broken, and repentant heart above all outward displays of piety.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָכֶה (nâkeh), `{{H5223}}`, derived from the root "to smite" (`{{H5221}}`), possesses a significant semantic breadth. In its literal sense, it describes a state of being "maimed" or "lame," denoting physical imperfection or disability, as seen in the account of Mephibosheth ([[2 Samuel 4:4]]) or the unacceptable blemished sacrifices in Malachi ([[Malachi 1:8]]). Figuratively, נָכֶה extends to describe a state of emotional dejection or, most profoundly, a "contrite" spirit. This latter usage, particularly in [[Isaiah 66:2]], is of immense theological importance, signifying a heart that has been "smitten" by a deep awareness of sin and unworthiness, leading to humility and repentance before God. God declares that He looks upon such a spirit—one that is broken and trembles at His word. This transition from physical brokenness to spiritual brokenness highlights a central biblical truth: true humility and contriteness of spirit are not weaknesses but rather the very conditions that attract divine favor, enabling genuine repentance, spiritual restoration, and a vibrant relationship with the Holy One.
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