or נֹכֶר; from נָכַר; something strange, i.e. unexpected calamity; strange.
Transliteration:neker
Pronunciation:neh'-ker
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נֶכֶר (neker, `{{H5235}}`), alternatively spelled נֹכֶר, is derived from the verbal root נָכַר (nakar, `{{H5234}}`). This root carries a dual semantic range: on one hand, it signifies "to recognize," "to discern," or "to acknowledge"; on the other, it denotes "to act as a stranger," "to be estranged," or "to disguise oneself." Consequently, נֶכֶר draws primarily from the latter sense, conveying the idea of something "strange," "foreign," or "alien." Its core meaning extends to encompass an "unexpected calamity" or "disaster," suggesting a consequence that is out of the ordinary, unwelcome, and often divinely imposed. This dual aspect—the quality of strangeness and its manifestation as a negative event—is crucial for understanding its singular biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun נֶכֶר (neker, `{{H5235}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, which makes its single occurrence particularly potent and significant for its interpretation.
* **[[Job 31:3]]**: "Is not destruction (אֵיד, 'eyd, `{{H343}}`) for the wicked, and calamity (נֶכֶר, neker, `{{H5235}}`) for those who work iniquity?"
In this verse, Job, in a powerful declaration of his integrity and righteousness, asserts that divine judgment is the inevitable lot of the wicked. The word נֶכֶר is placed in direct parallelism with אֵיד ('eyd, `{{H343}}`), which unequivocally means "calamity," "disaster," or "ruin." This parallelism strongly confirms the definition of נֶכֶר as an "unexpected calamity" or a "strange disaster." It is not merely a misfortune, but a specific, divinely ordained consequence that befalls those who practice iniquity. The "strangeness" implied by the term could suggest that such a severe outcome is unexpected by the wicked themselves, or it could allude to the alien nature of divine judgment when contrasted with God's usual disposition of blessing towards the righteous.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of נֶכֶר (neker, `{{H5235}}`) is significantly enriched by examining its etymological roots and related terms in the Hebrew lexicon:
* **Root Verb**: נָכַר (nakar, `{{H5234}}`): The foundational verb, as noted, carries the dual sense of "to recognize" and "to be strange" or "to treat as a stranger." The noun נֶכֶר emphasizes the "strangeness" or "alienation" aspect, particularly as it manifests in adverse circumstances.
* **Other Derivatives**:
* נָכְרִי (nokri, `{{H5237}}`): An adjective meaning "foreign," "strange," or "alien." This term is frequently used to describe foreigners, strange women, or foreign gods, underscoring the concept of "otherness."
* נֵכָר (nekar, `{{H5236}}`): A noun closely related in form and meaning, referring to "foreign land," "foreignness," or "alienation." It often appears in contexts of being in a foreign land or dealing with foreign entities.
* **Semantic Field of Calamity/Judgment**:
* אֵיד ('eyd, `{{H343}}`): "Calamity," "disaster," "destruction," as seen in the direct parallel in [[Job 31:3]].
* שׁוֹאָה (sho'ah, `{{H7722}}`): "Desolation," "ruin," "catastrophe."
* פֶּגַע (pega', `{{H6294}}`): "An encounter," which can also denote a "misfortune" or "calamity."
These related terms collectively highlight a semantic field where "strangeness" or "otherness" can lead to, or be synonymous with, severe, often divinely ordained, negative outcomes.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological weight of נֶכֶר (neker, `{{H5235}}`) in [[Job 31:3]] is profound. It appears within a discourse on divine justice and retribution, serving as a powerful descriptor of the consequences of iniquity.
1. **Divine Retribution**: Neker underscores the biblical principle that sin has inevitable, divinely appointed consequences. It is not merely a random misfortune but a "strange calamity" that God brings upon those who "work iniquity." This speaks to God's active involvement in upholding justice in the world.
2. **The Alien Nature of Judgment**: The "strangeness" of neker can be interpreted in several ways. It might signify that the judgment is unexpected or unfamiliar to the wicked, who perhaps do not anticipate such precise and severe divine intervention. Alternatively, it could highlight that such judgment, while necessary for justice, is "strange" or "alien" to God's primary character of grace and mercy, yet a necessary manifestation of His holiness against sin.
3. **The Severity of Iniquity**: The parallelism with "destruction" (אֵיד, `{{H343}}`) emphasizes the devastating and comprehensive nature of the judgment. It is a calamity that fundamentally disrupts and destroys the life of the wicked, reflecting the gravity of their actions.
4. **Affirmation of Moral Order**: In Job's speech, neker functions to affirm a divinely established moral order where righteousness is rewarded and wickedness is punished. It serves as a stark warning and a theological anchor for the justice of God's governance over creation.
### Summary
נֶכֶר (neker, `{{H5235}}`) is a rare but impactful Hebrew noun, appearing only once in the Old Testament in [[Job 31:3]]. Derived from the root נָכַר (nakar, `{{H5234}}`), which conveys both recognition and strangeness, נֶכֶר primarily denotes "something strange" that manifests as an "unexpected calamity" or "disaster." In its sole biblical context, it is paralleled with "destruction" (אֵיד, `{{H343}}`), serving as a powerful descriptor of the divine judgment that inevitably befalls those who commit iniquity. Theologically, נֶכֶר highlights God's righteous and active role in retribution, underscoring the severe and often "strange" consequences for sin, thereby affirming the moral order of His creation.
TRV