a primitive root; to become clipped or (specifically) circumcised; (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise.
Transliteration:nâmal
Pronunciation:naw-mal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָמַל (nâmal, `{{H5243}}`) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental sense of "to clip," "to cut off," or "to cut down." Its semantic range encompasses both a general physical severance and a more specific application. The core idea is that of removal by cutting. While the base definition includes "specifically) circumcised," it is crucial to note that the actual biblical occurrences of this verb do not employ it in the context of the ritual covenant of circumcision. Instead, its usage leans towards two primary applications: the mutilation or disqualification of an animal through cutting, and the metaphorical cutting down or destruction of a plant or entity, signifying judgment. Thus, נָמַל implies a decisive and often destructive act of severing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָמַל (nâmal, `{{H5243}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are limited, appearing in two distinct contexts, each shedding light on its nuanced meaning:
1. **Leviticus 22:24**: "You shall not offer to the LORD what is bruised or crushed or torn or cut; nor shall you offer anything in your land that has had its testicles cut off (נָמַל)." Here, נָמַל refers to the castration or mutilation of an animal, rendering it unfit for sacrifice. This usage emphasizes the requirement for wholeness and perfection in offerings presented to Yahweh. Any blemish or physical alteration, particularly one involving the cutting off of a part, disqualified the animal from sacred service. This highlights the Levitical emphasis on purity and the integrity of the sacrificial system, reflecting God's own perfect nature.
2. **Ezekiel 17:9**: "Say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Will it prosper? Will he not pull up its roots and cut off (נָמַל) its fruit, so that it withers? All its fresh sprouting leaves will wither, and it will not require a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots." In this prophetic passage, נָמַל is used metaphorically to describe the cutting off of the fruit of a vine, leading to its withering and destruction. The context is a parable concerning the king of Judah (Zedekiah) and his rebellion against Babylon, depicting divine judgment upon the nation. The "cutting off" signifies the complete cessation of prosperity and the ultimate downfall brought about by God's decree. This usage underscores God's sovereign power to bring about destruction as a consequence of disobedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
While נָמַל (nâmal, `{{H5243}}`) carries a specific nuance, it intersects with several broader semantic fields in biblical Hebrew:
* **Cutting and Severance:** Other verbs denoting cutting include כָּרַת (kārat, `{{H3772}}`), which often means "to cut off" or "to cut down," and is frequently used in the context of covenant-making (cutting a covenant) or destruction. גָּזַז (gāzaẓ, `{{H1438}}`) means "to shear" or "to cut off," often referring to wool or hair. קָצַץ (qāṣaṣ, `{{H6990}}`) means "to cut off" or "to cut down," often implying destruction. נָמַל shares the general concept of severing but emphasizes the outcome of such an action, particularly disqualification or decay.
* **Circumcision:** The primary Hebrew verb for "to circumcise" is מוּל (mûl, `{{H4135}}`), and the noun for "circumcision" is מִילָה (mîlāh, `{{H4139}}`). Although the base definition of נָמַל includes "circumcised," its actual biblical usage never refers to this covenantal rite. This distinction is vital; נָמַל seems to denote a more general or negative form of cutting (mutilation, destruction), rather than the specific, positive, and covenantal act of מוּל.
* **Blemish and Defilement:** In the Levitical context, נָמַל relates to מוּם (mûm, `{{H4135}}`), meaning "blemish" or "defect," which renders an animal unfit for sacrifice. This ties into the broader concept of ritual purity and holiness required for approaching God.
* **Judgment and Withering:** In Ezekiel, נָמַל aligns with concepts of divine judgment and the resultant decay or destruction, often depicted through the metaphor of a tree or plant withering. This resonates with terms like יָבֵשׁ (yābēš, `{{H3001}}`), "to wither," and חָרַב (ḥārab, `{{H2717}}`), "to be desolate" or "dried up."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָמַל (nâmal, `{{H5243}}`) is profoundly tied to the character of God and His interaction with humanity and creation:
1. **Divine Holiness and Purity:** In Leviticus, the prohibition against offering animals that are "cut off" (castrated) underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for perfection in worship. The integrity of the sacrifice reflects the integrity of the worshipper and the holiness of the One being worshipped. Any blemish or mutilation, including that implied by נָמַל, renders the offering unacceptable, symbolizing a departure from the divine standard of wholeness and purity. This teaches that God is worthy of nothing less than the best, untainted and complete.
2. **Sovereignty in Judgment:** In Ezekiel, נָמָל vividly portrays God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and individuals. The cutting off of the vine's fruit is a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, illustrating that God has the power to bring an end to prosperity, power, and even existence for those who rebel against His will. This usage highlights the consequences of covenant disloyalty and the certainty of divine retribution, emphasizing that human endeavors are ultimately subject to God's overarching plan.
3. **Distinction from Covenantal Acts:** The absence of נָמַל in the context of ritual circumcision, despite its inclusion in the base definition, is theologically significant. It suggests that while נָמָל describes a general act of cutting or mutilation, the specific, covenantal act of circumcision (מוּל) carries a unique theological weight, signifying a sacred covenant relationship and not merely a physical alteration or a destructive act. This nuance preserves the distinct theological meaning of the Abrahamic covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָמַל (nâmal, `{{H5243}}`) is a primitive root meaning "to clip," "to cut off," or "to cut down." Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Hebrew Bible reveal two primary applications: in Leviticus, it describes the mutilation of animals, rendering them unfit for sacred offerings, thereby emphasizing divine holiness and the demand for purity in worship. In Ezekiel, it serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, depicting the cutting down or destruction of a nation or entity due to disobedience. Crucially, despite its base definition including "circumcised," נָמָל is never used in the biblical text to describe the covenantal rite of circumcision, a role reserved for מוּל (mûl, `{{H4135}}`). Thus, נָמָל consistently points to an act of severance that leads to disqualification, decay, or destruction, underscoring God's absolute standards of purity and His sovereign power in executing judgment.
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