from נוּעַ; motion; Neah, a place in Palestine; Neah.
Transliteration:Nêʻâh
Pronunciation:nay-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5269, Nêʻâh (נֵעָה), is a proper noun derived from the root `{{H5128}}` (nuwaʿ), which fundamentally signifies "to waver, totter, shake, wander, or tremble." This root conveys a sense of movement, instability, or agitation. Consequently, the etymological meaning of Nêʻâh itself points towards "motion" or "movement." However, in its biblical usage, Nêʻâh functions exclusively as a geographical designation, specifically a place name in ancient Palestine. Therefore, while its etymology suggests dynamic movement, its semantic range within the biblical text is restricted to its role as a fixed topographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Nêʻâh (נֵעָה) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua. Its sole occurrence is found in the meticulous description of the tribal boundaries:
* **[[Joshua 19:13]]**: "And from thence it passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmon-methoar to Neah;"
In this verse, Nêʻâh is listed as a specific point on the eastern boundary line of the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. Its inclusion serves to precisely delineate the divinely ordained inheritance for this tribe. There is no narrative or descriptive detail provided about the place itself, nor is its name's etymological meaning of "motion" explored in relation to the site. Its function is purely cartographical, marking a fixed location within the Promised Land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Nêʻâh is its verbal root, `{{H5128}}` (nuwaʿ). This root is used extensively in various contexts to describe physical movement, often with connotations of wandering (e.g., Cain as a "fugitive and a wanderer" [[Genesis 4:12]]), shaking (e.g., the earth shaking [[Psalm 18:7]]), or even a spiritual trembling before God.
Beyond its etymological root, Nêʻâh is conceptually related to other place names and geographical markers found throughout the boundary descriptions in the book of Joshua. These include:
* Gittahhepher (`{{H1643}}`)
* Ittahkazin (`{{H3253}}`)
* Remmon-methoar (`{{H7421}}`)
These words, like Nêʻâh, serve to establish the precise limits of the tribal inheritances, underscoring the meticulous nature of God's allocation of the land. The broader concepts related to Nêʻâh's usage are "inheritance," "boundaries," and "divine apportionment of land."
### Theological Significance
As a singular occurrence functioning as a geographical marker, Nêʻâh carries no independent theological significance beyond its contribution to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness. Its mention within the detailed land allocations of Joshua highlights several theological principles:
1. **Divine Order and Precision**: The meticulous description of tribal boundaries, including specific points like Nêʻâh, testifies to God's precise and orderly administration of His promises. It underscores the divine intentionality behind the distribution of the land to each tribe.
2. **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**: The allocation of the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel is a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nêʻâh, as part of Zebulun's inheritance, is a tangible witness to God's faithfulness in bringing His people into their promised rest.
3. **Inheritance and Possession**: The detailed boundaries confirm the Israelites' rightful possession of the land. Each landmark, including Nêʻâh, served as a divine deed marker, solidifying their inheritance as a gift from Yahweh.
The etymological meaning of "motion" or "wavering" associated with Nêʻâh's root is not leveraged in the biblical text to convey any theological message about the place itself. The significance lies in its *fixed* nature as a boundary marker, contrasting with its root's meaning, thereby emphasizing the stability and certainty of God's decrees.
### Summary
Nêʻâh (H5269, נֵעָה) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root `{{H5128}}` (nuwaʿ), meaning "motion" or "wavering." Despite its dynamic etymology, Nêʻâh is exclusively used in the Bible as a static geographical place name. Its sole appearance is in [[Joshua 19:13]], where it functions as a precise landmark on the eastern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The name itself does not carry specific narrative or theological weight beyond its role in delineating the divinely appointed tribal inheritances. Theologically, Nêʻâh contributes to the overarching theme of God's faithfulness, precision, and order in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by meticulously allocating the Promised Land.
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