נָעַל

nâʻal /naw-al'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningalso denominative from נַעַל; properly, to fasten up, i.e. with abar or cord; hence, to sandal, i.e. furnish with slippers
KJV usagebolt, inclose, lock, shoe, shut up.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâʻal, represented by H5274, is a root word with a primary meaning to fasten up. It appears 8 times in 7 verses. Its usage covers both the literal act of securing something, such as to bolt or lock a door, and the denominative sense of putting on footwear, to shoe or sandal.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H5274 is used in two distinct physical contexts: securing a location and providing footwear. The first is seen when Ehud locked the doors of the parlor after killing the king Judges 3:23, and again when Amnon's servant bolted the door after tragically expelling Tamar 2 Samuel 13:18. The second meaning, to shoe, appears as an act of provision. God describes His care for Jerusalem as having shod her with badgers' skin Ezekiel 16:10. This same act of mercy is shown by the Israelites who shod their naked captives from the spoil 2 Chronicles 28:15. Metaphorically, the word is used to describe the bride in Song of Solomon as a "garden inclosed" and a "spring shut up," signifying purity and exclusivity Song of Solomon 4:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several words help clarify the meaning of H5274 in its contexts:

  • H1817 deleth (door): This is the object that is physically secured. It is the door that is bolted in the account of Tamar 2 Samuel 13:18 and the doors that are locked by Ehud Judges 3:24.
  • H5462 çâgar (to shut up): This word is used in close connection with H5274 to emphasize a complete seal. For instance, Ehud first shut the doors and then locked them, creating a double barrier Judges 3:23.
  • H3847 lâbash (to put on agarment or clothe): The act of being shod H5274 is often part of a larger sequence of being cared for, listed alongside being clothed Ezekiel 16:10 or arrayed 2 Chronicles 28:15.

Theological Significance

The applications of H5274 carry significant theological and symbolic weight.

  • Security and Separation: The act of locking or bolting creates a physical and symbolic separation. This can be for strategic safety, as with Ehud Judges 3:23, or for cruel finality, as when Tamar was shut out 2 Samuel 13:18. It establishes an impassable boundary.
  • Divine Provision and Mercy: To be shod is an image of tender care and complete provision. God's covenant love for Israel is detailed down to the providing of footwear made of badgers' skin Ezekiel 16:10. This same principle of mercy is demonstrated when the men of Israel cared for their captives, giving them food, drink, and shoes 2 Chronicles 28:15.
  • Sacred Exclusivity: In its metaphorical sense, the word describes the sacred purity of the bride, who is a "garden inclosed" Song of Solomon 4:12. This moves the meaning from physical security to relational faithfulness, indicating she is set apart exclusively for her beloved.

Summary

In summary, H5274 nâʻal demonstrates a duality of meaning, from the physical act of fastening a lock to the personal act of putting on a shoe. Each use is rich with implication, whether it is conveying the finality of a bolted door, the detailed care in God's provision for His people, or the precious exclusivity of a bride's devotion. It shows how a simple word for fastening can be used to illustrate profound concepts of security, mercy, and sacredness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Participle Passive Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Participle Passive Plural Feminine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Judges (2 verses).

2
Judges
2
2 Samuel
1
2 Chronicles
1
Song of Solomon
1
Ezekiel

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