from נָעַר; something shaken out, i.e. tow (as the refuse of flax); tow.
Transliteration:nᵉʻôreth
Pronunciation:neh-o'-reth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נְעֹרֶת (nᵉʻôreth) `{{H5296}}` is a noun derived from the verb נָעַר (naʻar) `{{H5287}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to shake, to shake off, or to shake out." Reflecting its root, נְעֹרֶת specifically refers to "something shaken out," particularly in the context of processing flax. It denotes the short, coarse fibers that are separated and discarded as refuse during the preparation of flax for spinning into linen. This material is commonly known as "tow." Tow is characterized by its flammability and rapid combustion, a property that forms the basis of its metaphorical use in biblical texts. Its semantic range is quite narrow, strictly confined to this specific fibrous waste product.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נְעֹרֶת (nᵉʻôreth) `{{H5296}}` appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet in both instances, it carries profound illustrative power:
* **[[Judges 16:9]]**: "But the Philistines came upon him, and he broke the cords as a thread of tow breaks when it touches fire."
In this narrative, Samson, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, effortlessly snaps the new cords used by the Philistines to bind him. The simile employed here is exceptionally vivid: the cords are likened to a "thread of tow" that disintegrates instantly upon contact with fire. The imagery underscores the utter futility of human attempts to restrain divine power working through Samson. The inherent flammability and rapid consumption of tow by fire serve to emphasize the instantaneous, complete, and effortless nature of Samson's liberation. It highlights the overwhelming superiority of God's strength over any human-made constraint.
* **[[Isaiah 1:31]]**: "And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, with none to quench them."
Within this prophetic oracle of judgment against rebellious Judah, נְעֹרֶת is used metaphorically to describe "the strong" – likely referring to the powerful, the self-reliant, or the unrighteous among the people. They are depicted as being as vulnerable and combustible as tow. Their "maker" (perhaps their idols, their works, or even their own self-generated strength) is likened to a "spark." The stark image portrays the swift and total consumption of both the strong and their source of strength by the fire of divine judgment. The phrase "with none to quench them" further emphasizes the inevitability, finality, and totality of this judgment, indicating no escape or reprieve from God's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The primary related word is the root verb נָעַר (naʻar) `{{H5287}}`, meaning "to shake, to shake off, to shake out." This etymological connection underscores the physical process by which tow is produced—as fibers "shaken out" from flax.
* **Similar Combustible Materials:** In prophetic literature, other easily consumed or discarded materials are often used to symbolize the transient nature of the wicked or the futility of their works when facing divine judgment. These include:
* **Stubble** (קַשׁ - qash `{{H7179}}` or תֶּבֶן - teben `{{H8401}}`): Frequently used to depict the wicked as easily consumed by fire (e.g., [[Job 13:25]], [[Isaiah 5:24]]).
* **Chaff** (מֹץ - mots `{{H4671}}`): Symbolizes the wicked as easily dispersed by the wind (e.g., [[Psalm 1:4]], [[Isaiah 17:13]]).
* **Concepts of Fragility and Weakness:** The use of נְעֹרֶת aligns with broader biblical themes of the inherent weakness and transience of human strength, pride, or rebellion when contrasted with the omnipotence and enduring nature of God.
* **Divine Judgment by Fire:** The imagery of tow being consumed by fire is a powerful motif for the swift, complete, and unquenchable nature of God's righteous judgment against sin and unrighteousness.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent appearances of נְעֹרֶת (nᵉʻôreth) `{{H5296}}` contribute significantly to biblical theology by serving as a vivid metaphor for two key concepts:
First, in [[Judges 16:9]], it powerfully illustrates the *overwhelming and effortless nature of divine power*. Samson's ability to snap cords "as a thread of tow breaks when it touches fire" underscores that no human-made restraint, no matter how strong it appears, can withstand the Spirit of the Lord. This instance highlights God's sovereignty and His capacity to nullify any opposition to His purposes, demonstrating that His power is absolute and renders human efforts utterly inconsequential when pitted against Him.
Second, in [[Isaiah 1:31]], נְעֹרֶת functions as a stark warning about the *inevitable and complete destruction awaiting the unrighteous and self-reliant*. Likening "the strong" to tow emphasizes their inherent fragility and vulnerability before the "spark" of divine judgment. This imagery conveys the theological truth that all human strength, pride, and rebellion, apart from God, are ultimately insubstantial and destined for swift, consuming destruction. The unquenchable fire signifies the finality and severity of God's justice. The theological import lies in its clear declaration that God's holiness and righteousness will ultimately consume all that opposes Him, leaving no remnant or hope for those who persist in rebellion. It serves as a powerful call to humility and repentance, recognizing the futility of human strength in the face of divine wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נְעֹרֶת (nᵉʻôreth) `{{H5296}}`, derived from the root "to shake out" (נָעַר `{{H5287}}`), specifically denotes "tow"—the highly flammable, coarse refuse of flax. Despite its infrequent appearance in the Old Testament, its two occurrences are profoundly impactful. In [[Judges 16:9]], it vividly illustrates the instantaneous and effortless breaking of Samson's bonds by divine power, likening the cords' destruction to tow consumed by fire. In [[Isaiah 1:31]], it serves as a potent metaphor for the utter weakness and inevitable, unquenchable destruction of the "strong" and unrighteous when confronted by God's judgment. Thus, נְעֹרֶת powerfully conveys theological truths regarding the overwhelming nature of God's power over all human limitations, and the swift, consuming consequences of divine judgment upon sin and human rebellion.
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