### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâphâh**, represented by `{{H5299}}`, holds a dual meaning as both a geographical term and a metaphorical object. Derived from `{{H5130}}` in the sense of lifting, its base definition includes **a height, a sieve, border, coast, and region**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, illustrating its specific and varied applications within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5299}}` most frequently designates a geographical area. It is used three times to specify the territory of Dor, referred to as the **borders** of Dor [[Joshua 11:2]], the **coast** of Dor [[Joshua 12:23]], and the **region** of Dor [[1 Kings 4:11]]. In a starkly different context, `{{H5299}}` is used metaphorically in Isaiah. The prophet describes God's judgment on the nations, stating His breath will "sift the nations with the **sieve** of vanity" [[Isaiah 30:28]], transforming the word from a physical location into an instrument of divine separation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which `{{H5299}}` is found:
* `{{H5130}}` **nûwph**: This is the primitive root from which **nâphâh** is derived, meaning to **quiver, shake, sift, or wave**. Its direct connection is seen when God's action is to **sift** (`{{H5130}}`) the nations with a **sieve** (`{{H5299}}`), as described in [[Isaiah 30:28]].
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy**: Defined as a **foreign nation, Gentile, or heathen**, this word identifies the subjects of the sifting action in [[Isaiah 30:28]]. God's judgment is directed at the **nations**, and the sieve is the tool used for this purpose.
* `{{H7723}}` **shâvᵉʼ**: This term, meaning **evil, false, vain, or vanity**, qualifies the nature of the sieve in Isaiah's prophecy. It is a "sieve of **vanity**," suggesting that the divine process reveals or discards that which is useless, false, or idolatrous [[Isaiah 30:28]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5299}}` is found in its distinct literal and figurative roles.
* **Defining Territory:** As a **border, coast, or region**, the word helps establish concrete geographical boundaries and administrative districts in the historical narratives of Israel ([[Joshua 11:2]], [[Joshua 12:23]], [[1 Kings 4:11]]).
* **Instrument of Judgment:** Metaphorically, the **sieve** represents a divine tool for judgment and purification. In [[Isaiah 30:28]], God's breath `{{H7307}}`, acting as an overflowing stream `{{H7857}}`, uses the sieve to filter the nations.
* **Revealing Emptiness:** The sifting is done with a "sieve of **vanity**" `{{H7723}}`, indicating that the purpose of the judgment is to expose and deal with the falsehood and worthlessness inherent in the nations that oppose God's will.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5299}}` **nâphâh** demonstrates how a single Hebrew word can carry both a straightforward, physical meaning and a profound theological one. While it can simply denote a **region** or **coast**, its use as a **sieve** provides a powerful image of God's sovereignty, as He sifts the nations to separate them according to His divine purpose and to expose their vanity.
TRV