from נוּף in the sense of lifting; a height; also a sieve; border, coast, region, sieve.
Transliteration:nâphâh
Pronunciation:naw-faw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נָפָה (nâphâh, `{{H5299}}`) is derived from the verbal root נוּף (nuwph, `{{H5130}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to wave," "to brandish," or "to lift up." This foundational sense of elevation or movement underlies the dual semantic range of nâphâh.
1. **Geographical Aspect:** Reflecting the "lifting" or "elevation" inherent in its root, nâphâh can denote a "height," an "elevated region," a "border," or a "coast." This usage points to a distinct geographical area, often one that stands out or defines a boundary.
2. **Instrumental Aspect:** In a more active sense, nâphâh refers to a "sieve." This meaning directly relates to the action of lifting, shaking, and sifting, an operation used for separation and purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָפָה (nâphâh, `{{H5299}}`) in the Hebrew Bible exemplify its dual nature:
* **Geographical Designation:** In the historical books, nâphâh is primarily used to describe geographical locations or boundaries.
* In [[Joshua 17:11]] and [[Joshua 17:15]], it denotes a "border" or "coastland" within the tribal allocations, specifically referring to the territory of Manasseh. Here, it signifies a defined segment of land, often at the edge of a larger region.
* Similarly, in [[Judges 1:19]], it refers to the "coast" or "region" of the hill country, indicating a specific district or area. This usage highlights the distinctness and often elevated nature of these geographical features.
* **Metaphorical Sieve:** In prophetic literature, nâphâh takes on a powerful metaphorical meaning as a "sieve," symbolizing divine judgment and purification.
* [[Isaiah 30:28]] speaks of God's judgment upon the nations as a "sieve of destruction" (נָפַת שָׁוְא), indicating a thorough and decisive process of sifting that leads to ruin for the wicked.
* Most notably, in [[Amos 9:9]], the Lord declares, "For behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve (בַּנָּפָה), but not a pebble shall fall to the earth." This vivid imagery portrays God's precise and comprehensive judgment, ensuring that while His people are scattered and tested, not one of the righteous will be lost. It underscores a process of refinement and preservation amidst dispersion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding נָפָה (nâphâh, `{{H5299}}`) is enhanced by examining its connections to other Hebrew terms:
* **נוּף (nuwph, `{{H5130}}`):** The verbal root from which nâphâh is derived. This verb is crucial, as it describes the "waving" or "lifting" motion, particularly associated with the "wave offering" (תְּנוּפָה, tĕnûphâh, `{{H8641}}`) in the Levitical cultus. This connection subtly links the idea of something being "lifted up" to both physical elevation and a ritual act of presentation before God.
* **Geographical Terms:** Words like גְּבוּל (gĕbûl, `{{H1366}}`, "border, territory"), אֶרֶץ (ʾereṣ, `{{H776}}`, "land, earth"), and הַר (har, `{{H2022}}`, "mountain, hill") share semantic space with nâphâh when it refers to a distinct or elevated region.
* **Sifting and Purification:** The concept of sifting is closely related to verbs of purification or separation, such as בָּרַר (bārar, `{{H1305}}`, "to purify, select, sift"). The "sieve" as an instrument of separation connects to broader theological themes of divine discernment, judgment, and the refining of a people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָפָה (nâphâh, `{{H5299}}`) unfolds through its dual applications:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation and Territory:** As a geographical term for "border" or "region," nâphâh implicitly points to God's sovereign ordering of the physical world. The demarcation of tribal lands and the establishment of distinct territories reflect divine design and allocation. This underscores God's meticulous control over the earth and His covenantal relationship with the land of Israel.
* **Divine Judgment, Purification, and Preservation:** The imagery of the "sieve" is profoundly theological, illustrating God's active and discerning involvement in human history.
* It symbolizes a process of **judgment**, where the wicked are sifted out for destruction, as seen in Isaiah.
* More redemptively, as in Amos, it represents a process of **purification** for God's people. The "sifting" is not random but purposeful, designed to refine and separate the true from the false, the faithful from the unfaithful.
* Crucially, the promise in Amos 9:9—"not a pebble shall fall to the earth"—highlights God's **preservation** of a remnant. Even in the midst of severe judgment and dispersion, God's precise control ensures that His chosen ones are not utterly lost. This speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to bring about His purposes through seemingly destructive means.
The "sieve" thus becomes a powerful metaphor for God's justice, His discerning eye, and His ultimate control over the destiny of individuals and nations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָפָה (nâphâh, `{{H5299}}`), rooted in the concept of "lifting" or "waving" (from `{{H5130}}`), carries a rich dual meaning in the biblical text. On one hand, it designates a geographical "height," "border," or "coast," reflecting God's sovereign ordering and demarcation of the land. This usage highlights the distinctness and often elevated nature of specific regions within the divine plan for Israel. On the other hand, and more profoundly, nâphâh refers to a "sieve," an instrument for separation and purification. This powerful metaphor is employed in prophetic literature to depict God's precise and thorough judgment, whether sifting nations for destruction or refining His own people. The imagery of the divine sieve underscores God's discerning justice, His unwavering control over historical outcomes, and His ultimate purpose of purifying and preserving a faithful remnant. In essence, nâphâh encapsulates both the static reality of God's ordered creation and the dynamic action of His providential and redemptive work.
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