(Aramaic) a primitive root; to issue; causatively, to bring out; come (go, take) forth (out).
Transliteration:nᵉphaq
Pronunciation:nef-ak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic primitive root נְפַק (nᵉphaq, `{{H5312}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to issue," "to come forth," or "to go out." Its semantic range extends to encompass a causative sense, "to bring out" or "to take forth." This versatile root describes movement from an interior or contained state to an exterior or released state. It can apply to the physical departure of individuals, the extraction of objects, or the promulgation of decrees and divine manifestations. The essence of נְפַק lies in the act of emergence, externalization, or extraction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, נְפַק (nᵉphaq, `{{H5312}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage reveals various nuances:
* **Physical Movement of Objects:** In Ezra, נְפַק frequently describes the removal or restoration of temple vessels. For instance, in [[Ezra 5:14]] and [[Ezra 6:5]], it refers to Nebuchadnezzar "taking out" the vessels from the Jerusalem temple and Cyrus subsequently "bringing them forth" for restoration. This highlights the transfer of sacred objects under divine and royal authority. Similarly, in [[Ezra 6:11]], it denotes the "pulling out" of timber for a punitive measure, emphasizing a forced extraction.
* **Issuing of Decrees and Commands:** A significant use of נְפַק is in relation to decrees "going forth." In [[Daniel 2:13]], "the decree went forth" for the execution of the wise men, signifying an authoritative pronouncement that becomes active and binding. This usage underscores the power inherent in royal and, by extension, divine edicts.
* **Movement of Persons:** The word also describes individuals "going forth" or "coming out." [[Daniel 2:14]] states that Arioch "had gone forth" to slay the wise men, illustrating a purposeful departure. In [[Daniel 6:19]], King Darius "went forth" at dawn to the lions' den, depicting personal movement driven by urgency.
* **Divine Manifestations and Judgment:** Perhaps most profoundly, נְפַק is used to describe divine actions. In [[Daniel 5:5]], "the fingers of a human hand appeared" (literally, "came forth"), signifying a direct, miraculous, and terrifying divine intervention. In [[Daniel 7:10]], the "river of fire issued and came forth" from before God, powerfully depicting the awesome, consuming nature of divine judgment emanating from the Most High. The "taking away" of dominion in [[Daniel 7:26]] also implies a forceful removal or withdrawal.
* **Provision of Resources:** In [[Ezra 7:20]], נְפַק is used in the context of "providing" or "bestowing out of" the king's treasury, indicating the authorized release of funds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct Hebrew parallel to Aramaic נְפַק (nᵉphaq, `{{H5312}}`) is יָצָא (yatsa', `{{H3318}}`), which also means "to go out," "to come forth," or "to bring out." Both roots share a core semantic domain of egress, emergence, and extraction, though נְפַק is specifically limited to the Aramaic portions of the biblical text. Other related concepts include:
* **Authority and Decree:** The idea of a command or judgment "issuing forth" is strongly linked to the power of the one who gives it.
* **Divine Intervention:** The "coming forth" of God's hand or a river of fire highlights direct, undeniable acts of God in human affairs.
* **Restoration and Desecration:** The movement of temple vessels illustrates cycles of desecration and subsequent restoration, reflecting God's overarching sovereignty.
* **Justice and Punishment:** The "pulling out" of timber or the "going forth" of executioners speaks to the implementation of justice or punishment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְפַק (nᵉphaq, `{{H5312}}`) lies in its portrayal of active, externalized power and will, whether human or divine. When applied to God, it underscores His dynamic engagement with creation and humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Decree:** The "going forth" of decrees, particularly divine ones, emphasizes their unalterable and irresistible nature. God's judgments and pronouncements, once they "issue forth," are effective and certain, as powerfully depicted by the river of fire in [[Daniel 7:10]]. This speaks to the absolute authority and inevitability of God's will.
* **Divine Presence and Manifestation:** The "coming forth" of the hand in [[Daniel 5:5]] signifies a tangible, undeniable manifestation of divine presence and power, a direct intervention that demands attention and response.
* **Justice and Judgment:** The active "bringing forth" of accusers for punishment [[Daniel 6:24]] or the "taking away" of dominion [[Daniel 7:26]] illustrates the execution of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion against God's rule.
* **God's Control Over Nations and Sacred Space:** The movement of temple vessels, whether in removal or restoration, highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of nations and the sanctity of His worship. Even when His sacred items are "taken out" by pagan kings, it is ultimately within His permissive will, and He orchestrates their "bringing forth" for restoration.
### Summary
נְפַק (nᵉphaq, `{{H5312}}`) is a crucial Aramaic root signifying "to issue," "to come forth," or "to bring out." Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel paint a vivid picture of movement, whether of objects, individuals, or decrees. The word is employed to describe the removal and restoration of temple vessels, the promulgation of royal edicts, the departure of persons, and profoundly, the direct manifestations of divine power and judgment. Theologically, נְפַק underscores the active, externalized nature of both human and divine authority. It emphasizes the irresistible force of decrees and actions once they "go forth," highlighting God's absolute sovereignty, His direct intervention in human history, and the certainty of His judgments and restorative purposes.
TRV