(Aramaic) from נְפַק; an outgo, i.e. expense; expense.
Transliteration:niphqâʼ
Pronunciation:nif-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H5313 (נִפְקָא, niphqâʼ) carries the core meaning of "outgo" or "expense." It is directly derived from the Aramaic verb `{{H5312}}` (נְפַק, nephaq), which signifies "to go out" or "to come forth." This etymological connection highlights that niphqâʼ refers to that which "goes out" in a financial or material sense, specifically a disbursement or expenditure. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely denoting a cost incurred or funds paid out. It implies a formal or official outlay of resources, rather than a casual spending.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5313 (נִפְקָא, niphqâʼ) appears singularly in the biblical text, found in the book of Ezra, which contains significant portions in Aramaic.
* [[Ezra 6:8]]: "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost (niphqâʼ) is to be paid to these men from the royal treasury, from the tribute of the province Beyond the River, and that without delay."
In this pivotal verse, King Darius issues a decree ensuring the financial support for the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The "full cost" or "expense" (niphqâʼ) is explicitly mandated to be disbursed from the royal treasury, funded by the tribute collected from the Trans-Euphrates province. This context is crucial:
1. **Royal Mandate:** The expense is not optional but a direct command from the highest authority, indicating its legal and binding nature.
2. **Source of Funds:** The specified source—the royal treasury and provincial tribute—underscores the significant, official, and governmental backing for the temple's rebuilding.
3. **Purpose:** The niphqâʼ is allocated directly for the "rebuilding of this house of God," emphasizing its sacred and divinely sanctioned purpose.
The singular occurrence therefore carries considerable weight, demonstrating the Persian Empire's financial commitment, under divine orchestration, to facilitate the restoration of Jewish worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic relation of H5313 is to its verbal root, `{{H5312}}` (נְפַק, nephaq), "to go out, come forth." This connection is fundamental, as niphqâʼ represents the *outcome* or *product* of something "going out"—specifically, money or resources.
Conceptually, niphqâʼ relates to:
* **Treasury/Storehouse:** Words like `{{H202}}` (אוֹצָר, 'otsar), meaning "treasury" or "storehouse," are intrinsically linked as they represent the source from which niphqâʼ (expenses) are drawn.
* **Tribute/Taxation:** Terms like `{{H4522}}` (מַס, mas), referring to "tribute" or "forced labor," are relevant as they describe the means by which royal treasuries were filled, providing the funds for such expenses.
* **Provision/Supply:** Broader concepts of providing for needs, whether by human or divine means, resonate with the idea of an expense being met.
* **Building/Construction:** The context of temple rebuilding naturally links niphqâʼ to the material and labor costs associated with such large-scale projects.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of niphqâʼ in [[Ezra 6:8]] is remarkably rich in theological significance:
1. **Divine Providence through Secular Authority:** The most striking theological implication is God's sovereign ability to use even pagan kings and their vast resources (niphqâʼ from the royal treasury) to accomplish His divine purposes. Darius's decree is not merely a political act but a divinely orchestrated provision for the rebuilding of the temple, a crucial step in the restoration of God's people and worship.
2. **The Cost of Sacred Endeavors:** While the expense is borne by the king, the very necessity of an "expense" (niphqâʼ) for the temple's construction underscores that even divinely mandated projects require material resources and financial commitment. It highlights the practical realities and substantial investment often required for endeavors that bring glory to God.
3. **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** The provision of niphqâʼ facilitated the completion of the temple, which was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This act of royal generosity, prompted by God, served as a tangible sign of God's enduring faithfulness to His promise to restore His people and their place of worship.
4. **Governmental Support for Religious Freedom/Worship:** Darius's decree, ensuring the "full cost" of the temple's rebuilding, sets a powerful precedent for governmental support, however indirect, for religious institutions and practices, emphasizing God's ability to influence rulers to protect and provide for His people's spiritual needs.
### Summary
H5313 (נִפְקָא, niphqâʼ) is an Aramaic noun meaning "outgo" or "expense," derived from the verb `{{H5312}}` ("to go out"). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezra 6:8]] is highly significant, where it refers to the "full cost" of rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, commanded to be paid from the Persian royal treasury. Theologically, niphqâʼ powerfully illustrates God's sovereign providence, utilizing secular authorities and their resources to fulfill His divine will for His people. It also underscores the practical necessity of significant financial commitment for sacred undertakings and God's faithfulness in providing for them.
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