from נוּף in the sense of shaking to pieces; a dripping i.e. of honey (from the comb); honeycomb.
Transliteration:nôpheth
Pronunciation:no'-feth
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נֹפֶת (nôpheth, `{{H5317}}`) is derived from the root נוּף (nûph, `{{H5130}}`), which carries the sense of waving, shaking, or swaying. In the context of *nôpheth*, this root implies a "dripping" or "shaking to pieces," specifically referring to honey as it drips from the comb. Thus, its primary meaning is "honeycomb" or, more precisely, "dripping honey" – honey in its pure, natural, and fresh state, as it exudes from the comb.
Semantically, *nôpheth* consistently denotes the epitome of sweetness, pleasantness, and desirability. While its literal reference is to the physical substance, its predominant use in biblical literature extends metaphorically to describe concepts that are supremely delightful, beneficial, and pure, particularly in the realm of wisdom and divine instruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
* **[[Proverbs 24:13]]**: "My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb (נֹפֶת) are sweet to your taste." Here, *nôpheth* is presented as a delectable and beneficial food, used in an exhortation to seek wisdom. The physical sweetness of honeycomb serves as an analogy for the pleasantness and inherent goodness of knowledge and understanding.
* **[[Proverbs 27:7]]**: "A satisfied soul loathes honeycomb (נֹפֶת), but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." This verse employs *nôpheth* to illustrate the contrast between satiety and hunger. The extreme sweetness of honeycomb, typically desirable, becomes unappealing to one who is full, emphasizing the subjective nature of appetite and appreciation.
* **[[Song of Solomon 4:11]]**: "Your lips drip nectar (נֹפֶת), my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon." In this highly poetic and intimate context, *nôpheth* is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's speech. Her words are portrayed as being as sweet, pure, and captivating as dripping honeycomb, signifying their delightful, alluring, and precious nature.
* **[[Psalm 19:10]]**: (Referring to God's ordinances) "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb (נֹפֶת)." This is perhaps the most significant theological usage. Here, *nôpheth* is used in parallelism with honey as the ultimate standard of sweetness to extol the supreme value, pleasantness, and profound satisfaction derived from God's law, precepts, and testimonies.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1706}}` (d'vash):** The more general Hebrew term for "honey." *Nôpheth* often appears in conjunction with or in parallelism to *d'vash*, serving to intensify the sense of sweetness and purity by specifying honey in its most desirable, natural, and dripped form, directly from the comb, as seen in [[Psalm 19:10]].
* **Sweetness and Pleasantness:** These are the core conceptual associations. *Nôpheth* consistently symbolizes that which brings delight to the senses and profound satisfaction to the soul.
* **Wisdom and Instruction:** Particularly in wisdom literature (Proverbs and Psalms), the sweetness of *nôpheth* serves as a powerful metaphor for the desirability, inherent goodness, and life-giving benefits of divine wisdom, knowledge, and moral instruction.
* **Purity and Naturalness:** As "dripping honey" directly from the comb, *nôpheth* inherently connotes an unadulterated, pristine, and natural state, free from artificiality.
* **Desire and Satisfaction:** Its use in the Song of Solomon and Psalms highlights its role as an object of intense longing and a source of profound fulfillment and spiritual nourishment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *nôpheth* is primarily found in its rich metaphorical applications, particularly concerning divine revelation and the character of God.
1. **The Supreme Desirability of God's Word:** The most profound theological statement involving *nôpheth* is found in [[Psalm 19:10]], where God's ordinances are declared "sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb." This powerfully conveys that God's law, His testimonies, and His precepts are not burdensome or restrictive, but are rather a source of immense delight, spiritual nourishment, and profound satisfaction for the believer. They are more precious and satisfying than the most sought-after earthly treasures.
2. **The Goodness and Pleasantness of Wisdom:** In Proverbs, the pursuit and acquisition of wisdom are likened to eating *nôpheth* [[Proverbs 24:13]]. This implies that true wisdom, which is often presented as originating from God, is inherently good, pleasant, and beneficial to the soul, offering a delightful and enriching experience to those who embrace it.
3. **God's Benevolent Provision:** As a natural, pure, and highly valued food source, *nôpheth* implicitly points to God's generous provision and His desire to bless humanity with good things. It evokes the imagery of the "land flowing with milk and honey" [[Exodus 3:8]], symbolizing a land of abundance and divine favor, where life's necessities and delights are richly supplied.
4. **The Purity and Allure of Divine Communication:** While metaphorically applied to human speech in Song of Solomon [[Song of Solomon 4:11]], the image of lips dripping *nôpheth* can, by extension, inform our understanding of the beauty, purity, and captivating nature of God's own words and promises, which are utterly delightful and draw the heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נֹפֶת (nôpheth, `{{H5317}}`) precisely denotes "dripping honey" or "honeycomb," emphasizing honey in its purest, most natural, and highly desirable state. Etymologically linked to the idea of "dripping," it consistently symbolizes ultimate sweetness, purity, and pleasantness in the biblical text. Its occurrences in wisdom literature, notably [[Psalm 19:10]] and [[Proverbs 24:13]], powerfully employ *nôpheth* as a metaphor for the supreme value, inherent goodness, and profound delight found in God's divine wisdom, laws, and instruction. It underscores that God's revelation is not a burden but a source of deep spiritual satisfaction, more desirable than the most precious material possessions. In poetic contexts like [[Song of Solomon 4:11]], *nôpheth* describes speech that is captivating and utterly delightful. Theologically, *nôpheth* serves as a potent symbol of God's benevolent provision and the nourishing, satisfying, and supremely desirable nature of His word and wisdom for the human soul.
TRV