(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to נָקָה; clean; pure.
Transliteration:nᵉqêʼ
Pronunciation:nek-ay'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ, `{{H5343}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "clean" or "pure." It is explicitly defined as stemming from a root corresponding to the Hebrew נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`). This linguistic connection is crucial, as the Hebrew cognate encompasses a broad semantic range including not only physical cleanness but also moral innocence, freedom from guilt, and acquittal. Therefore, נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) should be understood as conveying a similar depth, signifying a state of being unblemished, undefiled, and free from any impurity, whether literal or symbolic. It denotes a pristine quality, often associated with a lack of fault or defilement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ, `{{H5343}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool (עֲמַר נְקֵא)."
In this profound apocalyptic vision, נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) is used to describe the "pure wool" of the Ancient of Days' hair. The context is one of divine majesty, judgment, and ultimate authority. The imagery of "pure wool" alongside a garment "white as snow" emphasizes the absolute purity, holiness, and righteousness of the divine figure. It is not merely a description of color but of an intrinsic, unblemished quality that sets the Ancient of Days apart as supremely holy and perfectly just. This single, powerful occurrence contributes significantly to the portrayal of God's transcendent nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word is the Hebrew root נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`), from which נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) is derived. This Hebrew root means "to be clean," "to be innocent," "to be acquitted," or "to be free from punishment." It is used in contexts of ritual purity (e.g., being clean from a vow, [[Numbers 5:19]]), moral innocence (e.g., being innocent of blood, [[Deuteronomy 19:10]]), and divine judgment (e.g., God will not leave the guilty unpunished, [[Exodus 34:7]]).
Other related concepts and terms include:
* **Purity (טָהֵר, ṭāhēr, `{{H2891}}`)**: A broader concept encompassing ritual, moral, and cultic purity.
* **Whiteness (לָבָן, lāḇān, `{{H3835}}`)**: Often a symbolic representation of purity, innocence, and divine glory in biblical imagery (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:18]], [[Revelation 7:14]]).
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק, ṣedeq, `{{H6664}}`)**: A state of moral uprightness and conformity to God's standards, which is inherently pure.
* **Blamelessness (תָּמִים, tāmîm, `{{H8549}}`)**: Indicating integrity and freedom from defect or blemish.
The connection to these terms reinforces the idea that נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) in Daniel 7:9 speaks to the unblemished, righteous, and holy character of God Himself.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ, `{{H5343}}`) in [[Daniel 7:9]] carries profound theological weight, as it describes an attribute of the Ancient of Days, a representation of God.
1. **Divine Purity and Holiness**: The "pure wool" (עֲמַר נְקֵא) of the Ancient of Days' hair, along with the snow-white garment, symbolizes God's absolute and inherent purity. This purity is not merely an absence of defilement but an active, radiant quality that defines His very being. It underscores His transcendence, His separation from all sin and imperfection.
2. **Foundation for Divine Judgment**: In the context of Daniel 7, where the Ancient of Days presides over a cosmic court of judgment, His purity is foundational to His role as the ultimate, righteous Judge. Only a being of absolute purity can render perfectly just judgments. His unblemished nature ensures the integrity and impartiality of His decrees.
3. **Contrast with Human Impurity**: The divine purity highlighted by נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) stands in stark contrast to the defilement and sinfulness of humanity and the corrupt kingdoms described in Daniel's vision. This contrast emphasizes the vast gulf between human imperfection and divine perfection, pointing to the necessity of divine grace and cleansing for humanity to stand before such a holy God.
4. **Eschatological Hope**: The vision of the Ancient of Days, characterized by such purity, offers a glimpse into God's ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His pure and eternal kingdom. It assures believers that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
### Summary
The Aramaic word נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ, `{{H5343}}`) signifies "clean" or "pure," drawing its semantic depth from its Hebrew cognate נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`), which implies moral innocence and freedom from guilt as well as physical cleanness. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 7:9]] describes the "pure wool" of the Ancient of Days' hair, a powerful image alongside His snow-white garment. Theologically, נְקֵא (nᵉqêʼ) serves to underscore the absolute purity, holiness, and unblemished righteousness of God, particularly in His role as the supreme Judge. It highlights the divine perfection that stands in stark contrast to human imperfection, offering a foundational attribute for understanding God's character and His ultimate triumph in the eschatological vision of Daniel.
TRV