נָקַב

nâqab /naw-kab'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
KJV usageappoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâqab, represented by H5344, is a primitive root with a range of meanings centered on perforation and specification. It appears 25 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition, "to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)," captures its use for physical acts like boring holes and for significant verbal actions like appointing, cursing, or blaspheming.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H5344 is applied in several distinct ways. Physically, it describes the act of piercing or making holes, such as boring a hole in a chest to collect offerings 2 Kings 12:9 or a broken staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it Isaiah 36:6. Figuratively, it is used for designating specific individuals for a task, as when men were "expressed by name" to take a census Numbers 1:17 or to anoint kings 1 Chronicles 12:31. Most severely, it is used for blasphemy, as when the son of an Israelitish woman "blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed" Leviticus 24:11, an offense punishable by death Leviticus 24:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H5344 is used:

  • H1288 bârak (to bless): This word stands in direct contrast to the cursing aspect of H5344. In Numbers 23:25, Balak expresses his frustration with Balaam, telling him to "Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all."
  • H6895 qâbab (to curse): Often used in parallel with H5344, this term also signifies maligning with words. In his first oracle, Balaam asks, "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?" using both H5344 and H6895 to refer to the act of execrating Israel Numbers 23:8.
  • H8034 shêm (an appellation): This word for "name" is frequently the object of the action of H5344. Whether being designated ("expressed by name" in Ezra 8:20) or being libeled ("blasphemeth the name of the LORD" in Leviticus 24:16), the name itself is what is being specified or maligned.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5344 is significant, highlighting key principles of reverence, designation, and consequence.

  • The Sanctity of God's Name: The use of H5344 to mean "blaspheme" underscores the absolute holiness of God's name. The law mandates that anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death, demonstrating that irreverent speech against God is a capital offense Leviticus 24:16.
  • Designation for Divine Purpose: The word is used to show how God and his appointed leaders single out individuals for specific roles in His plan. Men were "expressed by name" to perform important duties, signifying a divine or authoritative appointment (1 Chronicles 16:41, 2 Chronicles 28:15).
  • The Consequence of Words: The word's usage in cursing reflects the biblical principle that words carry power. A person who withholds essential goods from the community "the people shall curse him" Proverbs 11:26, while one who calls the wicked righteous will be abhorred Proverbs 24:24. This shows a direct link between actions and the resulting verbal judgment.

Summary

In summary, H5344 is a dynamic term that moves from the literal act of piercing to the powerful figurative acts of naming and cursing. It functions to specify, whether for honor in an appointment or for dishonor in blasphemy. Through its various applications, H5344 illustrates the profound importance of names and words in the biblical worldview, carrying the weight of divine authority, human responsibility, and ultimate consequence.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 25 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 6×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Qal Participle Passive Plural Masculine Construct 1×
  • Qal Participle Passive Singular Masculine Absolute 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 13 books. Most frequent in Job (4 verses).

1
Genesis
2
Leviticus
3
Numbers
2
2 Kings
2
1 Chronicles
2
2 Chronicles
1
Ezra
4
Job
2
Proverbs
2
Isaiah
1
Amos
1
Habakkuk
1
Haggai

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