### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun neqeb (`{{H5345}}`) derives directly from the verb naqab (`{{H5344}}`), meaning "to pierce, bore, perforate." As such, neqeb inherently carries the semantic weight of something that has been bored, pierced, or hollowed out. Its base definition encompasses two primary senses: "a bezel (for a gem)" and "pipe" or "hole." The "bezel" sense refers to the setting, typically of gold, that holds a precious stone, implying a crafted perforation or frame. The "pipe" or "hole" sense refers to a bored opening or conduit. Despite its limited occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, these two meanings are distinct yet unified by the underlying concept of a created opening or cavity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term neqeb (`{{H5345}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, each illuminating one facet of its semantic range:
1. **[[Ezekiel 28:13]]**: "Every precious stone was your covering... your settings (נֶקֶב) and your engravings were in gold." In this prophetic lamentation against the king of Tyre, neqeb refers to the intricate gold settings or bezels for precious stones. The context describes the king's extraordinary splendor and beauty, likened to a cherub in the Garden of Eden, adorned with every precious gem. Here, neqeb emphasizes the exquisite craftsmanship and immense value of the adornments, serving as the physical framework that holds and displays the gems. It speaks to the perfection and lavishness of the king's outward appearance, which ultimately became a source of pride and downfall.
2. **[[2 Kings 12:9]]** (or [[2 Kings 12:10]] in some numbering systems): "But Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole (נֶקֶב) in its lid." This passage describes the collection of funds for the repair of the Temple during the reign of Joash. Here, neqeb denotes a literal, functional hole or opening bored into the lid of a chest, through which monetary offerings could be deposited. This usage aligns with the "pipe" or "hole" aspect of the definition, signifying a practical conduit for collection. It highlights a mundane yet essential function in the administration of the Temple.
These two occurrences, though few, demonstrate the word's capacity to describe both ornate, valuable craftsmanship and simple, practical functionality, always rooted in the concept of a "bored" or "pierced" opening.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root naqab (`{{H5344}}`), from which neqeb is directly derived. This verb means "to pierce, bore, perforate," but also "to mark out, designate," and even "to curse." The noun neqeb represents the *result* or *object* of the piercing action.
Concepts related to neqeb include:
* **Craftsmanship and Adornment**: In the context of [[Ezekiel 28:13]], neqeb is associated with precious metals, gems, and intricate design, pointing to human skill and divine creativity in beauty.
* **Containment and Framing**: The bezel functions as a container or frame for the gem, suggesting the idea of holding or securing something valuable.
* **Passage and Conduit**: In [[2 Kings 12:9]], the hole serves as a passage, a means for something to enter or pass through.
* **Practicality and Stewardship**: The use of neqeb for the Temple offering chest highlights practical administration and responsible management of resources.
While other Hebrew words exist for "hole" (e.g., chōr `{{H2356}}`) or "opening" (e.g., pethach `{{H6605}}`), neqeb specifically implies an opening created by a *boring* or *piercing* action, distinguishing it from a natural fissure or a general doorway.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of neqeb (`{{H5345}}`) offers a subtle yet profound theological insight. In [[Ezekiel 28:13]], the "bezels" are integral to the magnificent, divinely-created beauty of the king of Tyre, initially reflecting God's glory. However, this very splendor became the source of his pride and subsequent judgment. The neqeb here can symbolize the crafted, outward display of glory which, when divorced from humility and obedience to God, becomes a fragile and ultimately destructive facade. It underscores the danger of valuing external adornment or achievement above internal righteousness and submission to the Creator.
Conversely, in [[2 Kings 12:9]], the neqeb is a simple, unadorned hole in a chest, serving a practical and humble purpose in the maintenance of God's house. This functional "hole" facilitates the collection of offerings necessary for the Temple's upkeep, symbolizing the practical, often unseen, aspects of faithful stewardship and communal devotion. It reminds us that God values not only grand acts of worship but also the diligent and humble administration of resources for His kingdom.
Together, these two occurrences present a compelling contrast: the neqeb of ostentatious pride versus the neqeb of humble service. They implicitly teach that true value lies not in the superficiality of outward brilliance (even divinely bestowed), but in the integrity and practical devotion that serve God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun neqeb (`{{H5345}}`), derived from naqab (`{{H5344}}`) "to pierce," signifies something that has been bored or perforated. Its core meanings are "a bezel (for a gem)" and "a hole" or "pipe." Though rare, its two biblical occurrences provide rich contextual understanding. In [[Ezekiel 28:13]], it describes the ornate gold settings for precious stones, symbolizing the magnificent but ultimately prideful splendor of the king of Tyre. In [[2 Kings 12:9]], it refers to a simple, functional hole bored into an offering chest for Temple repairs, representing practical service and stewardship. Theologically, neqeb offers a poignant contrast between the dangers of superficial glory and the quiet dignity of humble, functional devotion in God's service.
TRV