from an unused root meaning to mark (by puncturing or branding); spotted; speckled.
Transliteration:nâqôd
Pronunciation:naw-kode'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נָקֹד (nâqôd), Strong's H5348, derives from an unused root meaning "to mark by puncturing or branding." This etymological root suggests a distinct, intentional, or perhaps even artificial marking, rather than a naturally occurring, diffuse pattern. In its active usage, נָקֹד refers specifically to animal coats that are "spotted" or "speckled." This implies a pattern of contrasting dots or small patches against a base color. The term denotes a specific type of coloration, distinct from other patterns like stripes or rings. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively describing the appearance of livestock within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נָקֹד (nâqôd) appears exclusively within the book of Genesis, specifically in the narrative concerning Jacob and Laban's flocks (Genesis 30-31). Its usage is central to understanding the unique agreement between Jacob and Laban regarding Jacob's wages.
* **[[Genesis 30:32]]**: Jacob proposes to Laban that his wages will consist of "every speckled and spotted one among the goats, and every black one among the sheep." Here, נָקֹד is paired with עָקֹד (`{{H6128}}`, "streaked" or "ringstraked"), defining a specific class of animals.
* **[[Genesis 30:33]]**: Jacob reiterates the terms, stating that his honesty will be proven by the presence of "spotted or speckled among the goats, or black among the sheep" in his possession.
* **[[Genesis 30:35]]**: Laban immediately removes all "male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and every black one among the sheep." This action by Laban was an attempt to deprive Jacob of his agreed-upon wages, as these specific markings were less common.
* **[[Genesis 30:39]]**: Despite Laban's manipulation, the flocks that bred "brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted." This verse highlights the miraculous increase of the very animals Laban sought to remove.
* **[[Genesis 30:40]]**: Jacob strategically positions the flocks towards the "streaked and all the black in the flock of Laban," influencing the breeding outcomes.
* **[[Genesis 31:8]]**: In Jacob's recounting to his wives, he states that when Laban said, "The speckled shall be your wages," then "all the flock bore speckled." This emphasizes God's direct intervention.
* **[[Genesis 31:10]]**: Jacob recounts his dream where he saw that "the male goats that leaped upon the flock were streaked, speckled, and dappled." This divine vision confirmed the supernatural nature of the increase.
* **[[Genesis 31:12]]**: The angel of God confirms to Jacob, "I have seen all that Laban is doing to you." The proliferation of "nâqôd" animals was a sign of God's active oversight and blessing upon Jacob.
Throughout these occurrences, נָקֹד consistently describes a specific, distinctive pattern on the coats of goats and sheep, which becomes the divinely appointed means of Jacob's prosperity and a testament to God's faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word נָקֹד (nâqôd) is almost always found in close association with other terms describing animal markings, forming a lexical set that defines the unique characteristics of the flocks in Genesis 30-31:
* **עָקֹד (`{{H6128}}` 'āqōd)**: "streaked" or "ringstraked." This term denotes a pattern of bands or rings, often seen on the legs of animals. It is consistently paired with נָקֹד, indicating a distinct but related type of marking.
* **בָּרֹד (`{{H1254}}` bārōd)**: "dappled" or "spotted with white." This term also appears in the context of the flocks, particularly in Jacob's dream in [[Genesis 31:10]]. While similar to נָקֹד in denoting spots, בָּרֹד might imply a larger, more irregular patchiness, or specifically white spots.
The interplay of these terms highlights the specificity of the animal patterns. The concept of "marking" extends beyond mere color to distinct, discernible patterns that become crucial for identifying the "chosen" animals. The broader concept of divine providence and blessing, particularly through seemingly natural means, is intricately linked to the appearance and proliferation of these specifically marked animals.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָקֹד (nâqôd) lies not in the word itself as a profound theological concept, but in its integral role within the narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and providential care for Jacob. The "speckled" and "spotted" animals represent the tangible manifestation of divine blessing.
Laban's attempt to defraud Jacob by removing the animals with these specific markings was thwarted by God's supernatural intervention. The miraculous increase of the "nâqôd" and 'āqōd animals, despite Laban's schemes and the natural rarity of such patterns, serves as a powerful demonstration of:
1. **Divine Sovereignty**: God is able to work through and even manipulate natural processes (animal breeding) to fulfill His promises and ensure justice.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness**: God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, protecting and prospering Jacob even in challenging circumstances.
3. **Justice and Retribution**: The proliferation of these animals was God's way of rectifying Laban's deceit and ensuring Jacob received his rightful wages.
4. **Symbol of Blessing**: The "speckled" animals became a visible sign of God's favor, turning what was initially a disadvantage for Jacob into a source of immense wealth and a testament to divine power.
Thus, נָקֹד, though seemingly a simple descriptive term, becomes a powerful symbol of God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His unwavering commitment to His promises.
### Summary
נָקֹד (nâqôd), Strong's H5348, is a Hebrew adjective meaning "spotted" or "speckled," derived from a root suggesting a distinct mark. Its limited occurrences are exclusively found in Genesis 30-31, where it describes the unique coat patterns of sheep and goats in the context of Jacob's wages from Laban. Always appearing alongside terms like 'āqōd (`{{H6128}}`, "streaked") and sometimes bārōd (`{{H1254}}`, "dappled"), נָקֹד identifies a specific type of animal marking. Theologically, the proliferation of "nâqôd" animals is a powerful demonstration of God's providential care, covenant faithfulness, and justice, as He supernaturally intervened to ensure Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's deceptive practices. The word, therefore, serves as a tangible symbol of divine blessing and oversight in the biblical narrative.
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