### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נֹקֵד (nôqêd, `{{H5349}}`) is an active participle derived from the root נָקֹד (naqod, `{{H5348}}`), which fundamentally means "spotted" or "marked." Consequently, nôqêd denotes one who "spots" or "marks" animals, specifically sheep or cattle. This implies a close and discerning relationship with the livestock, extending beyond mere tending to encompass ownership, careful identification, or management of a flock. The semantic range thus covers "herdman" or "sheepmaster," suggesting a proprietor or someone in a significant position of responsibility over animals, rather than a common hired shepherd. The nuance of "spotting" could refer to branding, distinguishing specific animals within a herd, or meticulously observing their characteristics.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נֹקֵד (nôqêd, `{{H5349}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the superscription of the book of Amos:
* [[Amos 1:1]]: "The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa..."
In this pivotal verse, the prophet Amos is introduced by his profession. The plural form, נֹקְדִים (nôq'dîm), indicates that he belonged to this class of individuals. Tekoa, located in the Judean wilderness, was known for its pastoral lands, making it a suitable region for such a profession. Amos's identification as a nôqêd suggests a man of some social standing and economic means, likely an owner or manager of substantial flocks, in contrast to a simple hired shepherd. This background is crucial for understanding his prophetic ministry; he was not a professional prophet but one called directly by God from a specific, perhaps respected, agricultural occupation. This is further emphasized by Amos's own words in [[Amos 7:14]], where he states, "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a nôqêd and a dresser of sycamore figs."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct etymological link for נֹקֵד (nôqêd, `{{H5349}}`) is its root נָקֹד (naqod, `{{H5348}}`), meaning "spotted" or "speckled." This root is famously found in the narrative of Jacob's breeding practices in [[Genesis 30:32-39]], where he strategically produces "spotted and speckled" sheep and goats. This connection underscores the nôqêd's role in discerning and managing animals based on their specific markings or characteristics.
Other Hebrew words for those who tend livestock include:
* רֹעֶה (ro'eh, `{{H7462}}`): This is the most common and general term for "shepherd," often denoting one who pastures, feeds, or cares for sheep, and can refer to both owners and hired hands.
* בֹּקֵר (boqer, `{{H1241}}`): This term specifically refers to a "herdsman" of cattle.
The distinction of nôqêd from these more general terms suggests a particular status or specialized role, perhaps emphasizing the careful identification and management of valuable livestock, or the ownership of significant herds.
### Theological Significance
The identification of Amos as a נֹקֵד (nôqêd, `{{H5349}}`) carries profound theological implications for his prophetic calling and message. It highlights God's sovereign choice in selecting His messengers from diverse and often unexpected backgrounds, rather than exclusively from established religious or aristocratic circles. Amos's declaration in [[Amos 7:14]] powerfully reinforces that his authority derived solely from divine commission, not human training or pedigree.
His background as a nôqêd from the rural area of Tekoa likely provided him with a grounded perspective on the socio-economic realities of his time. He understood the practicalities of land, livestock, and livelihood, which informed his passionate denunciations of social injustice, oppression of the poor, and the corruption prevalent in Israelite society. The very act of a nôqêd "spotting" or "marking" animals could subtly prefigure God's discerning eye over His people, identifying their moral blemishes and spiritual deviations, much as a herdman distinguishes individual animals within a flock.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נֹקֵד (nôqêd, `{{H5349}}`) denotes a "herdman" or "sheepmaster," derived from a root signifying "spotted" or "marked." Its singular occurrence in [[Amos 1:1]] identifies the prophet Amos as belonging to this class of individuals from Tekoa. This designation suggests a person of some standing, likely an owner or manager of significant flocks, distinguishing him from a mere hired shepherd. The term's connection to נָקֹד (naqod, `{{H5348}}`), "spotted," hints at the careful identification and management inherent in the nôqêd's role. Theologically, Amos's identity as a nôqêd profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice of prophets from unexpected walks of life, underscoring that divine calling transcends social status or professional training. It also grounds Amos's prophetic message in the realities of daily life and agricultural society, providing a unique lens through which he critiqued the injustices and moral failings of his era.
TRV