### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **niqqud**, represented by `{{H5350}}`, describes something either pricked and baked, like a **biscuit** or **cracknel**, or something broken into spots, like what has become **mouldy**. Based on its root, it can also refer to a crumb. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, carrying a specific, descriptive meaning in each context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5350}}` is used in two distinct ways. First, as a type of food, it is listed among provisions brought to the prophet Ahijah in 1 Kings, where the instruction is to take "ten loaves, and **cracknels**" [[1 Kings 14:3]]. Second, it describes a state of decay. The Gibeonites use it as part of a deception, presenting their provisions as proof of a long journey, stating their bread was "dry and **mouldy**" [[Joshua 9:5]]. They reiterate this point, saying "now, behold, it is dry, and it is **mouldy**" [[Joshua 9:12]] to convince Joshua.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{H5350}}`:
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem**: This word for **food**, especially **bread**, appears alongside `{{H5350}}` in all of its occurrences. It is the object being described as "mouldy" in the Joshua accounts ([[Joshua 9:5]], 12) and is listed with "cracknels" as provisions in 1 Kings [[1 Kings 14:3]].
* `{{H3001}}` **yâbêsh**: Meaning to **dry up** or **wither**, this word is paired directly with `{{H5350}}` to emphasize the spoiled state of the Gibeonites' bread, which is described as "dry `{{H3001}}` and mouldy `{{H5350}}`" ([[Joshua 9:5]], 12).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5350}}` is rooted in its narrative function rather than direct theological statement.
* **A Tool of Deception:** In the book of Joshua, "mouldy" bread serves as a key piece of physical evidence in the Gibeonites' successful ruse to make a covenant with Israel under false pretenses ([[Joshua 9:5]], 12).
* **A Humble Provision:** The "cracknels" mentioned in 1 Kings are part of a simple offering brought by the wife of Jeroboam when seeking a divine word from a prophet, illustrating a posture of seeking help [[1 Kings 14:3]].
* **An Indicator of Decay:** The word provides a vivid, tangible image of spoilage and the passage of time, which in the Joshua narrative is used to create a convincing but false backstory.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5350}}` is a highly specific term that, despite its infrequent use, plays a crucial role in its narrative contexts. Whether identifying a simple food item like a "cracknel" or the "mouldy" state of old bread, it adds a layer of descriptive detail that is central to the progression of the story, particularly as a key element of deception in the Gibeonite covenant. It is almost always found in connection with **bread** `{{H3899}}` and decay.
TRV