or נִקָּיֹן; from נָקָה; clearness (literally or figuratively); cleanness, innocency.
Transliteration:niqqâyôwn
Pronunciation:nik-kaw-yone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun niqqâyôwn (`{{H5356}}`), often transliterated as *niqqâyôwn* or *niqqâyôn*, derives from the verb nāqāh (`{{H5352}}`), which signifies "to be clean," "to be clear," "to be innocent," or "to be acquitted." As a nominal form, niqqâyôwn encapsulates the state or quality of being clean, pure, or innocent. Its semantic range extends across several nuanced meanings:
* **Physical Cleanness:** While less common, it can denote a literal absence of dirt or defilement, as seen in the unique context of [[Amos 4:6]].
* **Moral and Ritual Purity:** More frequently, it refers to a state of moral integrity, blamelessness, or ritual purity, particularly in the sight of God or others, implying a conscience free from guilt.
* **Innocence and Acquittal:** It strongly conveys freedom from guilt, culpability, or punishment, especially in a legal or judicial sense, representing a state of being unburdened by wrongdoing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term niqqâyôwn appears only four times in the Old Testament, offering focused insights into its multifaceted meaning:
* **[[Genesis 20:5]]:** Abimelech, king of Gerar, defends his actions regarding Sarah to God, stating, "in the innocency of my hands and the integrity of my heart have I done this." Here, niqqâyôwn (בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפַּי) signifies a state of blamelessness or purity of action, indicating no malicious intent or guilt. God confirms Abimelech's integrity, highlighting the divine recognition of true niqqâyôwn.
* **[[2 Samuel 3:28]]:** Following Abner's murder by Joab, David publicly declares, "I and my kingdom are innocent (נִקָּיוֹן) before the LORD forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner." This is a solemn oath asserting freedom from culpability for the heinous act, emphasizing a legal and moral acquittal from the bloodshed. It underscores the concept of being free from the stain of guilt.
* **[[Psalm 26:6]]:** The Psalmist proclaims, "I wash my hands in innocency" (אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפָּי) as a prerequisite for approaching God's altar. This is a symbolic act, signifying a desire for moral and spiritual purity, a blameless heart and life, before engaging in sacred worship. It connects niqqâyôwn directly to the integrity required for divine communion and a life lived in God's presence.
* **[[Amos 4:6]]:** In a passage of divine judgment, God declares to rebellious Israel, "I gave you cleanness of teeth (נִקְיוֹן שִׁנַּיִם) in all your cities." This is an ironic and grim statement. "Cleanness of teeth" refers to a lack of food, a result of widespread famine, where teeth remain clean because there is nothing to eat. This is the sole instance where niqqâyôwn refers to a literal, physical "cleanness," but it is presented as a severe consequence of Israel's spiritual impurity and disobedience, highlighting a paradoxical "cleanness" that signifies judgment rather than blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of niqqâyôwn is enriched by its relationship to other significant Hebrew terms:
* **nāqāh (`{{H5352}}`):** The verbal root of niqqâyôwn, meaning "to be clean, clear, innocent, acquitted, or unpunished." This foundational verb establishes the core sense of freedom from defilement or guilt.
* **ṭāhēr (`{{H2891}}`):** To be clean, pure (verb). Often used for ritual purity in the Levitical laws, concerning physical or ceremonial cleansing. While niqqâyôwn can touch upon ritual purity, its primary emphasis leans more towards moral and legal innocence, whereas ṭāhēr is broadly applied to various forms of purification.
* **zākāh (`{{H2141}}`):** To be pure, clean (verb), often used in a moral sense, as in [[Job 15:15]] ("What is man, that he should be pure?") or [[Psalm 51:4]] ("that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment"). This verb emphasizes moral purity and righteousness, aligning closely with the ethical dimension of niqqâyôwn.
* **tōm (`{{H8537}}`) / tāmîm (`{{H8549}}`):** Integrity, blamelessness, completeness. These terms frequently describe a state of moral perfection or wholeness, particularly in the context of blameless conduct before God (e.g., Noah in [[Genesis 6:9]], Job in [[Job 1:1]]). They share the ethical aspirations inherent in niqqâyôwn.
* **tsaddîq (`{{H6662}}`):** Righteous, just. This adjective describes one who is in right relationship with God and others, acting in accordance with divine law. niqqâyôwn contributes to the character of a tsaddîq, as innocence and blamelessness are integral components of righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The concept of niqqâyôwn carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Justice and Human Accountability:** niqqâyôwn underscores the biblical emphasis on divine justice and human accountability. God is portrayed as one who discerns true innocence from guilt ([[Genesis 20:6]]). The concept implies that genuine niqqâyôwn is recognized and, ideally, rewarded by God, while its absence leads to judgment.
* **Moral and Spiritual Purity for Worship:** The usage of niqqâyôwn in [[Psalm 26:6]] highlights the necessity of moral and spiritual purity for approaching God. It is not merely about outward ritual, but about an inner state of blamelessness and integrity, signifying a heart and hands clean before the Holy One. This points to the high standard of holiness God requires from His people.
* **The Pervasiveness of Sin:** The rare occurrences of niqqâyôwn and its contrast with the frequent biblical lament over human sinfulness subtly emphasize the pervasive nature of human fallenness. True niqqâyôwn is a state often sought but rarely fully attained by humanity, underscoring the deep need for divine grace and atonement. The ironic "cleanness of teeth" in [[Amos 4:6]] serves as a stark reminder that even a literal "cleanness" can be a sign of judgment rather than blessing when spiritual purity is absent.
* **The Path to Restoration:** While humanity's fallen state makes absolute niqqâyôwn in an inherent sense difficult, the broader biblical narrative reveals that God provides a path to a cleansed state through confession, repentance, and atonement for sin. This leads to forgiveness and justification, restoring a right relationship with God, even if not an original state of unblemished innocence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word niqqâyôwn (`{{H5356}}`), rooted in nāqāh (`{{H5352}}`), fundamentally denotes a state of "cleanness" or "innocence," primarily in a moral and legal sense. Its four occurrences in the Old Testament provide crucial insights: it signifies blamelessness and freedom from culpability in human interactions ([[Genesis 20:5]], [[2 Samuel 3:28]]), represents the moral purity required for divine worship ([[Psalm 26:6]]), and ironically describes a physical "cleanness" that is a sign of judgment rather than blessing ([[Amos 4:6]]). Theologically, niqqâyôwn highlights God's demand for integrity, the reality of human accountability, and the profound importance of purity—both in action and intent—in the covenant relationship. It serves as a reminder of the high standard of holiness to which God calls His people, and the pervasive nature of sin that makes true niqqâyôwn a challenging human attainment, ultimately pointing to the need for divine grace and the atoning work that cleanses from all unrighteousness.
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