a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish; avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance.
Transliteration:nâqam
Pronunciation:naw-kam'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5358}}` (nâqam) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning "to avenge," "to punish," or "to take vengeance." The underlying nuance of "to grudge" suggests a deep-seated feeling or intention that precipitates the act of retribution. This is not merely a reactive response but can imply a deliberate, often long-held determination to exact recompense for an injury, injustice, or offense. The semantic range encompasses both the act of personal revenge and the more formalized concept of judicial punishment or divine retribution. It can be applied to both human and divine agents, though with vastly different implications as we shall see. The definition highlights its active nature: "avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5358}}` appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, revealing its diverse applications.
When applied to God, `{{H5358}}` describes His righteous indignation and just retribution against sin and injustice. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 32:35]], the Lord declares, "Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near, and the impending things are hastening upon them." Here, God's vengeance is presented as an attribute of His sovereignty and an assurance of ultimate justice for His people and judgment upon their oppressors. Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 51:36]], God promises to "plead your case and take vengeance for you" against Babylon, demonstrating His active intervention on behalf of His covenant people. Divine vengeance is thus not capricious but is consistently portrayed as a holy and just response to covenant breaking, oppression, and rebellion ([[Isaiah 1:24]], [[Nahum 1:2]]).
Conversely, when applied to human beings, the act of `{{H5358}}` is often condemned or strictly regulated. The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids personal vengeance: "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD" ([[Leviticus 19:18]]). This command directly counters the "grudge" aspect of the root. [[Proverbs 20:22]] echoes this sentiment: "Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you." Human vengeance is prone to excess, driven by selfish motives, and can perpetuate cycles of violence, as seen in Lamech's boast in [[Genesis 4:24]], where he claims seventy-sevenfold vengeance, far exceeding the lex talionis. While the concept of the "blood avenger" (go'el, related to `{{H1350}}`) existed ([[Numbers 35:19]]), this was a highly regulated legal function within the cities of refuge system, distinct from personal vendetta, designed to prevent uncontrolled retribution and ensure justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb `{{H5358}}` is closely related to its nominal form, `{{H5359}}` (nāqām), which means "vengeance" or "retribution" itself. The participles derived from `{{H5358}}` can also function as nouns, such as `{{H5360}}` (nōqēm), meaning "avenger."
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Justice and Judgment:** `{{H4941}}` (mishpat) and `{{H6666}}` (tsedeq/tsedaqah). God's vengeance is inextricably linked to His perfect justice and righteousness. It is not an arbitrary act but a necessary consequence of His moral order.
* **Wrath and Anger:** `{{H639}}` (aph) and `{{H2534}}` (chemah). Divine vengeance is often an expression of God's holy wrath against sin.
* **Retribution:** `{{H7966}}` (shillumah) or `{{H1576}}` (gemul). These terms also convey the idea of repaying or requiting, often in a negative sense.
* **Mercy and Forgiveness:** `{{H2617}}` (chesed) and `{{H5545}}` (salach). These stand in stark contrast to vengeance, particularly in the context of human relationships, where God calls His people to extend grace rather than seek retribution.
* **The Go'el (Blood Avenger):** `{{H1350}}`. While the go'el carried out a form of "vengeance" for spilled blood, it was a legal and communal responsibility, governed by strict laws, designed to uphold the sanctity of life and prevent anarchy, distinct from personal, uncontrolled revenge.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5358}}` is profound and multifaceted.
Firstly, God's prerogative to `{{H5358}}` is a cornerstone of biblical theology. Divine vengeance is not an emotional outburst but a manifestation of His holiness, justice, and faithfulness. It assures His people that He sees their suffering, hears their cries, and will ultimately right all wrongs. It is a promise of ultimate vindication for the oppressed and a guarantee that evil will not prevail indefinitely. This attribute underscores His sovereignty and His active involvement in human history, ensuring that His moral order is upheld and His covenant promises are realized. The "Day of Vengeance" ([[Isaiah 61:2]]) points to an eschatological reality where God will bring final judgment upon all unrighteousness.
Secondly, the prohibition against human `{{H5358}}` is a radical ethical demand. By reserving vengeance to Himself, God commands His people to forgo personal retribution. This command ([[Leviticus 19:18]], [[Deuteronomy 32:35]]) is reiterated in the New Testament ([[Romans 12:19]]). This prohibition is rooted in several theological principles:
* **Trust in God's Justice:** It requires faith that God is just and will ultimately repay evil.
* **Prevention of Cycles of Violence:** Human vengeance often escalates conflict and leads to further injustice.
* **Humility and Self-Control:** It curbs the natural human inclination toward pride, anger, and self-righteousness.
* **Imitation of God's Character:** While God avenges, He also demonstrates immense patience and mercy. Humans are called to reflect His love and forgiveness, leaving judgment to Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5358}}` (nâqam) denotes the act of taking vengeance or punishing. Its semantic range includes the underlying "grudge" that motivates such an act. Biblically, a critical distinction is drawn between divine and human applications of this concept. God's `{{H5358}}` is portrayed as a righteous, holy, and just attribute, an expression of His sovereignty and a guarantee of ultimate justice against sin and oppression. It is a deliberate act of retribution, ensuring that His moral order prevails and His covenant promises are fulfilled. In stark contrast, human `{{H5358}}` is generally forbidden, as it stems from selfish motives, usurps God's prerogative, and leads to destructive cycles of violence. Believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and to extend forgiveness and love, leaving all retribution to the sovereign Lord.
TRV