from נָקַם; revenge; [phrase] avenged, quarrel, vengeance.
Transliteration:nâqâm
Pronunciation:naw-kawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun nâqâm (`{{H5359}}`) is derived from the verbal root nâqam (`{{H5358}}`), which means "to avenge" or "to take vengeance." As a noun, nâqâm primarily signifies "revenge" or "vengeance." Its semantic range encompasses the act, state, or outcome of retribution for a wrong committed. While its core meaning is strong and direct, it can, in some contexts, denote a "quarrel" or "dispute," though even then, an underlying sense of seeking redress or retaliation often persists. The term carries a significant connotation of justice being meted out, whether divinely ordained and righteous, or humanly motivated and potentially sinful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nâqâm appears across various books of the Old Testament, illuminating different facets of its meaning:
* **Divine Vengeance:** Most prominently, nâqâm describes God's righteous and just retribution against sin and evil. In [[Deuteronomy 32:35]], the declaration "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense" firmly establishes God's exclusive prerogative over ultimate justice, a principle echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [[Romans 12:19]], [[Hebrews 10:30]]). [[Psalm 94:1]] invokes "God of vengeance," emphasizing His attribute as the supreme avenger of wrongs committed against His people and His moral order. Prophetic books frequently speak of "the day of vengeance of our God" (e.g., [[Isaiah 34:8]], [[Isaiah 61:2]]), signifying a future time of divine judgment against oppressors and the restoration of justice for the afflicted. This divine nâqâm is not capricious but is a manifestation of God's holiness and commitment to righteousness.
* **Human Vengeance:** In contrast to divine nâqâm, human acts of nâqâm are often presented negatively, highlighting the dangers of unchecked personal retaliation. The boast of Lamech in [[Genesis 4:24]]—"If Cain's vengeance is sevenfold, then Lamech's seventy-sevenfold"—illustrates the escalating and disproportionate nature of human revenge, standing in stark contrast to God's protective grace towards Cain. However, there are instances where a form of nâqâm is divinely sanctioned, such as the "vengeance of the Lord" against the Midianites (e.g., [[Numbers 31:2-3]]), which constitutes a divinely commanded punitive action rather than self-serving personal vendetta. The legal institution of the "avenger of blood" (go'el haddam) in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Numbers 35:19]]) also represents a regulated system for capital justice, designed to prevent blood feuds and ensure a measured response to homicide, distinct from personal revenge.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **nâqam (`{{H5358}}`):** The verbal root from which nâqâm is derived, meaning "to avenge," "to take vengeance," or "to punish." The noun is the direct embodiment of the verb's action.
* **shâlam (`{{H7999}}`):** "To be complete, sound, pay back." While nâqâm focuses on punitive retribution, shâlam can encompass the broader concept of making restitution or paying what is due, including recompense.
* **gâ'al (`{{H1350}}`):** "To redeem," "to act as kinsman-redeemer." The go'el haddam (avenger of blood) is a specific legal figure related to this root, emphasizing a familial and legal duty of justice rather than personal revenge.
* **tsedeq (`{{H6664}}`):** "Righteousness," "justice." Divine nâqâm is consistently portrayed as an outflow of God's perfect tsedeq.
* **mishpâṭ (`{{H4941}}`):** "Judgment," "justice," "ordinance." God's nâqâm is often an act of mishpâṭ, demonstrating His just governance.
* **ekdikēsis (`{{G1557}}`):** The primary Greek equivalent in the Septuagint and New Testament, also meaning "vengeance" or "retribution." The New Testament maintains the distinction between divine ekdikēsis and human revenge, echoing the Old Testament's theological stance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nâqâm is profound, centering on God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **God's Exclusive Prerogative:** The most crucial theological insight is that ultimate nâqâm belongs to God alone. This principle prevents humans from usurping divine authority, curbing the destructive cycle of personal revenge and blood feuds. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, perfect righteousness, and unwavering commitment to justice.
* **Righteous Retribution vs. Sinful Revenge:** The Bible carefully distinguishes between God's holy and just retribution for sin and human acts of nâqâm that are driven by personal anger, pride, or a desire for disproportionate retaliation. God's nâqâm is always just, proportionate, and redemptive in its ultimate aim, upholding His moral order. Human nâqâm, unless specifically commanded by God within a legal framework, is generally condemned as it undermines divine justice and promotes chaos.
* **Hope for the Oppressed:** For the oppressed and victims of injustice, God's promise of nâqâm offers profound hope. It assures them that God sees their suffering and will, in His time and way, bring about righteous judgment, vindicating the innocent and punishing the wicked. This is particularly evident in prophetic declarations concerning the "day of vengeance."
* **Call to Forgiveness and Trust:** Because nâqâm belongs to God, believers are called to relinquish personal revenge and instead practice forgiveness, love for enemies, and entrust all matters of justice to Him. This is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, urging reliance on God's perfect timing and methods rather than self-administered retribution (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:18]], [[Proverbs 20:22]], [[Romans 12:17-21]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word nâqâm (`{{H5359}}`) denotes "vengeance" or "retribution," derived from the verb nâqam (`{{H5358}}`). Its biblical usage underscores the profound theological truth that ultimate nâqâm is the exclusive prerogative of God. This divine nâqâm is a manifestation of His perfect justice and righteousness, ensuring that all wrongs will ultimately be addressed. In contrast, human nâqâm is largely condemned as sinful revenge, highlighting its destructive and disproportionate nature, though specific divinely ordained legal processes (like the avenger of blood) existed to maintain order and justice. The concept of nâqâm provides hope for the oppressed, assuring them of God's future vindication, and simultaneously calls believers to relinquish personal retaliation, trusting God to administer all true justice.
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