### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉqâmâh**, represented by `{{H5360}}`, denotes **avengement**, **revenge**, or **vengeance**. As the feminine form of `{{H5359}}`, it appears **27 times** across **22 unique verses**, describing a powerful act of justice or retribution. The term primarily refers to divine judgment, but can also describe human actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5360}}` is most frequently associated with God's actions. It is often described as "the **vengeance** of the LORD{H3068}" [[Jeremiah 50:15]], a divine retribution against nations like Babylon for their opposition to God and His people [[Jeremiah 51:6]]. This is sometimes called "the **vengeance** of his temple" [[Jeremiah 51:11]]. Prophets like Jeremiah appeal to God for this righteous judgment, asking, "let me see{H7200} thy **vengeance** on them" ([[Jeremiah 11:20]], [[Jeremiah 20:12]]). The term is also used for human-driven revenge, which can be done with a "despiteful{H7589} heart{H5315}" [[Ezekiel 25:15]] or be the subject of scheming among familiars [[Jeremiah 20:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of vengeance and its execution:
* `{{H5358}}` **nâqam**: The primitive root meaning to **avenge or punish**. It is the action behind `{{H5360}}`, as seen when the LORD{H3068} declares He will "take **vengeance**{H5358} for thee{H5360}" [[Jeremiah 51:36]].
* `{{H5359}}` **nâqâm**: The masculine noun for **revenge**. It is used alongside `{{H5360}}` to describe how the Philistines{H6430} acted with both **revenge**{H5360} and **vengeance**{H5359} [[Ezekiel 25:15]].
* `{{H341}}` **ʼôyêb**: This word for **enemy** or **foe** identifies the target of vengeance. The LORD{H3068} is praised for having taken **vengeance**{H5360} on the **enemies**{H341} of His people [[Judges 11:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological concept of `{{H5360}}` is centered on divine justice and sovereignty.
* **Divine Prerogative:** Vengeance ultimately belongs to God. The psalmist proclaims, "O LORD{H3068} God{H410}, to whom **vengeance**{H5360} belongeth" [[Psalms 94:1]]. This establishes that true justice originates from Him, not from human anger.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** God can use His people as agents of His vengeance. For instance, He declares, "I will lay{H5414} my **vengeance**{H5360} upon Edom{H123} by the hand{H3027} of my people{H5971} Israel{H3478}" [[Ezekiel 25:14]]. This demonstrates that human action can be aligned with God's divine purpose of judgment.
* **A Day of Reckoning:** The concept is tied to a specific time of judgment, "the day{H3117} of **vengeance**{H5360}," when the LORD{H3068} will avenge Himself of His adversaries{H6862} [[Jeremiah 46:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5360}}` is a term loaded with theological weight, signifying far more than simple retaliation. It primarily points to the righteous and sovereign judgment of God against wickedness, sin, and the enemies of His people. Whether executed directly by God or through human agents, **nᵉqâmâh** is fundamentally an expression of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's will.
TRV