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.
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.
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.
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.
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