### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâqar**, represented by `{{H5365}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **bore**, **penetrate**, **quarry**, **dig**, **pick out**, **pierce**, or **put (thrust) out**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, typically describing a forceful and often violent action of removal or penetration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5365}}` most frequently describes the act of blinding as a form of brutal punishment or humiliation. This is seen when the Philistines **put out** Samson's eyes [[Judges 16:21]] and when Nahash the Ammonite threatens to **thrust out** the right eyes of the Israelites as a condition for a covenant [[1 Samuel 11:2]]. The word is also used to describe a grim consequence for disrespect, as in the proverb where the ravens of the valley **pick out** the eye that mocks a father [[Proverbs 30:17]]. Metaphorically, it conveys deep physical suffering, as when Job laments that his bones are **pierced** in him [[Job 30:17]], and it can also signify origin, as when Isaiah tells Israel to look to the pit from which they were **digged** [[Isaiah 51:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are contextually linked to `{{H5365}}` and its applications:
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye): This word is the most common object of the action of `nâqar`. It is the **eye** that is put out, thrust out, or picked out in the narratives of judgment and conflict ([[Judges 16:21]], [[1 Samuel 11:2]]).
* `{{H2672}}` **châtsab** (to hew): This word is used in parallel with `nâqar` to describe the origins of Israel, who were **hewn** from a rock just as they were **digged** from a pit, creating a powerful image of their foundation [[Isaiah 51:1]].
* `{{H3932}}` **lâʻag** (to deride, mock): In Proverbs, the act of **mocking** a father is the cause for the gruesome punishment of having the eye picked out by ravens, directly linking the sin to its consequence [[Proverbs 30:17]].
* `{{H6158}}` **ʻôrêb** (a raven): This bird serves as the agent of judgment in Proverbs, as it is the **ravens** who are prophesied to **pick out** the eye of a disobedient child [[Proverbs 30:17]].
* `{{H936}}` **bûwz** (to disrespect, despise): Used alongside `lâʻag`, this term describes the attitude of contempt toward parents that warrants the severe penalty associated with `nâqar` [[Proverbs 30:17]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H5365}}` is centered on concepts of judgment, suffering, and origin.
* **Violent Judgment:** The most prominent theme is severe, physical retribution. Blinding was a method of utter humiliation and incapacitation, and `nâqar` is the verb used to describe this specific, horrific act against enemies or as a consequence for grave sin ([[Judges 16:21]], [[1 Samuel 11:2]]).
* **Consequence of Disrespect:** The use in Proverbs establishes a clear moral line, where mocking and despising parents leads to a graphic and deserved punishment, carried out by nature itself [[Proverbs 30:17]].
* **Deep Personal Suffering:** Job’s use of the word to describe his bones being **pierced** elevates its meaning from an external act to an internal, relentless agony, illustrating the depth of his suffering [[Job 30:17]].
* **Foundational Identity:** In contrast to its violent uses, Isaiah employs `nâqar` to ground the identity of Israel in a metaphor of creation, being **digged** from a source, emphasizing their unique origin in God's plan [[Isaiah 51:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5365}}` **nâqar** is a potent and visceral word. While it appears infrequently, its usage is impactful, primarily conveying the brutal act of gouging or piercing as a form of judgment or an expression of intense pain. Its use in Isaiah provides a striking contrast, transforming an action of destruction into a metaphor for creation and origin. This demonstrates how a single Hebrew root can carry themes of both severe consequence and foundational identity.
TRV