a primitive root; to bore (penetrate, quarry); dig, pick out, pierce, put (thrust) out.
Transliteration:nâqar
Pronunciation:naw-kar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָקַר (nâqar), Strong's number `{{H5365}}`, is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to bore," "to pierce," or "to dig out." This suggests an action involving forceful penetration, the creation of an opening, or the removal of material from a solid mass. Its semantic range extends to encompass various nuances:
* **Penetration:** To pierce through an object or surface.
* **Excavation:** To dig out or quarry, as from rock or earth.
* **Mutilation:** To gouge out, particularly in the context of eyes, implying a violent and disfiguring act.
* **Extraction:** To pick out or remove something forcefully from its place.
The underlying concept is one of forceful, often aggressive, engagement with a material or body, resulting in an alteration of its integrity or form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָקַר (nâqar) appears a relatively limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are significant and often carry weighty implications:
* **Mutilation and Punishment:** A prominent use is in reference to the gouging out of eyes. In [[Numbers 16:14]], Dathan and Abiram defiantly declare they will not come up to Moses, asking if he intends to "put out the eyes" of the men, implying an attempt to blind them to the truth or oppress them. More starkly, [[1 Samuel 11:2]] records Nahash the Ammonite's demand to "gouge out all your right eyes" as a condition for a treaty with Jabesh-Gilead, a brutal act of humiliation and incapacitation. The historical account of King Zedekiah's capture culminates in the Chaldeans "putting out his eyes" in [[Jeremiah 52:11]], a vivid portrayal of utter defeat and the loss of royal dignity. Similarly, [[Proverbs 30:17]] speaks of the eye that mocks a father being "gouged out by the ravens of the valley," a poetic image of divine retribution. These instances highlight the severity and cruelty associated with this action, often as a consequence of war, rebellion, or divine judgment.
* **Physical Penetration:** The word can describe a more literal piercing. In [[2 Kings 18:21]] (parallel to [[Isaiah 36:6]]), the staff of Egypt is described as a "splintered reed" that, if one leans on it, will "pierce his hand," illustrating its unreliability and potential for harm. [[Job 30:17]] uses the term to describe his bones being "pierced" in the night, conveying intense physical suffering.
* **Excavation/Quarrying:** [[Isaiah 51:1]] uses נָקַר (nâqar) in the context of "looking to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug." Here, it describes the act of extracting stone from its original source, metaphorically referring to Israel's origins from Abraham and Sarah. This usage emphasizes a foundational act of bringing something forth from a raw state.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** Perhaps the most profound occurrence is in [[Zechariah 12:10]], "They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child." This verse is a pivotal messianic prophecy, pointing to a future moment when Israel will recognize and mourn for a figure who has been "pierced." This is widely understood in Christian theology as a direct foretelling of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where His side was pierced by a spear ([[John 19:34-37]]). The context here shifts from an act of judgment or cruelty to one that elicits repentance and profound sorrow.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of נָקַר (nâqar) overlaps with other Hebrew verbs related to piercing, digging, or harming:
* **`{{H1856}}` (dâqar):** This verb also means "to pierce," but often specifically implies piercing with a weapon, leading to a wound or death (e.g., [[Numbers 25:8]], [[Judges 9:54]]). While both can refer to piercing, נָקַר (nâqar) carries a broader sense of boring or gouging out, not exclusively weapon-related.
* **`{{H2490}}` (châlâl):** To pierce, wound, or profane. Often used for those slain in battle.
* **`{{H2658}}` (châphar):** To dig, often for water or shelter (e.g., [[Genesis 26:19]]). This focuses more on the act of excavation for a purpose, rather than the forceful penetration inherent in נָקַר (nâqar).
* **`{{H3738}}` (kârâh):** Also to dig, often for wells or pits (e.g., [[Genesis 26:25]]).
The concept of "putting out eyes" is strongly linked to themes of subjugation, humiliation, and the removal of one's ability to see or act independently. It stands in stark contrast to divine acts of opening eyes (e.g., [[Genesis 21:19]], [[2 Kings 6:17]]) or restoring sight, which symbolize spiritual revelation and healing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָקַר (nâqar) is multifaceted:
* **Consequence of Sin and War:** In its literal application of gouging out eyes, the word serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of human conflict and the severe consequences of disobedience or rebellion, often representing complete defeat and humiliation imposed by conquerors or as divine judgment. It underscores humanity's capacity for extreme cruelty.
* **Divine Foundation and Origin:** The usage in [[Isaiah 51:1]] ("hewn from the rock") speaks to God's foundational role in the existence of His people, Israel. It implies a deliberate, powerful act of creation and selection, bringing forth a nation from humble origins (Abraham and Sarah) through divine initiative.
* **Messianic Suffering and Atonement:** The most profound theological weight of נָקַר (nâqar) rests upon its prophetic use in [[Zechariah 12:10]]. This verse transforms an act of violence into the very means of redemption. The "piercing" of the Messiah becomes the focal point for national repentance and mourning, leading to spiritual cleansing and salvation. This prophecy is central to understanding the atoning work of Christ on the cross, where His physical piercing (by nails and spear) directly correlates with the spiritual piercing of hearts that leads to conversion. It highlights the paradoxical truth that through suffering and apparent defeat, God accomplishes His greatest redemptive purposes. The act of "piercing" the Messiah, though seemingly a human act of rejection, is ultimately part of God's sovereign plan for salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָקַר (nâqar), Strong's number `{{H5365}}`, denotes a forceful action of piercing, boring, or digging out. Its biblical occurrences reveal a semantic range from literal physical penetration and excavation to brutal acts of mutilation, particularly the gouging out of eyes, symbolizing subjugation and loss. Theologically, נָקַר (nâqar) illuminates the harsh realities of human cruelty and divine judgment. Most significantly, in [[Zechariah 12:10]], it carries profound messianic weight, prophesying the "piercing" of the Messiah, a prophecy fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This pivotal verse transforms a word often associated with violence and disfigurement into a profound symbol of redemptive suffering, prompting repentance and sorrow among those who recognize the one "pierced." It also underscores God's foundational role in Israel's origins, as being "hewn from the rock."
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