The Hebrew word nᵉqârâh, represented by H5366, refers to a fissure or cleft. It is derived from a root word meaning to bore, penetrate, or quarry. This term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, consistently describing a fissure within a rock.
In its biblical usage, H5366 describes a place of hiding or divine protection. In Exodus, God places Moses in a clift H5366 of the rock to shield him from the full force of His passing glory Exodus 33:22. In contrast, the prophet Isaiah describes people fleeing into the clefts H5366 of the rocks out of terror at the majesty of the LORD when He arises to judge the earth Isaiah 2:21.
Several related words help to form the geological and theological landscape in which H5366 is found:
- H6697 tsûwr (a cliff, rock, boulder; figuratively, a refuge): This word often describes the larger rock formation in which the cleft is found. It is frequently used as a title for God, identifying Him as a source of strength and refuge Deuteronomy 32:4.
- H5553 çelaʻ (a craggy rock, stone, strong hold): Often used to describe a rugged or lofty rock, this term appears alongside H5366 in Isaiah to describe the "ragged rocks" where people hide Isaiah 2:21. It can also signify a place of stability and deliverance Psalms 40:2.
- H5585 çâʻîyph (a fissure (of rocks); also a bough): This word, translated as "tops" in Isaiah 2:21, is nearly synonymous with H5366 and reinforces the image of people seeking shelter in the highest and most remote crevices of the mountains.
The theological significance of H5366 is centered on the theme of refuge in the midst of overwhelming divine power.
- Divinely Appointed Shelter: The clift is not merely a natural formation but a place designated by God to protect humanity from an otherwise unbearable encounter with His pure glory H3519, as seen in the account of Moses Exodus 33:22.
- A Hiding Place from Judgment: The same location serves as a desperate refuge for those fleeing God's terrifying majesty. This highlights a dual reality: the presence of God can be a source of protection for the righteous and a source of terror for others Isaiah 2:21.
- Refuge in the Rock: The concept of a cleft within a rock H6697 is powerful, as the rock itself is a frequent biblical metaphor for God's strength and stability 1 Samuel 2:2. The clift therefore represents a place of intimate safety found within the very character of God.
In summary, while H5366 is a rare word, it carries significant weight. As a cleft or fissure, it represents a place of refuge within the unshakeable mass of a rock. Biblically, it is used to illustrate a profound truth about God's presence: it is a place of both intimate protection for those He shelters and a source of fear from which others must hide, underscoring the importance of one's relationship to the "Rock of our salvation" Psalms 95:1.
TRV