(Aramaic) corresponding to נָקַשׁ; used in the sense of נָקַף; to knock; smote.
Transliteration:nᵉqash
Pronunciation:nek-ash'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H5368 (נְקַשׁ, *nᵉqash*) carries the fundamental meaning of "to knock" or "to strike." It is recognized as an Aramaic cognate to the Hebrew `{{H5367}}` (נָקַשׁ, *naqash*), which also denotes striking, knocking, or clapping, and `{{H5365}}` (נָקַף, *naqaf*), meaning "to strike," "beat," or "demolish." The core semantic range thus involves a forceful physical impact or collision. While the Hebrew cognates can imply various forms of striking (e.g., clapping hands, striking a snare), the Aramaic form, in its singular biblical occurrence, emphasizes a repetitive, involuntary striking motion, specifically of body parts against each other.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H5368 appears only once in the biblical text, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 5:6]]: "Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees **smote** one against another."
This solitary occurrence vividly describes Belshazzar's profound terror upon seeing the mysterious handwriting on the wall. The phrase "his knees smote one against another" (אַרְכֻבָּתֵהּ דָּא בְדָא נָקְשָׁן, *’arkubbateh da bida naqshan*) portrays an uncontrollable, involuntary trembling. The verb nᵉqash here signifies not a deliberate action, but a reflexive, violent knocking or clattering of the knees, a classic physical manifestation of extreme fear and distress. The immediate context is one of divine judgment and impending doom, where Belshazzar's revelry is abruptly interrupted by a supernatural sign, leading to his overwhelming dread. The physical collapse and uncontrollable shaking underscore the psychological and spiritual impact of the divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, H5368 is closely related to the Hebrew `{{H5367}}` (נָקַשׁ, *naqash*), which can mean "to knock" (as in knocking on a door), "to strike," or "to clap" (as in clapping hands in joy or derision). It is also semantically linked to `{{H5365}}` (נָקַף, *naqaf*), meaning "to strike" or "to beat," often with destructive connotations (e.g., striking down an enemy, felling trees). These words collectively form a semantic field centered on the concept of forceful contact or impact. In the context of H5368, the "knocking" is an internal, involuntary action, differentiating it from an external, deliberate strike. The concept of "trembling" or "shaking" is a broader related concept, often associated in biblical literature with fear, weakness, or the presence of the divine (e.g., earthquakes, mountains trembling before God).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H5368 in [[Daniel 5:6]] carries significant theological weight. Belshazzar's "knocking knees" serve as a visceral, physical manifestation of profound spiritual terror in the face of divine judgment. This is not merely human fear of the unknown, but the terror of a king who has defiantly desecrated sacred vessels and challenged the God of heaven. His physical collapse symbolizes the crumbling of his earthly power and self-assurance before the omnipotent God. The involuntary nature of the "smoting" knees highlights the utter helplessness and lack of control that unregenerate humanity experiences when confronted directly by the holy and just God. It underscores the biblical theme that the wicked "flee when no one pursues" ([[Proverbs 28:1]]) and that true fear (reverential awe or terror) is a proper response to God's unveiled power and righteousness. This scene serves as a powerful warning against pride and defiance toward the Almighty.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H5368 (נְקַשׁ, *nᵉqash*) signifies "to knock" or "to strike," closely aligning with its Hebrew cognates `{{H5367}}` and `{{H5365}}`. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 5:6]] powerfully depicts Belshazzar's knees "smoting" one against another, illustrating his overwhelming terror and physical breakdown in the face of divine judgment. This specific usage highlights the involuntary and visceral nature of extreme fear, serving as a potent theological symbol of the utter helplessness and dread experienced by those who defy God when confronted by His sovereign power and impending judgment. The word, though rare, thus contributes significantly to the dramatic and theological impact of the narrative.
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