### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nesheph**, represented by `{{H5399}}`, refers to the transitional periods of dusk and dawn. Its base definition is "properly, a breeze, i.e. (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails); dark, dawning of the day (morning), night, twilight." It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible, often marking a time of significant action or metaphorical weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5399}}` denotes a time of both opportunity and peril. It is the time when the adulterer `{{H5003}}` waits, disguising his face `{{H6440}}` in the hope that no eye `{{H5869}}` will see him [[Job 24:15]]. It is also the "black `{{H380}}` and dark `{{H653}}` night `{{H3915}}`" when a trap is set for the unsuspecting [[Proverbs 7:9]]. Prophetically, it symbolizes a time of judgment, where feet `{{H7272}}` stumble `{{H5062}}` on dark `{{H5399}}` mountains `{{H2022}}` and light `{{H216}}` turns into the shadow of death `{{H6757}}` [[Jeremiah 13:16]]. Conversely, it can be a moment of decisive action, as when David `{{H1732}}` smote `{{H5221}}` his enemies from the twilight `{{H5399}}` until the evening `{{H6153}}` [[1 Samuel 30:17]] or when the Syrian army fled `{{H5127}}` in the twilight `{{H5399}}`, leaving their camp `{{H4264}}` behind [[2 Kings 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of `{{H5399}}`:
* `{{H1242}}` **bôqer** (morning): As the opposite of the darkness associated with `{{H5399}}`, **bôqer** signifies the arrival of light and joy. It is used to describe the time when weeping ends and joy `{{H7440}}` comes [[Psalms 30:5]].
* `{{H6153}}` **ʻereb** (dusk): This word is often used in parallel with `{{H5399}}` to specify the time of evening. For example, a scene is set "in the twilight `{{H5399}}`, in the evening `{{H6153}}`" to describe the progression into deep night [[Proverbs 7:9]].
* `{{H6757}}` **tsalmâveth** (shadow of death): This term highlights the figurative danger associated with the darkness of `{{H5399}}`. In a prophecy of judgment, light `{{H216}}` that is looked for is turned into the **shadow of death** [[Jeremiah 13:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5399}}` is evident in its symbolic usage.
* **A Time for Secrecy and Sin:** The twilight is often depicted as a cover for immoral deeds. The adulterer waits for this time [[Job 24:15]], and those who follow `{{H7291}}` strong drink `{{H7941}}` continue `{{H309}}` their revelry until night `{{H5399}}` [[Isaiah 5:11]].
* **A Metaphor for Judgment and Confusion:** The darkness of `{{H5399}}` is used to illustrate spiritual blindness and calamity. Israel is warned of stumbling on "dark mountains" [[Jeremiah 13:16]], and in their sin, they "stumble `{{H3782}}` at noonday `{{H6672}}` as in the night `{{H5399}}`" [[Isaiah 59:10]].
* **A Pivotal Moment of Transition:** `{{H5399}}` also marks the edge of darkness before the light. The Psalmist rises before "the dawning of the morning `{{H5399}}`" to cry out and hope `{{H3176}}` in God's word `{{H1697}}` [[Psalms 119:147]]. In Job's despair, he longs for the tossings to and fro `{{H5076}}` to end at "the dawning of the day `{{H5399}}`" [[Job 7:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5399}}` is a multifaceted term that captures the essence of twilight and dawn. It is not merely a marker of time but a symbol rich with meaning. It can represent the gloom of moral compromise and divine judgment, a time when evil is hidden and people stumble in darkness. However, it also represents a critical turning point, a time of decisive battles and the moment just before hope and light break forth. It illustrates the tension between darkness and the dawning of a new day.
TRV