a primitive root; to dismember; cut (in pieces), divide, hew in pieces.
Transliteration:nâthach
Pronunciation:naw-thakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5408}}` (nâthach) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the act of "dismembering" or "cutting into pieces." Its semantic range is quite focused, primarily describing the separation of a whole entity into distinct, often numerous, parts. This action implies a deliberate and often forceful division, reducing a unified object or body into its constituent components. While the base definition suggests a violent or complete severance, the biblical usage demonstrates its application in contexts ranging from precise ritualistic preparation to horrific acts of violence, always retaining the sense of methodical or complete fragmentation. The emphasis is on the *process* of breaking down a whole into smaller, individual pieces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5408}}` appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, with its usage falling into two distinct and highly contrasting categories:
1. **Ritual Preparation of Sacrifices:** The overwhelming majority of occurrences of `{{H5408}}` are found within the book of Leviticus, specifically in the detailed instructions for preparing animal sacrifices.
* [[Leviticus 1:6]]: In the regulations for the burnt offering ('olah), the worshiper is instructed to "flay the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces." This action is part of the prescribed ritual, ensuring the animal is properly prepared for combustion on the altar.
* [[Leviticus 1:12]]: For a burnt offering of a bird, the priest "shall cut it with its wings, but shall not sever it completely." This nuanced instruction indicates a precise, partial division, highlighting the meticulous nature of cultic procedures.
* [[Leviticus 1:13]]: This verse reiterates the cutting of the bird for the burnt offering, reinforcing the consistent application of the verb.
* [[Leviticus 8:20]]: During the ordination of Aaron and his sons, Moses performs the ritual, "And he cut the ram into its pieces," demonstrating the verb's use in the solemn context of priestly consecration.
* [[Leviticus 9:13]]: Again, in the context of Aaron's first offerings, the command is given to "cut them into pieces" for the burnt offering.
In these contexts, `{{H5408}}` denotes a controlled, orderly, and necessary action, part of a sacred liturgy designed to facilitate worship and atonement. The cutting is not destructive but preparatory, making the offering suitable for presentation to Yahweh.
2. **Brutal Dismemberment of a Human Body:** A singular, profoundly disturbing instance of `{{H5408}}` occurs in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 19:29]]: Following the horrific rape and death of his concubine, the Levite "took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her into twelve pieces, limb by limb, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel." This is a stark and shocking application of the verb, describing an act of extreme violence and desecration. The dismemberment serves as a gruesome visual message, an appeal for justice and outrage against the moral depravity of the age.
The stark contrast between the ritualistic, precise cutting of sacrifices and the horrific, violent dismemberment of a human body underscores the semantic breadth and powerful impact of `{{H5408}}`, capable of describing both sacred order and utter chaos.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H5408}}` specifically denotes the act of dismembering or cutting into pieces, particularly in the context of a body, other Hebrew verbs convey related concepts of cutting or dividing, each with its own nuance:
* `{{H1234}}` (bâqa‘): "to cleave," "to split open," often used for splitting wood, rocks, or the earth. It implies a forceful rupture but not necessarily a methodical reduction into multiple, distinct pieces like `{{H5408}}`.
* `{{H3772}}` (kârat): "to cut off," "to cut down," frequently used in the context of making covenants (e.g., "cutting a covenant") or for destruction, such as cutting off a people. This term emphasizes severance or termination.
* `{{H6468}}` (pâlach): "to split," "to cleave," often referring to splitting wood or dividing land, similar to `{{H1234}}`.
* `{{H1416}}` (gâzar): "to cut," "to divide," "to determine," often implying separation or a decisive decree.
What distinguishes `{{H5408}}` from these other terms is its particular focus on the *systematic reduction* of a whole body (animal or human) into *multiple, distinct parts* or "pieces." It is the precise verb for the methodical division of a carcass, whether for sacred offering or as a grotesque act of communication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5408}}` is profound and dual-faceted, reflecting its contrasting biblical usages:
1. **Holiness and Order in Worship:** In the context of the sacrificial system (Leviticus), the use of `{{H5408}}` underscores the meticulousness and precision required in approaching a holy God. The act of "cutting into pieces" was not an arbitrary or crude action but a divinely prescribed step in the preparation of an offering. This speaks to God's demand for order, obedience, and reverence in worship. Every detail, including the dismemberment and arrangement of the pieces on the altar, was part of a sacred liturgy designed to facilitate atonement and communion. It symbolizes the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God, presented in a divinely acceptable manner. This highlights the theological principle that approaching God requires adherence to His revealed will and a recognition of His absolute holiness.
2. **The Depths of Human Depravity and the Need for Justice:** The singular, horrific use of `{{H5408}}` in [[Judges 19:29]] provides a stark theological counterpoint. While the Levitical usage points to divine order and the means of reconciliation, the Judges passage graphically illustrates the utter breakdown of that order in human society. The dismemberment of the concubine is an act of extreme violence and desecration, serving as a visceral indictment of the moral collapse during a period when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([[Judges 17:6]], [[Judges 21:25]]). The verb here conveys the profound horror and the desperate need for divine intervention and righteous leadership to restore justice and order. It implicitly points to the terrifying consequences when humanity abandons God's laws, leading to such grotesque acts of violence and injustice that cry out for divine judgment and restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5408}}` (nâthach) carries the core meaning of "to dismember" or "to cut into pieces." Its biblical usage presents a striking dichotomy. Primarily, it describes the precise and methodical cutting of sacrificial animals into specific parts for burnt offerings, as detailed in Leviticus (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:6]], [[Leviticus 8:20]]). In this context, `{{H5408}}` signifies a ritualistic act performed with care and obedience to divine command, emphasizing the order, holiness, and meticulousness required in approaching God through the sacrificial system. Theologically, this usage underscores God's demand for proper worship and the structured path to atonement.
In profound contrast, the single occurrence of `{{H5408}}` outside of sacrificial contexts, in [[Judges 19:29]], depicts the brutal dismemberment of the Levite's concubine. This horrifying act serves as a graphic illustration of the profound moral decay and violence prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges, highlighting the consequences of societal breakdown when divine law is abandoned. Thus, `{{H5408}}` possesses a powerful dual semantic range: it can signify a sacred, ordered act of preparation for divine worship, or a grotesque, violent act of human depravity. Its limited but impactful usage illuminates critical themes of ritual purity, atonement, and the terrifying depths of human wickedness.
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