or (feminine) נְתִיבָה; or נְתִבָה; (Jeremiah 6:16), from an unused root meaning to tramp; a (beaten) track; path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way.
Transliteration:nâthîyb
Pronunciation:naw-theeb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma nâthîyb (`{{H5410}}`), along with its feminine forms nᵉthîybâh and nᵉthibâh (as seen in [[Jeremiah 6:16]]), derives from an unused verbal root that conveys the sense of "to tramp" or "to tread." This etymological root implies repeated motion, leading to the primary meaning of a "beaten track" or a "well-worn path." Semantically, nâthîyb denotes a defined physical route, a road, or a course established through regular use. Beyond its literal sense, the word extends metaphorically to describe a "way" of life, a moral course, or an established custom. It consistently carries the nuance of a specific, often enduring, route or manner of conduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
nâthîyb (`{{H5410}}`) appears approximately 15 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Job) and prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah).
In the Psalms, nâthîyb often describes the paths of divine righteousness or the moral course humans are exhorted to follow. [[Psalm 23:3]] famously states that the Lord "leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Similarly, [[Psalm 142:3]] uses nâthîyb to express the psalmist's distress when his "path is hidden," signifying a loss of direction or hope.
Proverbs frequently employs nâthîyb to highlight the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. [[Proverbs 4:18]] portrays the "path of the righteous" as shining ever brighter, while [[Proverbs 4:19]] depicts the "way of the wicked" as darkness. [[Proverbs 2:15]] warns against those whose "paths are crooked," emphasizing moral deviation.
In prophetic contexts, [[Isaiah 43:16]] speaks of God making a "path through the mighty waters," illustrating His miraculous power to create a way where none exists. A particularly significant usage is found in [[Jeremiah 6:16]], where the people are urged to "stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it." This exhortation calls for a return to established, righteous traditions.
Job also utilizes nâthîyb to speak of the inscrutable "paths" of God's wisdom ([[Job 24:13]]) and the difficult "paths" of human suffering ([[Job 19:8]]). Across these varied contexts, nâthîyb consistently conveys the idea of a defined, often well-trodden, course of action or movement, whether literal or figurative.
### Related Words & Concepts
nâthîyb (`{{H5410}}`) exists within a semantic field of Hebrew words related to "way" or "road," each with distinct nuances.
The most common term, derek (`{{H1870}}`), is a broader word for "way," "road," or "journey," and can also refer to a manner of life. While nâthîyb emphasizes a beaten track, derek is more general.
'ōrach (`{{H734}}`), often translated as "path" or "way," is very close in meaning to nâthîyb and frequently appears in parallel constructions in poetic texts, both denoting a specific route or course.
mᵉsillâh (`{{H4546}}`), meaning "highway" or "raised road," suggests a more substantial, constructed thoroughfare, often with a specific, elevated purpose (e.g., for armies or pilgrims).
The concept of "walking" (hâlak `{{H1980}}`) is intrinsically linked to nâthîyb, as one walks *on* a path. This connection reinforces the idea of a life lived according to a certain course or direction. The feminine forms nᵉthîybâh and nᵉthibâh are grammatical variations often used for poetic parallelism, without significant semantic divergence from nâthîyb itself.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nâthîyb (`{{H5410}}`) is profound, primarily due to its pervasive metaphorical use to describe moral and spiritual conduct. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the *course* of one's life in relation to God's will and divine wisdom.
The "paths of righteousness" ([[Psalm 23:3]], [[Proverbs 8:20]]) are those aligned with God's commands and wisdom, leading to life, prosperity, and blessing. To walk in these paths signifies obedience, faithfulness, and adherence to divine principles.
Conversely, the "paths of the wicked" ([[Proverbs 4:19]]) are those that lead to destruction, characterized by moral darkness, deceit, and rebellion against God. The metaphor underscores the critical importance of *discernment* – the ability to choose the right path amidst competing options.
The exhortation in [[Jeremiah 6:16]] to "ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it" is a theological call for a return to foundational, enduring truths and established righteous traditions, emphasizing the timeless nature of God's moral order.
Furthermore, God is frequently depicted as the one who *makes* or *reveals* paths ([[Isaiah 43:16]]), guiding His people and providing a way even in seemingly impossible circumstances. This highlights divine sovereignty, providential care, and the Lord as the ultimate source of direction. The "path" metaphor also conveys the idea of life as a journey or pilgrimage, where one's progression along a chosen course carries eternal implications.
### Summary
nâthîyb (`{{H5410}}`) denotes a "beaten track" or "path," stemming from a root meaning "to tramp." While it can refer to a literal physical route, its profound significance in the Hebrew Bible lies in its frequent metaphorical application to the moral and spiritual course of human life. Predominantly found in wisdom literature and prophetic texts, it serves to contrast the "paths of righteousness"—which align with divine wisdom and lead to life—with the "paths of the wicked," which lead to destruction. The term emphasizes the established nature of a way, whether physical or ethical, and underscores the biblical imperative to discern and walk in God's ancient, good paths, trusting in His divine guidance and provision. It is closely related to other Hebrew terms for "way" but carries the specific nuance of a well-trodden, defined course of action or life.
TRV