### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâthaʻ**, represented by `{{H5421}}`, means **to tear out; break**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a potent image of rendering something powerful completely ineffective.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5421}}` is in [[Job 4:10]], where Eliphaz describes the fate of the mighty. The verse states, "The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are **broken**." In this context, **nâthaʻ** is used to illustrate the shattering of the very instruments of a lion's power—its teeth. This act of breaking signifies the complete neutralization of a threat, showing that even the most formidable creatures can be rendered helpless.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verse where `{{H5421}}` appears is rich with terms describing power and ferocity, which help to contextualize its meaning:
* `{{H7581}}` **shᵉʼâgâh** (a rumbling or moan; roaring): This word captures the fearsome sound of a lion. This same term is used to describe the cry of the afflicted in [[Psalms 22:1]] and the sound of God's judgment carried out by lions in [[Zechariah 11:3]].
* `{{H738}}` **ʼărîy** (a lion): A general term for a lion, often used to symbolize a dangerous enemy or a destroyer. In [[Jeremiah 4:7]], a lion represents a destroyer of nations, while in [[1 Samuel 17:37]], David recalls being delivered from the paw of a lion.
* `{{H7826}}` **shachal** ((fierce) lion): This specifies a particularly fierce and bold lion. God compares his judgment to a **shachal** in [[Hosea 5:14]], and Job describes being hunted by God as by a **fierce lion** [[Job 10:16]].
* `{{H3715}}` **kᵉphîyr** ((young) lion, village): This word denotes a young, strong lion at the peak of its power. While the righteous are said to be as bold as a **kᵉphîyr** [[Proverbs 28:1]], these creatures are also subject to God's ultimate authority, as seen when the sword devours them in [[Nahum 2:13]].
* `{{H8127}}` **shên** (a tooth (as sharp);... a cliff... sharp, tooth): This represents a weapon or instrument of power. The teeth of the wicked are described as swords and knives [[Proverbs 30:14]], and the psalmist celebrates God for having broken the **teeth** of the ungodly [[Psalms 3:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5421}}` is derived entirely from its powerful context in Job.
* **The Neutralization of Worldly Power:** The primary theme is the breaking of what makes a predator dangerous. The breaking of lions' teeth is a vivid metaphor for how God can disarm any earthly power or threat, no matter how fierce it may seem [[Job 4:10]].
* **Divine Sovereignty over Strength:** The act of being "broken" illustrates that all strength is subordinate to a higher power. While lions are symbols of strength and ferocity [[Hosea 13:7]], their very tools of destruction can be shattered. This echoes the sentiment in [[Psalms 3:7]], where God breaks the teeth of his enemies.
* **The Fragility of the Fierce:** The use of **nâthaʻ** within a list of powerful lions—the lion `{{H738}}`, the fierce lion `{{H7826}}`, and the young lions `{{H3715}}`—emphasizes that no amount of natural prowess or aggression is permanent or absolute.
### Summary
In summary, while the word **nâthaʻ** `{{H5421}}` is used only once, its meaning, "to break," is amplified by its context. It appears in [[Job 4:10]] to paint a stark picture of ultimate powerlessness. By describing the breaking of a lion's teeth, it serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the principle that all earthly strength and ferocity are fragile and ultimately subject to being broken and neutralized by a sovereign God.
TRV