### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָתַע (nâthaʻ, `{{H5421}}`) is a rare form, serving as a variant or less common spelling of the more frequently occurring נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`). Consequently, its core meaning and semantic range are derived directly from the primary form, `{{H5422}}`. The fundamental sense of נָתַע/נָתַץ is to "pull down," "break down," "tear down," or "overthrow." It denotes a forceful, often violent, action of demolition or destruction. The semantic range extends from the physical dismantling of structures (e.g., walls, altars, houses) to the metaphorical overthrow of nations, power, or even abstract concepts. It implies a complete and decisive act of bringing something to ruin, often with an emphasis on the removal of its very foundations or existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific form נָתַע (nâthaʻ, `{{H5421}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text:
* **[[Ezekiel 31:12]]**: "And strangers, the most terrible of the nations, have cut him down and left him. On the mountains and in all the valleys his branches have fallen, and his boughs lie broken by all the watercourses of the land, and all the peoples of the earth have gone away from his shade and left him."
In this solitary occurrence, the verb נָתַע is used to describe the action of "strangers, the most terrible of the nations," who "cut down" or "tear out" the great cedar, a metaphor for Assyria or Egypt. The context is a vivid prophetic oracle detailing the downfall of a powerful nation, likened to a majestic tree that is violently felled. The verb here signifies the decisive and destructive act of felling the tree, leading to its complete ruin and the scattering of its parts. This aligns perfectly with the core meaning of forceful demolition, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction wrought by the invading nations, acting as instruments of divine judgment. The imagery conveys not merely a trimming but a tearing out or breaking down of the very structure, indicating the end of its power and influence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`), which is the primary form from which נָתַע (nâthaʻ, `{{H5421}}`) derives its meaning. Both verbs convey the forceful act of tearing down or destroying.
Other related Hebrew words that share a semantic field of destruction, overthrow, or demolition include:
* `{{H2040}}` (haras): To tear down, destroy, overthrow. Often used for the demolition of buildings or cities.
* `{{H6555}}` (parats): To break through, burst forth, or break down. Can imply a destructive breach.
* `{{H5428}}` (nâsaḥ): To pull up, pluck up, or root out. Frequently used for uprooting plants, but also for nations or people from their land.
* `{{H7843}}` (shâḥath): To corrupt, spoil, ruin, destroy. A broader term for bringing something to a state of ruin.
Conceptually, נָתַע is linked to themes of divine judgment, the dismantling of human pride and power, the removal of idolatry, and the sovereign ability of God to establish and to overthrow.
### Theological Significance
Though occurring only once, the theological significance of נָתַע (nâthaʻ, `{{H5421}}`) is profound, especially when understood through its connection to `{{H5422}}` (nâthats). This verb often describes God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and the lives of individuals.
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**: In [[Ezekiel 31:12]], the tearing down of the mighty cedar signifies God's sovereign judgment against proud nations. It underscores the biblical truth that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately withstand God's decree. God uses other nations as instruments to "tear out" or "break down" those who defy Him, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and human kingdoms.
2. **Dismantling of Obstacles**: Beyond judgment, the concept of "tearing down" is often associated with the removal of spiritual or physical obstacles to God's purposes. This can include the destruction of idolatrous altars and images (e.g., [[Judges 6:25]], [[2 Kings 11:18]]) or the overthrow of oppressive structures.
3. **God as the Great Builder and Destroyer**: The theological significance is further enriched by the broader biblical motif, famously articulated in [[Jeremiah 1:10]], where God commissions His prophet "to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." This dual capacity highlights God's absolute authority to establish and to dismantle, to create and to bring to ruin, according to His righteous will. The act of "tearing out" or "breaking down" is therefore not merely destructive but often preparatory for new creation or a new order.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָתַע (nâthaʻ, `{{H5421}}`) is a rare variant of נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`), carrying the core meaning of to "tear out," "break down," or "overthrow" with forceful action. Its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 31:12]] vividly portrays the decisive destruction of a powerful nation, likened to a majestic tree violently felled. Theologically, this word underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His role in executing judgment against human pride and wickedness, dismantling oppressive powers, and clearing the way for His divine purposes. It speaks to the ultimate fragility of earthly kingdoms before the might of the Almighty, who possesses the power to both build up and tear down.
TRV