a primitive root; to tear down; beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down.
Transliteration:nâthats
Pronunciation:naw-thats'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to tear down," "to pull down," or "to demolish." Its semantic range extends to encompass a forceful and deliberate act of destruction. It implies not merely a passive collapse or decay, but an active, often violent, dismantling. The various English translations such as "beat down," "break down," "cast down," "destroy," "overthrow," and "throw down" highlight this forceful and decisive nature. While primarily referring to the physical destruction of structures like walls, altars, or houses, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the overthrow of nations, power structures, or even the dismantling of an individual's pride or status. The emphasis is on the complete and intentional undoing of something that has been built or established.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts of divine command, judgment, or warfare.
1. **Destruction of Idolatry:** One of the most prominent uses of נָתַץ is in the context of eradicating pagan worship. God repeatedly commands His people to "tear down" the altars, sacred pillars (מַצֵּבָה, matstsebah, `{{H4676}}`), and Asherah poles (אֲשֵׁרָה, Asherah, `{{H842}}`). This is seen in passages like [[Exodus 34:13]], where Israel is commanded to "tear down their altars." Similarly, [[Judges 6:25]] recounts Gideon being commanded to "tear down the altar of Baal." Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah are praised for their zeal in tearing down high places and idolatrous objects, as in [[2 Kings 18:4]] and [[2 Kings 23:7-8]]. This usage underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and His absolute opposition to syncretism.
2. **Demolition in Warfare and Judgment:** The verb is also employed to describe the physical destruction of cities, walls, and fortifications during conquest or as an act of divine judgment. For instance, [[Joshua 6:20]] describes the walls of Jericho being "torn down." In prophetic literature, נָתַץ is used to depict God's judgment upon nations, signifying the complete overthrow of their power and structures. [[Jeremiah 1:10]] is a classic example, where the prophet is appointed "to pluck up and to tear down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" (often paired with `{{H5193}}` and `{{H1129}}`). This highlights God's sovereign power over nations, to establish and to dismantle. Other examples include [[Jeremiah 24:6]] and [[Ezekiel 26:12]], where God promises to tear down structures as part of His judgment.
3. **Metaphorical Overthrow:** While less frequent than its literal use, נָתַץ can also convey a metaphorical sense of overthrowing or breaking down. For example, [[Proverbs 15:25]] states, "The Lord tears down the house of the proud," illustrating the humbling of the arrogant. This demonstrates that the concept extends beyond physical demolition to the dismantling of human pride and self-sufficiency.
### Related Words & Concepts
נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`) is often found in semantic clusters with other verbs of destruction and is contrasted with verbs of building and establishing.
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms:**
* `{{H2040}}` (haras): "to break down," "to overthrow," often used interchangeably with נָתַץ, particularly for walls or buildings.
* `{{H6555}}` (parats): "to break through," "to burst open," which can imply a forceful breaking down.
* `{{H5428}}` (nathash): "to pluck up," "to uproot," frequently used for plants or for uprooting people/nations from their land, sharing the theme of removal or destruction.
* `{{H7703}}` (shadad): "to destroy," "to devastate," often used in the context of plundering and laying waste.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:**
* `{{H1129}}` (banah): "to build," "to establish." This is the direct opposite of tearing down and is frequently paired with נָתַץ in prophetic declarations, emphasizing God's dual power to destroy and to create.
* `{{H5193}}` (nata): "to plant," "to establish." Often paired with נָתַץ, particularly in Jeremiah 1:10, illustrating God's work of both uprooting and establishing.
The pairing of נָתַץ with verbs of building and planting (as in Jeremiah 1:10) creates a powerful rhetorical device, underscoring the comprehensive scope of God's sovereign activity in history, encompassing both judgment and restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`) is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The frequent use of נָתַץ in the context of God's actions highlights His absolute sovereignty. God is portrayed as the ultimate demolisher, capable of tearing down nations, kingdoms, and human structures that defy His will. This is a powerful expression of divine judgment, demonstrating that no human edifice or power can ultimately withstand His decree. The destruction is often a consequence of disobedience, idolatry, or injustice.
2. **Purity of Worship:** The command to "tear down" idolatrous altars and images is central to biblical theology. It underscores God's demand for exclusive worship and His intolerance of rivals. This act of demolition is not merely physical but symbolic, representing the spiritual dismantling of false gods and the purification of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It signifies the removal of anything that hinders true worship and faithfulness.
3. **Prophetic Authority and Message:** Prophets, like Jeremiah, are divinely commissioned with the authority to "tear down" (Jeremiah 1:10). This means their message carries the weight of God's judgment, announcing the demolition of societal structures, false beliefs, and unrighteous kingdoms. However, this tearing down is often a necessary precursor to rebuilding and planting, signifying that divine judgment, while severe, often serves a redemptive purpose, clearing the ground for new beginnings and the establishment of God's righteous order.
4. **Humbling the Proud:** The metaphorical use of נָתַץ, such as tearing down the house of the proud, emphasizes God's opposition to human arrogance and self-sufficiency. It illustrates that God will dismantle anything that exalts itself against Him, bringing low those who are haughty and proud.
### Summary
נָתַץ (nâthats, `{{H5422}}`) is a potent Hebrew verb signifying a forceful and deliberate act of "tearing down" or "demolishing." Its primary applications in the Hebrew Bible include the physical destruction of idolatrous altars and objects, a divine command reflecting God's demand for exclusive worship. It is also extensively used to describe the demolition of city walls and structures in warfare, or as an act of divine judgment against nations and their pride. Theologically, נָתַץ powerfully conveys God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge, capable of dismantling any human or spiritual structure that opposes His will. While often associated with destruction and judgment, its pairing with verbs like "to build" and "to plant" (`{{H1129}}`, `{{H5193}}`) in prophetic contexts highlights a deeper redemptive purpose, where tearing down can clear the way for new creation, purification, and the establishment of God's righteous purposes.
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