נָעַר
to growl
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָעַר (nâʻar) means 'to growl,' specifically describing the fierce, threatening sound made by a lion. In its single biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 51:38, it depicts the roaring of the Babylonian warriors, who are metaphorically compared to young lions. The word conveys a sense of aggressive, intimidating vocalization associated with predatory animals, particularly in a context of impending violence or judgment. This imagery is used to portray the fearsome nature of Babylon before its own downfall.
Biblical Usage
נָעַר is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 51:38. It appears in a prophetic oracle of judgment against Babylon. The context is metaphorical: the prophet declares that the people of Babylon 'shall roar together like lions; they shall growl (יִנְעֲרוּ) like lions' whelps.' Here, the verb is used in parallel with the more common word for 'roar' (שָׁאַג, H7580) to intensify the image of ferocity and threat posed by the Babylonian empire, just before its prophesied destruction.
Etymology
נָעַר is a primitive root. It is distinct from the identically spelled verb נָעַר (H5287) meaning 'to shake out' or 'shake off.' While the exact derivation is uncertain, its meaning is clearly onomatopoeic, imitating the low, rumbling sound of a growl. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, also carry meanings related to growling, braying, or making a harsh noise, confirming its core sense of a threatening animal sound.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, נָעַר contributes to a significant biblical motif: the depiction of hostile nations or powers as roaring, predatory beasts (e.g., lions, see Psalm 22:13, Ezekiel 22:25). In Jeremiah 51, this imagery underscores God's judgment. Babylon, which had been the terrifying 'lion' growling at others, would itself be judged and silenced. Understanding this vivid metaphor enriches the reading of prophetic literature, highlighting how God sovereignly brings down proud and violent empires, turning their own symbols of power against them.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the lion was a universal symbol of royal power, ferocity, and terror. A lion's growl was the sound of imminent danger and death. By describing Babylonian warriors with this verb, Jeremiah invoked an image his audience would immediately understand as representing ruthless military might and a terrifying threat. This contrasts with a modern, more detached understanding of animal sounds, as the original hearers would have had a direct, visceral experience of the danger posed by lions.
שָׁאַג (shâʼag, H7580) — A more common verb for 'to roar,' often used for lions but also for the voice of God or the sea; implies a louder, fuller roar compared to the low, threatening growl of נָעַר.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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