נָעַר
to tumble about
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָעַר (nâʻar) fundamentally means to shake, shake off, or shake out. It often describes a violent, forceful shaking motion, such as God shaking the Egyptians into the sea (Exodus 14:27) or shaking the wicked from the earth (Job 38:13). In a figurative sense, it can mean to overthrow or cast down, as seen in the shaking of kingdoms (Isaiah 33:9). It also carries the sense of shaking oneself free from something, like Samson attempting to shake himself free before realizing his strength was gone (Judges 16:20) or the psalmist feeling shaken out like a locust (Psalm 109:23).
Biblical Usage
נָעַר is used in various contexts across narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. It describes God's direct, powerful action in judgment, such as overthrowing Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:27) and shaking the earth's foundations (Isaiah 33:9). In poetic books, it illustrates human frailty and instability (Psalm 109:23; Job 38:13). The action can be reflexive, as in shaking oneself off (Nehemiah 5:13) or attempting to shake free (Judges 16:20). Its usage consistently conveys a sudden, disruptive motion, whether literal or metaphorical.
Etymology
נָעַר is a primitive root, likely identical with H5286 (נָעַר, 'to growl'), through the idea of the rustling or shaking of a mane that accompanies a lion's roar. This connection suggests an inherent link between the concept of a vigorous, threatening motion and a powerful sound. The root meaning centers on agitation and disturbance.
Semantic Range
This word is significant for understanding God's agency in judgment and deliverance. It portrays God not as a distant force but as one who actively and powerfully intervenes in history to shake the foundations of evil (Exodus 14:27, Isaiah 33:9). It also illustrates human vulnerability before God's sovereign power (Job 38:13, Psalm 109:23). Recognizing this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the physicality and force behind divine actions often softened in translation.
In an agrarian society, the act of shaking—like shaking dust from a garment or grain from a sieve—was a familiar, concrete image of separation and removal. The violent shaking of nations or armies would resonate as a metaphor for total and decisive overthrow. The connection to a lion's growl and shaking mane (in its etymology) tied the word to concepts of raw, intimidating power and majesty.
נוּעַ (nûaʻ, H5128) — to quiver, waver, or wander; more about unsteady motion or straying, less about forceful ejection. רָעַשׁ (rāʻash, H7493) — to quake or tremble, often of the earth or people in fear; focuses on the vibration itself rather than the act of casting off. פּוּר (pûr, H6327) — to break or crush; implies shattering or defeating, not the shaking motion.
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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