נָחַשׁ
properly, to hiss, i.e. whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָחַשׁ (nâchash) primarily means to practice divination or to seek omens, often involving magical or supernatural means. In its specific sense, it refers to the act of whispering incantations or spells, as seen in prohibitions against such practices in Leviticus 19:26 and Deuteronomy 18:10. More generally, it can mean to observe signs diligently or to learn from experience, as when Laban says he has 'learned by divination' that God has blessed him because of Jacob (Genesis 30:27). In the story of Joseph's cup, it describes the practice of divination (Genesis 44:5, 15).
Biblical Usage
נָחַשׁ is used 9 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and legal contexts. It appears in Genesis (30:27; 44:5, 15), Leviticus (19:26), Deuteronomy (18:10), and the historical books of Kings (1 Kings 20:33; 2 Kings 17:17; 21:6). Its usage consistently relates to forbidden divinatory practices, often in lists of pagan rituals condemned by Israel's law. The verb describes actions performed by both Israelites (like the kings in 2 Kings) and foreigners (like Laban and the diviners in Genesis).
Etymology
נָחַשׁ is a primitive root. It is often connected by scholars to the noun נָחָשׁ (nâchâsh, H5175), meaning 'serpent,' possibly due to the serpent's association with divination or whispering. The semantic development likely moved from a basic sense of 'to hiss' or 'whisper' to the specialized meaning of uttering magical incantations. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to divination and omens.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights a key boundary in Israelite faith: the exclusive reliance on Yahweh for guidance versus seeking knowledge through forbidden, pagan means. Its use in the Law (Leviticus, Deuteronomy) categorizes נָחַשׁ among the 'abominations' of the nations, directly opposing trust in God's revealed will and prophets. Understanding this term enriches reading by clarifying the seriousness of Israel's idolatry in Kings, where kings practiced divination, breaking covenant with God.
In the ancient Near East, divination was a widespread and culturally accepted method for discerning the will of the gods or predicting the future. Practices could include interpreting omens, casting lots, or whispering spells. Israel's strict prohibition of נָחַשׁ set its culture apart, demanding dependence on Yahweh through prophets, the Urim and Thummim, and the Law, rather than on common magical techniques.
קָסַם (qâsam, H7080) — to practice divination or sorcery; often paired with נָחַשׁ in legal texts. עָנַן ('ânan, H6049) — to practice soothsaying or cloud interpreting, another form of forbidden divination. יִדְּעֹנִי (yiddĕ'ônî, H3049) — a spiritist or one who consults familiar spirits, a related prohibited practice.
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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