נָתַר
to jump, i.e. be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָתַר (nâthar) conveys a core idea of a sudden, forceful release or agitation. In its basic (Qal) form, it often means 'to jump' or 'leap,' describing the agitated movement of the heart in Job 37:1 or the leaping of locusts in Leviticus 11:21. In its causative (Hiphil) form, the meaning shifts to the act of releasing or setting loose, such as God making a person's way perfect (2 Samuel 22:33, Psalm 18:32) or the command to 'undo' the bonds of wickedness in Isaiah 58:6. It can also imply a violent shaking apart, as seen in Habakkuk 3:6.
Biblical Usage
נָתַר is used only eight times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and prophetic contexts. Its literal sense of leaping is found in Leviticus 11:21 (describing locusts) and Job 37:1 (the heart). The causative sense of releasing or setting free is prominent in the Psalms (Psalm 105:20, 146:7) and the prophetic call for justice in Isaiah 58:6. It describes God's empowering action in 2 Samuel 22:33/Psalm 18:32 and His terrifying power in Habakkuk 3:6.
Etymology
As a primitive root, נָתַר (nâthar) is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related by meaning to other roots expressing breaking or loosing, such as פָּתַח (pâthach, H6605, 'to open') and שָׁמַט (shâmat, H8058, 'to release, let drop'). Its core semantic field revolves around a sudden change from a bound or restrained state to one of freedom or agitated motion.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges God's sovereign power and human social justice. It describes God's action in releasing prisoners (Psalm 146:7) and empowering individuals (2 Samuel 22:33), highlighting His role as liberator. In Isaiah 58:6, it becomes the central verb for God's desired fast: to 'loose' the bonds of injustice. Understanding נָתַר enriches the biblical concept of freedom, showing it as a powerful, transformative release initiated by God and mandated for His people.
The imagery of 'leaping' locusts in Leviticus 11:21 provided a clear, observable standard for identifying clean insects for food. The concept of 'loosing' bonds in Isaiah 58:6 would be understood in the concrete context of debt-slavery and physical imprisonment, common social realities in the ancient Near East, making the prophetic command a direct challenge to economic and judicial oppression.
פָּתַח (pâthach, H6605) — emphasizes opening or loosening, often in a less violent or sudden manner. שָׁמַט (shâmat, H8058) — focuses on letting drop or releasing a hold, especially in the context of debt (the Sabbath and Jubilee years).
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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