נָזַל
to drip, or shed by trickling
Definition
The verb נָזַל (nâzal) primarily means 'to flow' or 'to trickle,' describing the movement of liquids. It often refers to water flowing from a source, such as streams or rivers (Psalm 78:16), or to the gentle dripping of dew or rain (Deuteronomy 32:2). In a more forceful sense, it can describe gushing or pouring water, as seen in poetic descriptions of God's power over the waters (Exodus 15:8). The word also extends metaphorically to describe the flow of blessings or abundance, as in Balaam's oracle where kings rise like flowing streams (Numbers 24:7).
Biblical Usage
נָזַל is used 16 times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms, Job, and the Song of Moses. It describes natural water phenomena, such as streams from rocks (Psalm 78:16) and flowing floods (Judges 5:5). It is also used for God's control over creation, causing rain or ice to flow (Job 36:28, Psalm 147:18). In Exodus 15:8, it depicts the dramatic piling up of waters. The usage spans literal descriptions of water movement and figurative imagery for divine provision or judgment.
Etymology
נָזַל is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the concept of flowing or dripping. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic 'nazala' (to descend) and Akkadian 'nazālu' (to drip), suggesting an ancient root meaning associated with liquid movement or descent. The Hebrew meaning centers on gentle trickling or steady flowing, rather than violent rushing.
Semantic Range
This word enriches understanding of God's provision and power in Scripture. It depicts God as the source of life-giving water, both physically (Psalm 78:16) and spiritually, as in the imagery of divine teaching descending like dew (Deuteronomy 32:2). The flowing water symbolizes blessing, abundance, and God's sustaining care in a dry land. In judgment contexts, such as Exodus 15:8, it highlights God's sovereign control over nature. Understanding נָזַל deepens appreciation for biblical metaphors of God as a fountain or stream of living water.
In ancient Israel's arid climate, flowing water was a vital symbol of life, fertility, and divine favor. נָזַל would evoke images of precious sources like springs, wadis after rain, or dew sustaining crops. This contrasts with modern, reliable water systems. The word's range—from gentle dripping to gushing—reflects the experience of water in that environment, where any flow was significant. Poetic uses, like in Deuteronomy 32:2, connect God's word to life-sustaining moisture, a powerful metaphor for an agricultural society.
יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — emphasizes descending or going down, often for rain. זָבַם (zâvam, H2100) — implies gushing or flowing abundantly, like a flood. נָטַף (nâṭaph, H5197) — focuses on dripping or dropping, as in drops of water or speech.
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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