נְכֹאת
properly, a smiting, i.e. (concretely) an aromatic gum (perhaps styrax) (as powdered)
Definition
The Hebrew word נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) refers to a powdered aromatic gum or resin, likely a valuable spice. It is derived from a root meaning 'to strike' or 'to pound,' indicating it was a substance that was crushed or powdered for use. In its two biblical occurrences, it is listed among luxury trade goods (Genesis 37:25) and as a choice gift (Genesis 43:11). Scholars often identify it with storax gum (from the Styrax tree) or another fragrant resin used in perfumes and incense.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 37:25, it is listed among the goods (spices, balm, and myrrh) carried by Ishmaelite traders to Egypt, establishing it as a valuable commodity of international trade. In Genesis 43:11, Jacob instructs his sons to take it, along with other choice products of the land, as a gift to appease the Egyptian ruler (Joseph), highlighting its role as a precious diplomatic offering.
Etymology
The noun נְכֹאת (nᵉkôʼth) comes from the root נָכֵא (nākē', H5218), which means 'struck down' or 'smitten.' This derivation points to the process of producing the substance by striking, beating, or pounding the source material into a powder. The semantic shift from the action (smiting) to the product (a powdered aromatic) is a clear example of meaning development based on the method of preparation.
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near East, aromatic gums like נְכֹאת were high-value luxury items, integral to long-distance trade, perfumery, medicine, and religious rituals. Their inclusion in the traders' caravan (Genesis 37:25) and as a gift for a high official (Genesis 43:11) underscores their economic worth and social significance as symbols of honor, appeasement, and wealth. This contrasts with a modern view of spices as commonplace cooking ingredients.
בֹּשֶׂם (bōśem, H1314) — a more general term for spice or fragrant substance. צֳרִי (ṣorî, H6875) — specifically 'balm,' a medicinal resin. לֹט (lōṭ, H3910) — 'myrrh,' another aromatic gum resin, often used in similar contexts.
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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