נוּחַ

to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive

Definition

The Hebrew verb נוּחַ (nûwach) fundamentally means 'to rest' or 'to settle down.' It describes physical rest, as when the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4), and cessation from labor, as in the Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:11). Figuratively, it expresses the idea of dwelling or remaining in a place, such as the Spirit resting on the elders (Numbers 11:25), and denotes a state of peace, comfort, or security, most famously in God's promise, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest' (Exodus 33:14). The word can also be used causatively, meaning 'to give rest' or 'to allow to settle.'

Biblical Usage

נוּחַ is used 67 times across the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, legal, and poetic texts. In narrative, it often describes objects coming to rest (Genesis 8:4) or people/armies ceasing movement (Exodus 17:11). In legal texts, it governs Sabbath observance (Exodus 23:12). Its most profound usage is theological, describing the rest God gives to His people, a key theme in the Pentateuch (Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy 12:10). The word is also used for the resting of God's hand or Spirit upon individuals (Numbers 11:25-26).

Etymology

נוּחַ is a primitive root. It is related to the noun מְנוּחָה (menuchah, H4496), meaning 'resting place' or 'rest.' The root conveys the core idea of settling, ceasing motion, or coming to a state of quiet. It is distinct from another common 'rest' word, שָׁבַת (shavat, H7673), which emphasizes cessation or desisting from activity.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central to the biblical concept of divine rest. It underpins the Sabbath, God's promise of rest for His people from their enemies and labors (Deuteronomy 12:10), and points toward the ultimate rest found in God's presence. This theme is developed in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 3-4, where the 'rest' of נוּחַ becomes a type of the salvation rest offered in Christ. Understanding this Hebrew concept enriches reading by connecting physical rest to spiritual peace and God's faithful provision.

In the ancient Near East, 'rest' was not merely inactivity but a positive state of security, stability, and freedom from threat or toil. For nomadic and agrarian societies, achieving 'rest' meant safe settlement in land, peace from enemies, and completion of labor—all seen as blessings from the deity. God's promise of 'rest' to Israel was thus a comprehensive promise of national security, peace, and established dwelling in the Promised Land.

שָׁבַת (shavat, H7673) — emphasizes cessation, to stop or desist from work/activity. יָנִים (yanim, H3241) — a by-form of נוּחַ used once in Job 17:13. מָנוֹחַ (manoach, H4495) — a noun meaning 'resting place' or 'quiet.'

Word Details

Scripture References