נָחַת

נָחַת

to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to press or lead down

Definition

The verb נָחַת (nâchath) primarily means 'to go down' or 'to descend,' often describing a physical movement downward, such as God's arrows descending in Psalm 38:2. In a causative sense (Hiphil stem), it means 'to bring down' or 'to press down,' as in God training David's hands for war so that a bow of bronze is 'brought down' (2 Samuel 22:35, Psalm 18:34). It can also convey the idea of settling or sinking into a place, like water saturating the earth in Psalm 65:10, or metaphorically, of a rebuke 'sinking in' to a discerning person in Proverbs 17:10. In some contexts, it carries a negative connotation of being broken or brought low, as seen in the judgment against Jerusalem in Jeremiah 21:13.

Biblical Usage

נָחַת is used only eight times in the Old Testament, appearing in poetic and prophetic books. Its usage spans literal descent (Psalm 65:10), martial imagery of God empowering a warrior (2 Samuel 22:35, Psalm 18:34), and metaphorical descriptions of divine judgment or rebuke (Psalm 38:2, Proverbs 17:10, Jeremiah 21:13). In Joel 3:11, it is used imperatively ('Let the weaklings say, 'I am strong''), though some translations derive a different sense from the context. The word is absent from narrative prose, highlighting its specialized, often figurative application.

Etymology

נָחַת is a primitive root. It is related to the idea of descending or pressing down. Cognates may be found in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of going down or descending. The root conveys a fundamental sense of downward motion, which expands into various metaphorical applications in biblical Hebrew.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it often appears in contexts describing God's direct action. It depicts God as the one who trains and empowers His people for victory (2 Samuel 22:35), who brings just judgment upon the wicked (Jeremiah 21:13), and whose corrective rebuke is a gift to the wise (Proverbs 17:10). Understanding נָחַת enriches the reading of these passages by highlighting the 'downward' movement of God's intervention—whether in grace, discipline, or power—into human affairs. In its ancient context, the imagery of 'bringing down' a bow (2 Samuel 22:35) would resonate with the physical strength required in archery, symbolizing divine enablement in warfare. The concept of water 'settling' the earth (Psalm 65:10) reflects an agrarian society's deep appreciation for life-giving saturation. The metaphorical use of a rebuke 'sinking in' (Proverbs 17:10) draws on the tangible idea of something penetrating deeply, which may be more visceral than modern abstract equivalents. יָרַד (yārad, H3381) — a more common, general term for 'to go down' or 'descend,' without the specific connotations of pressing or settling. שָׁפַל (shāphal, H8213) — emphasizes being low, humble, or brought low in status, whereas נָחַת focuses more on the action or process of descending.

Word Details