נָכֵא

נָכֵא

smitten, i.e. (figuratively) afflicted

Definition

The Hebrew word נָכֵא describes a state of being smitten, stricken, or afflicted, primarily in a figurative sense. It refers to a deep, internal condition of being broken or wounded in spirit, often as a result of emotional or psychological distress. In Proverbs 15:13 and 17:22, it specifically denotes a 'crushed spirit' that saps one's vitality, contrasting with a joyful heart that promotes healing. In Isaiah 16:7, the usage extends to communal lament, describing the stricken condition of the people of Moab.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only four times in the Old Testament, exclusively in the wisdom literature of Proverbs and the prophetic book of Isaiah. Its usage consistently describes internal, non-physical affliction. In Proverbs, it is linked directly to the human spirit (רוּחַ, rûach), portraying how emotional pain affects one's entire being (Proverbs 15:13, 17:22, 18:14). In Isaiah 16:7, it is applied collectively to a people group (Moab) experiencing national despair and mourning.

Etymology

נָכֵא is derived from the root verb נָכָא (H5217), meaning 'to smite' or 'to strike.' This root conveys the action of being hit or beaten. The adjectival form נָכֵא thus describes the resulting state of being smitten. The related noun form נָכָא appears to be a variant. The semantic development moved from a physical sense of being struck to a predominant figurative sense of internal, emotional wounding.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it provides a Hebrew lens for understanding human suffering, particularly internal anguish. It connects emotional and spiritual health, a concept emphasized in biblical wisdom literature. Understanding נָכֵא enriches the reading of passages about the 'brokenhearted' (e.g., Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 61:1) by highlighting a specific type of inner affliction that God notices and promises to heal. It underscores the holistic biblical view of personhood, where the spirit's condition directly impacts one's physical and mental well-being. In ancient Israelite culture, emotional and physical health were deeply interconnected, not seen as separate domains. A 'crushed spirit' (Proverbs 17:22) was understood to have tangible, debilitating effects on the body, drying up the 'bones'—a metaphor for one's strength and vitality. This contrasts with some modern views that might compartmentalize emotional distress. The word's application to a nation (Isaiah 16:7) also reflects the collective sense of identity and shared fate common in ancient Near Eastern societies. דַּכָּא (dakkāʼ, H1794) — crushed, often more physical or literal in context. עָנִי (ʿānîy, H6041) — poor, afflicted, often with socioeconomic or oppressed connotations. יָגֵה (yāgēh, H3013) — suffering, weary, emphasizing exhaustion from pain.

Word Details