נָקַע

נָקַע

to feel aversion

Definition

The Hebrew verb נָקַע (nâqaʻ) means to feel a strong aversion, disgust, or loathing, often resulting in a decisive act of rejection or alienation. In its three biblical occurrences, all in Ezekiel 16 and 23, it describes a profound emotional and relational turning away. Specifically, in Ezekiel 23:18 and 22, it portrays God's reaction of disgust and alienation from Judah due to its idolatry, paralleling His earlier rejection of Israel. In Ezekiel 23:28, the word is used to describe how God will cause Judah's former allies to turn against her in loathing, showing the word can describe both an internal feeling and its consequential, external action of casting off.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, within the extended allegories of chapters 16 and 23 that depict Israel and Judah as unfaithful wives. It describes the breaking point in a covenant relationship due to repeated, brazen idolatry. The usage pattern shows it is a divine emotional response (Ezekiel 23:18, 22) that leads to a judicial act of handing the unfaithful party over to those who will despise them (Ezekiel 23:28). It is a term of severe covenantal rupture.

Etymology

As a primitive root, its core meaning relates to a violent tearing away or splitting off. Cognates in other Semitic languages suggest meanings like 'to be split' or 'to be disgusted.' This etymology connects the physical act of separation (like tearing a branch from a tree) to the emotional and relational severance described in its biblical usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly expresses God's passionate, personal response to covenant betrayal. It moves beyond mere legal judgment to depict divine heartbreak and holy disgust. Understanding נָקַע enriches the reading of Ezekiel's marriage metaphors by highlighting that God's judgment springs from a broken relationship, not a detached decree. It underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the profound consequences of spurning divine love. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenant relationships (like treaties or marriage) were matters of profound loyalty and public honor. To 'feel aversion' and act on it, as this word describes, was a formal, socially recognized act of severing that bond, often with severe consequences for the offending party. This cultural understanding frames God's actions not as arbitrary anger, but as the justified response of a betrayed covenant partner. מָאַס (mā'as, H3988) — a broader term for reject or despise, often used for refusing something offered. נָקַע implies a disgust that leads to active alienation. שָׂנֵא (śānē', H8130) — to hate; can describe a settled attitude of hostility, whereas נָקַע focuses on the visceral reaction of turning away in loathing.

Word Details