נָטַל

נָטַל

to lift; by implication, to impose

Definition

The Hebrew verb נָטַל (nâṭal) primarily means 'to lift' or 'to bear,' often implying the act of taking something up, whether physically or metaphorically. In its four occurrences, it conveys the sense of lifting a burden, as when God 'takes up' His people in their distress (Isaiah 63:9). It can also imply imposing a burden or choice upon someone, as seen when the prophet Gad presents David with three divinely imposed options (2 Samuel 24:12). In Lamentations 3:28, the sense shifts to bearing a yoke in silence, emphasizing endurance.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used sparingly, appearing only four times in poetic and narrative contexts. In narrative, it describes the imposition of a divine choice (2 Samuel 24:12). In prophetic poetry, it depicts God's compassionate action of lifting and carrying His people (Isaiah 63:9) and, by contrast, the insignificance of nations, which are like a drop from a bucket (Isaiah 40:15). In Lamentations, it conveys the idea of bearing a yoke of suffering quietly (Lamentations 3:28).

Etymology

נָטַל is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the concept of lifting or raising. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages, like Aramaic and Arabic, with similar meanings of taking up or carrying.

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of God's relationship with His people. In Isaiah 63:9, it portrays God not as a distant ruler but as one who personally lifts and carries Israel in their affliction, highlighting divine compassion and salvation. Conversely, in 2 Samuel 24:12, it shows God imposing a consequential choice, reflecting His sovereignty in judgment. The dual sense of bearing a burden—both by God for us and by us in submission (Lamentations 3:28)—illustrates key themes of divine grace and human endurance in faith. In ancient Near Eastern culture, lifting or bearing a burden was a common metaphor for assuming responsibility, whether in labor, leadership, or suffering. The image in Isaiah 40:15 of nations being 'lifted' like a minute drop emphasizes their perceived insignificance compared to God's majesty, a contrast familiar in royal and divine rhetoric of the time. נָשָׂא (nāśā', H5375) — a more common verb for lifting or bearing, often with a wider range of meanings including forgiveness and exaltation. פָּקַד (pāqad, H6485) — to attend to or visit, sometimes with the sense of imposing duty or punishment, differing in focus from physical lifting.

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