נָחַשׁ
na.chash (H5172)
to divine
AI Word Study
The Hebrew word הָנָחַשׁ (na.chash, H5172) primarily means "to divine" or interpret through divination. This verb falls within the semantic domain of Food & Drink, likely indicating that the act of divination is related to or takes place in the context of food or drink consumption. Looking at the occurrences in the Bible, we see that this word is used 11 times. Its range of usage encompasses various situations, including interpreting omens derived from food or drink, predicting the future, and providing insight through supernatural means. In the biblical context, divination associated with food and drink is consistently portrayed as a form of heathen or pagan practice. As a result, the significance of הָנָחַשׁ lies in its association with the non-Israelite and pagan practices in the ancient Near East. Its frequent mention highlights the emphasis on distinguishing between divine revelation from God and the practices deemed unacceptable by the Israelites.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake.”
Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’ ”
Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed do divination?”
“ ‘You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it. You shall not use enchantments, nor practice sorcery.
There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who tells fortunes, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,
Now the men observed diligently, and hurried to take this phrase; and they said, “Your brother Ben Hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben Hadad came out to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
They caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger.
He made his son to pass through the fire, practiced sorcery, used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards. He did much evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger.
He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits and with wizards. He did much evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger.