Biblica Analytica

נֵכֶה

ne.kheh (H5222)

smitten

1 verses 1 books OT 1 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# נֵכֶה (nekeh): A Rare Biblical Term The Hebrew word נֵכֶה (nekeh) appears only once in the biblical text and carries the meaning "smitten"—describing a state of being struck down or afflicted. The term functions as an adjective or participle, denoting a condition resulting from impact or injury rather than describing the action of striking itself. Its singular occurrence in Scripture limits our ability to trace semantic variations or contextual nuances that would typically emerge from multiple usages. Given its rarity and its connection to physical or metaphorical harm, nekeh likely belonged to a specialized vocabulary for describing damage or affliction in biblical Hebrew. The single attestation suggests this word may have been either archaic, regional, or simply unnecessary for frequent biblical discourse—since more common terms existed to convey similar meanings. Without additional occurrences to establish its range of application, we cannot determine whether it was used strictly for physical wounds, extended to emotional or spiritual conditions, or carried specialized theological significance. Its preservation in the biblical text indicates that at least one scriptural author found this particular word suitable for expressing a specific condition of being struck or broken.

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Psalms 35:15

But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it. They tore at me, and didn’t cease.