נָקַם
na.qam (H5358)
to avenge
AI Word Study
The Hebrew word "na.qam" (H5358) is a verb that carries the meaning of "to avenge." Its primary semantic domain is Law & Justice, indicating that its usage is closely tied to concepts of retribution, punishment, and restoration of balance. With 35 occurrences in the Bible, "na.qam" is a significant term that appears frequently in various contexts. The range of usage for "na.qam" includes situations where individuals or groups seek to punish those who have wronged them, often in response to crimes such as murder, theft, or violence. In some cases, "na.qam" is used to describe the actions of God, who avenges His people or punishes their enemies. This usage highlights the idea that justice is not solely a human concern, but also a divine one. The significance of "na.qam" lies in its emphasis on the importance of accountability and retribution in maintaining social order and upholding justice. By examining the various contexts in which "na.qam" appears, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal values that underlie the concept of vengeance in ancient Israelite society.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
Yahweh said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.
“If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, the man shall surely be punished.
Notwithstanding, if his servant gets up after a day or two, he shall not be punished, for the servant is his property.
“ ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.
I will bring a sword upon you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant. You will be gathered together within your cities, and I will send the pestilence among you. You will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
“Avenge the children of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”
Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will take vengeance on his adversaries, and will make atonement for his land and for his people.
The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and didn’t hurry to go down about a whole day.
Samson said to them, “If you behave like this, surely I will take revenge on you, and after that I will cease.”
Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.
Saul said, “Tell David, ‘The king desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies.’ ” Now Saul thought he would make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
May Yahweh judge between me and you, and may Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand will not be on you.
You must strike your master Ahab’s house, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh, at the hand of Jezebel.
A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that the Jews should be ready for that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
at the taunt of one who reproaches and verbally abuses, because of the enemy and the avenger.
You answered them, Yahweh our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.
Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says: “Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself on my enemies.
Shouldn’t I punish them for these things?” says Yahweh. “Shouldn’t my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
“Shouldn’t I punish for these things?” says Yahweh. “Shouldn’t my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
Shouldn’t I punish them for these things?” says Yahweh. “Shouldn’t my soul be avenged on a nation such as this?
Yahweh, you know. Remember me, visit me, and avenge me of my persecutors. You are patient, so don’t take me away. Know that for your sake I have suffered reproach.
For that day is of the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge himself of his adversaries. The sword will devour and be satiated, and will drink its fill of their blood; for the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
Shout against her all around. She has submitted herself. Her bulwarks have fallen. Her walls have been thrown down, for it is the vengeance of Yahweh. Take vengeance on her. As she has done, do to her.
Therefore Yahweh says: “Behold, I will plead your cause, and take vengeance for you. I will dry up her sea, and make her fountain dry.
That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance, I have set her blood on the bare rock, that it should not be covered.”
“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and taken revenge on them;”
“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because the Philistines have taken revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt of soul to destroy with perpetual hostility;”
Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.