The meaning of “נָחַשׁ”
Understanding nâchash reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
[idiom] certainly, divine, enchanter, (use) [idiom] enchantment, learn by experience, [idiom] indeed, diligently observe...
נָחַשׁ
[idiom] certainly, divine, enchanter, (use) [idiom] enchantment, learn by experience, [idiom] indeed, diligently observe. - properly, to hiss, i.e. whisper a (magic) spell - generally, to prognosticate 1) to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to practice divination 1a2) to observe the signs or omens
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 44:5 | “Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.” Word: נָחַשׁ (nâchash) | |
| Leviticus 19:26 | “Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.” Word: נָחַשׁ (nâchash) | |
| Deuteronomy 18:10 | “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,” Word: נָחַשׁ (nâchash) | |
| 1 Kings 20:33 | “Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Ben–hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Ben–hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.” Word: נָחַשׁ (nâchash) | |
| 2 Kings 21:6 | “And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.” Word: נָחַשׁ (nâchash) |