The meaning of “נָטַף”
Understanding nâṭaph reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
drop(-ping), prophesy(-et). - to ooze, i.e. distil gradually - by implication, to fall in drops - figuratively, to speak...
נָטַף
drop(-ping), prophesy(-et). - to ooze, i.e. distil gradually - by implication, to fall in drops - figuratively, to speak by inspiration 1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse 1a) (Qal) to drop, drip 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to drip 1b2) to drop (prophecy)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Judges 5:4 | “Lord, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.” Word: נָטַף (nâṭaph) | |
| Job 29:22 | “After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.” Word: נָטַף (nâṭaph) | |
| Psalms 68:8 | “The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.” Word: נָטַף (nâṭaph) | |
| Proverbs 5:3 | “For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:” Word: נָטַף (nâṭaph) | |
| Song of Solomon 5:5 | “I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.” Word: נָטַף (nâṭaph) |