נָאָה (na.ah)
na.ah
be lovely
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nā’â describes a quality of being comely, beautiful, or fitting. It appears rarely in the Old Testament, occurring only three times, which gives each instance significant weight. In these contexts, it does not merely denote physical attractiveness but suggests an aesthetic harmony that is appropriate or befitting.
This word is most prominent in the Song of Solomon, where it contributes to the poem’s celebration of idealized beauty. It also appears in Psalms and Isaiah, often linking physical loveliness with a sense of dignity or suitability. The Pilpel stem emphasizes this state of being, portraying beauty as an inherent characteristic rather than a fleeting appearance.
Its rarity makes nā’â a precise tool for poets. When used, it points to a beauty that is not just seen but recognized as right and proper. This distinguishes it from more common words for beauty by adding a layer of appropriateness, suggesting that the subject’s loveliness fits its purpose or context perfectly.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nā’â points to a beauty that feels right and fitting, not just visually pleasing. In Song of Solomon, it describes features adorned with jewelry, suggesting that true loveliness often comes from how well something suits its purpose or context. This reminds us that God’s design for beauty is not shallow; it carries weight and dignity.
When Isaiah uses this term for the feet bringing good news, he highlights that spiritual truth has an inherent attractiveness. The message of peace is not just correct; it is lovely because it fits humanity’s deepest need. We can trust that God values both inner character and outer harmony.
This rare word invites us to see beauty as a reflection of divine order. Whether in creation or in the gospel, what is truly beautiful aligns perfectly with God’s will. Let this encourage you to appreciate the wholeness of God’s design in your own life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are beautiful2×
- it is befitting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָּאו֨וּ1×
- נָאו֤וּ1×
- נַאֲוָה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 1:10
Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
This verse uses nā’â to describe physical adornment, showing that beauty is enhanced by elements that suit the person perfectly.
-
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Here the word applies to the feet of the messenger, linking aesthetic appeal with the profound dignity of bringing peace and salvation.
-
Psalms 93:5
Your statutes stand firm. Holiness adorns your house, Yahweh, forever more.
The term describes holiness adorning God’s house, indicating that moral purity possesses a fitting and radiant beauty.