נָבַט (na.vat)
na.vat
to look
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nābaṭ describes an act of looking that goes beyond simple sight, implying a focused gaze or careful observation. In the Old Testament, it appears in forms such as the Piel and Hiphil to convey behaviors like gazing intently, paying attention, or showing regard. This is not a casual glance but a deliberate engagement with what is seen, often carrying an emotional weight of interest or care.
Its usage ranges from physical observation to spiritual consideration. For instance, in Genesis 15:5, Abram is told to look toward the heavens and count the stars, an act that requires both visual focus and mental engagement with a divine promise. Similarly, in Psalm 33:13, God looks down from heaven to observe human activity, suggesting a watchful, attentive presence rather than mere visibility.
Translators often render nābaṭ as "behold," "look," or "consider," depending on the context. The word emphasizes the quality of attention given to the object. Whether it is Lot’s wife looking back in longing or a poet considering the heavens for wisdom, the term highlights a directed and meaningful visual engagement that connects the observer with the observed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nābaṭ invites us to move beyond a casual glance into intentional observation. It describes a gaze that is focused, deliberate, and often carries emotional weight. When Abram was told to look at the stars in Genesis 15:5, he was not merely seeing light; he was engaging with a divine promise through careful attention. This kind of looking requires us to slow down and truly see what is before us, whether it is God’s provision or the needs of others.
In our daily lives, this concept challenges us to cultivate a deeper awareness. It reminds us that true sight involves more than just visual input; it requires heart engagement. When we look at people with intentionality, as God looks at the heart in I Samuel 16:7, we move past surface appearances to understand the reality of who they are. This deliberate attention can transform how we relate to our families, our community, and our Creator.
Ultimately, nābaṭ encourages a posture of faithful watchfulness. It is an invitation to trust that God sees us with complete clarity and care. By practicing this kind of focused looking, we align ourselves with the divine perspective, finding peace in knowing that we are seen and valued for who we truly are.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- look7×
- and/ he looked5×
- he looks3×
- you look2×
- they look2×
- and/ look/ !2×
- and/ look2×
- I will look2×
- you will look1×
- you pay attention1×
- you looked1×
- when/ look/ I1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַבִּ֑יט3×
- וְֽ/הַבִּ֔יטָ/ה2×
- הַבֵּ֣ט2×
- הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙2×
- אַבִּ֥יט2×
- תַּבֵּ֧ט1×
- תַּבִּיט֮1×
- תַּבִּ֣יט1×
- תַּבִּ֔יט1×
- תַבִּיט֙1×
- תַבִּ֑יט1×
- מֵ/הַבִּ֖יט1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:5
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “So your offspring will be.”
This verse highlights the word's use in a context of divine promise, where looking requires mental engagement with God's covenant.
-
I Samuel 16:7
But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”
Here the term contrasts human superficial sight with God’s deep, intentional observation of the human heart.
-
Psalms 33:13
Yahweh looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men.
It describes God’s attentive gaze from heaven, emphasizing His watchful presence over all humanity.
-
Numbers 21:9
Moses made a serpent of bronze, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of bronze, he lived.
The act of looking at the bronze serpent is presented as a deliberate response of faith for physical healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nābaṭ mean?
How is nābaṭ different from other words for seeing?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (56 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He…
Genesis 19:17It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, “Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t…
Genesis 19:26But Lot’s wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.