נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged)
ne.ged
before
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 116 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ne.ged describes something that is conspicuous or situated directly in front, serving as a counterpart to what is nearby. As a noun, it refers to the visible face or side of an object facing the observer. When used as a preposition, it indicates position "over against" or "in the sight of," often implying a direct relationship between two entities rather than just physical location.
Unlike terms that simply mean "before" in a temporal sense, ne.ged emphasizes spatial opposition or parallel alignment. This distinction appears clearly when Nehemiah describes rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls section by section, with each group working opposite their own house (Nehemiah 3:28). The word captures the idea of standing face-to-face or being directly in view.
Its theological weight emerges in passages where God’s presence is described as being "before" His people. In Isaiah 49:16, God declares that Jerusalem’s walls are engraved on the palms of His hands, suggesting a constant, visible care that remains before Him. This usage transforms a simple spatial term into a statement of enduring attention and relationship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ne.ged describes standing face-to-face or directly opposite someone. It is more than a simple marker of location. It implies a relationship where two parties are clearly visible to one another. When Scripture uses this term, it often highlights a direct encounter rather than a distant observation.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God is not far away or hidden. In Isaiah 49:16, He speaks of Jerusalem being engraved on the palms of His hands. This image suggests that what matters to you remains constantly before Him. You are never out of His sight or care.
This assurance brings comfort when you feel alone or overlooked. The same God who stood with Israel at Sinai stands near you today. His attention is focused and personal. You can trust that He sees your struggles and holds your future in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 116 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- before40×
- from/ before18×
- to/ before7×
- and/ before7×
- before/ him6×
- to/ before/ me5×
- to/ before/ you3×
- from/ in front3×
- before/ you3×
- [are] to/ before/ me3×
- like/ before/ him2×
- before/ them2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֶ֥גֶד15×
- נֶ֣גֶד9×
- נֶ֖גֶד6×
- מִ/נֶּ֔גֶד5×
- לְ/נֶ֣גֶד5×
- נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ4×
- וְ/נֶ֣גֶד4×
- נֶ֤גֶד3×
- מִ/נֶּ֖גֶד3×
- לְ/נֶ֥גֶד3×
- וְ/נֶ֥גֶד3×
- נֶגְדּֽ/וֹ\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 19:2
When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
Here the word marks Israel’s physical position encamped directly opposite Mount Sinai, setting the stage for a direct encounter with God's presence.
-
Genesis 31:37
Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two.
Jacob challenges Laban to set items before their relatives, using the term to demand a public and direct judgment between them.
-
Joshua 5:13
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?”
Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword standing directly in front of him, highlighting a moment of immediate spiritual confrontation and inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ne.ged mean in the Bible?
How is ne.ged different from other words for 'before'?
Where does this word appear in key stories?
Every Occurrence (116 verses across 28 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Yahweh God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
Genesis 2:20The man gave names to all livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for man there…
Genesis 21:16She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of…
Genesis 31:32Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For…
Genesis 31:37Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my…
Genesis 33:12Esau said, “Let’s take our journey, and let’s go, and I will go before you.”
Genesis 47:15When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and…