נָגַח (na.gach)
na.gach
to gore
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nagach describes the violent act of goring, specifically with horns. It appears eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in legal texts like Exodus and narrative accounts such as Daniel and II Chronicles. The word captures a sudden, forceful thrust, most often depicting an animal attacking a person or another creature.
Its usage ranges from literal descriptions of livestock behavior to metaphorical language about military aggression. In Exodus 21:28, it governs the laws concerning a bull that gores a man, establishing liability for the owner. The term’s physical intensity makes it a powerful image for uncontrolled violence or hostile confrontation in prophetic literature.
Translators typically render nagach as "gore" or "thrust," preserving the sharp, penetrating nature of the action. Unlike general terms for fighting, this word specifically evokes the imagery of horns striking forward, emphasizing the danger inherent in the attack rather than a prolonged struggle.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nagach describes a sudden, violent thrust with horns, capturing the raw power of an uncontrolled attack. In ancient Israel, this was not just a metaphor for war but a serious legal reality. The laws in Exodus show that such force carried heavy consequences, teaching that power must be accountable and that safety is a communal concern.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that strength without restraint leads to destruction. Whether we are dealing with personal anger or the pressures of conflict, nagach warns against letting force dictate our actions. It invites us to seek peace rather than domination, trusting that true security comes from God’s order, not our own aggressive power.
Even in prophetic visions, like those in Daniel, this imagery highlights the temporary nature of earthly empires that rely on sheer force. Their power may seem overwhelming, but it is ultimately subject to God’s will. This offers hope: no matter how intense the conflict around us, God remains sovereign and just.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will gore4×
- you will gore2×
- thrusting1×
- he will wage war1×
- he will gore1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּנַגַּ֥ח2×
- מְנַגֵּחַ֩1×
- יִתְנַגַּ֤ח1×
- יִגָּ֖ח1×
- יִגָּ֑ח1×
- יִגַּ֨ח1×
- יִגַּ֥ח1×
- יְנַגַּ֥ח1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 21:28
“If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its meat shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible.
This verse establishes legal liability for a goring animal, showing that uncontrolled force has real-world consequences and requires accountability.
-
Daniel 8:4
I saw the ram pushing westward, northward, and southward. No animals could stand before him. There wasn’t any who could deliver out of his hand, but he did according to his will, and magnified himself.
Here the ram's pushing represents military aggression that no one can withstand, illustrating how human power often magnifies itself against God's order.
-
Deuteronomy 33:17
Majesty belongs to the firstborn of his herd. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.”
The horns of the wild ox symbolize the immense strength and majesty given to Ephraim and Manasseh, framing power as a gift rather than just a weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nagach mean?
Where does nagach appear in the Bible?
How is nagach different from other words for fighting?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)
Exodus 3 verses
“If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its meat shall not be eaten; but the…
Exodus 21:31Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.
Exodus 21:32If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the…