נָגַף (na.gaph)
na.gaph
to strike
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 43 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nagaph means to strike, push, or smite with force. Its range is broad, covering physical blows between people, the goring of cattle, and the fatal plagues God inflicts on nations. In Exodus 7:27, it describes the striking of the Nile’s water, while in 1 Samuel 4:3, Israel asks why the Lord has struck them before their enemies. This usage highlights a theological weight where military defeat is viewed not just as human failure but as divine intervention.
The word also carries a physical sense of stumbling or tripping. In Psalm 91:12 and Proverbs 3:23, it refers to the foot striking against an obstacle. This concrete image connects the idea of physical impact with the experience of losing balance. Translators often render it as "smite" in historical narratives but may use "stumble" or "hurt" depending on whether the context involves combat, disease, or a literal trip.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nagaph captures the sudden force of a strike, whether it is a physical blow in battle or the decisive action of God in history. In Exodus 12:23, we see this verb describing how Yahweh passed through Egypt to strike the firstborn while sparing Israel’s homes. This moment defines Passover not as a human victory but as divine protection. The blood on the doorposts served as the marker for that striking action, turning judgment into deliverance for those who trusted in God’s provision.
For believers today, nagaph reminds us that outcomes are often shaped by forces beyond our control. In 1 Samuel 4:3, Israel asks why Yahweh struck them down before their enemies, realizing too late that their reliance on the Ark without repentance had failed. The word teaches that God’s hand is active in both defense and discipline. We find comfort in knowing that He strikes for justice and protection, guiding us through seasons where we must surrender our own strength to His sovereign care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 43 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it was defeated4×
- and/ they were defeated3×
- and/ he struck3×
- you will be defeated2×
- they were defeated2×
- they had been defeated2×
- it will strike2×
- he will strike2×
- defeated2×
- you should strike1×
- when/ struck/ he1×
- when/ are defeated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּנָּ֥גֶף3×
- נִגְּפוּ֙2×
- יִגֹּ֤ף2×
- וַ/יִּנָּ֤גֶף2×
- תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ1×
- תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּ1×
- תִּגֹּ֖ף1×
- תִגּֽוֹף\׃1×
- נֹגֵ֛ף1×
- נָגֹ֣ף1×
- נָגַ֤ף1×
- נִגָּפִ֥ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 12:23
For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.
This verse establishes the theological core of Passover, showing God’s striking action as an act of protective judgment against Egypt while sparing Israel.
-
Exodus 32:35
Yahweh struck the people, because of what they did with the calf, which Aaron made.
This occurrence demonstrates the severe consequence of idolatry, where God strikes the people directly as a response to Aaron’s creation of the golden calf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nagaph mean?
How is nagaph different from other words for hitting?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (43 verses across 17 books)
Exodus 5 verses
For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door…
Exodus 12:27that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in…
Exodus 21:22“If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be…
Exodus 21:35“If one man’s bull injures another’s, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live bull, and divide its price; and…
Exodus 32:35Yahweh struck the people, because of what they did with the calf, which Aaron made.