נוּחַ (nu.ach)
nu.ach
rest
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun menuchah denotes a resting place or a state of rest, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible within II Chronicles and Esther. It functions as a substantive derived from the root for resting, pointing specifically to a location where one settles or finds relief.
In these rare occurrences, the word highlights physical or political stability rather than spiritual tranquility. For instance, it describes the place of rest granted to Israel after their conquests (II Chronicles 21:16) and the secure dwelling intended for the people (Esther 9:31). The term emphasizes the tangible outcome of conflict resolved and peace established.
Translators typically render this word as "resting place" or simply "rest," capturing its concrete sense of a settled position. Its scarcity in Scripture suggests it marks specific historical moments of stability rather than serving as a general theological concept for Sabbath rest, which uses the more common noun menucha (H4496).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nuach appears in Scripture to describe a tangible state of safety and stability. In II Chronicles, it points to the ark entering its designated resting place, marking a moment where God’s presence dwells securely among His people. This is not merely physical relaxation but a profound sense of order and peace established after turmoil.
Similarly, in Esther, the word captures the relief felt by those who were saved from destruction. It reflects the quiet joy of being delivered from danger and finding a secure place to live without fear. These rare occurrences remind us that God provides moments of genuine calm and protection in our own lives. We can trust that He brings stability even when circumstances seem chaotic.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ resting place/ your1×
- and/ they had rest1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְֽ/נוּחֶ֔/ךָ1×
- וְ/נ֙וֹחַ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 6:41
“Now therefore arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength. Let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness.
This verse uses the word to describe the specific location where God's presence dwells, highlighting the theme of divine habitation and peace.
-
Esther 9:16
The other Jews who were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, defended their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder.
Here the term signifies the concrete relief and safety experienced by the Jews after their enemies were defeated, emphasizing physical security.