נוּט (nut)
nut
to shake
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nut appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Psalm 99:1. Its core meaning is to shake, quake, or even dangle. In this single context, it describes the earth trembling or shaking in response to God’s reign, emphasizing the physical and cosmic impact of His authority.
This rare word conveys a sense of instability or movement caused by an external force. Unlike terms for voluntary action, nut suggests something being shaken by power greater than itself. The image is vivid: the ground itself quakes under the weight of divine presence, illustrating that creation responds to its Creator with tangible motion.
Translators typically render it as "tremble" or "shake," capturing the suddenness and intensity of the reaction. Its scarcity in Scripture highlights how specific this imagery is; when used, it marks a moment where the natural order visibly reacts to the supernatural. The word serves as a powerful metaphor for reverence, showing that true awe can move even the foundations of the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nut appears just once in the Old Testament, found in Psalm 99:1. It describes the earth shaking or trembling under the weight of God’s reign. This rare verb captures a moment where creation itself responds to divine authority with tangible motion. The ground does not move by chance; it is moved by the presence of its Creator.
When you read this verse, consider how your own life might respond to such overwhelming power. We often think of faith as quiet or passive, but true reverence can stir our deepest emotions and convictions. This shaking is not about fear alone, but about recognition—acknowledging that God’s rule is real, active, and powerful enough to shift the foundations of the world.
Let this image encourage you today. Even when life feels unstable or uncertain, remember that the One who reigns is sovereign over all things. Your heart can find rest in knowing that the same power that moves the earth also holds your life securely in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- let it quake1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּנ֥וּט1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 99:1
Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it commands the earth to be moved by God's reign.