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נְזַק (ne.zaq)

ne.zaq

to suffer injury

H5142 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:V

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb nazaq describes the experience of suffering physical harm or injury. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Ezra, where it addresses legal disputes over property damage. In these contexts, the word focuses on the concrete reality of loss or hurt inflicted upon a person or their possessions.

Lexical sources distinguish between two forms: the simple active (Peal) indicates that someone suffers injury, while the causative form (Haphel) means to cause injury to another. This grammatical distinction highlights the difference between being the victim of harm and being the agent who inflicts it. The term is straightforward, lacking the abstract or metaphorical layers found in other Hebrew words for suffering.

Its limited usage underscores its specific legal function in Ezra. The text uses nazaq to resolve conflicts where one party has damaged the property of another, requiring compensation. By anchoring the concept of injury in tangible loss, the word grounds ethical behavior in the real-world consequences of actions on neighbors’ livelihoods.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word nazaq describes the tangible reality of suffering injury or sustaining damage. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the legal disputes recorded in Ezra. In these contexts, the term is not abstract but concrete, focusing on actual loss inflicted upon a person or their property. The text uses this specific language to address conflicts where one party has damaged another’s livelihood, requiring compensation and justice.

Understanding this word helps us see how Scripture values the protection of our neighbors' possessions. It grounds ethical behavior in real-world consequences, reminding us that actions have tangible impacts on others. When we consider how our choices affect those around us, we are called to act with care and integrity, ensuring that our conduct does not lead to the harm or loss of another.

This focus on concrete injury encourages a life of responsibility. It invites us to be mindful of how our actions might cause damage, whether to property or relationships. By prioritizing the well-being of others and seeking fair resolution when conflicts arise, we reflect a heart that honors God through practical love and justice in our daily interactions.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • to/ injury1×
  • it will injure1×
  • and/ injuring1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • תְּהַנְזִֽק\׃1×
  • לְ/הַנְזָקַ֖ת1×
  • וּֽ/מְהַנְזְקַ֤ת1×

Key Verses

  • Ezra 4:13
    Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.

    This verse uses the term to describe how finishing the city walls would result in tangible harm or loss to the kings, highlighting the concrete political and economic damage feared by the authorities.

  • Ezra 4:22
    Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

    Here the word warns against allowing damage to grow into significant hurt for the kings, emphasizing the escalating nature of unchecked injury and the need for prompt intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word nazaq mean?

Nazaq means to suffer injury or sustain damage. It is a concrete term used in the Old Testament to describe physical harm or loss inflicted upon a person or their property, particularly in legal contexts.

Where does nazaq appear in the Bible?

It appears only three times, all in the book of Ezra (4:13, 4:15, 4:22). These occurrences are part of legal disputes regarding property damage and political consequences.

How is nazaq different from other words for suffering?

Unlike abstract terms for emotional or spiritual suffering, nazaq focuses on tangible, physical injury or material loss. It is used specifically in legal contexts to address concrete harm and the need for compensation.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Ezra 3 verses
Ezra 4:13

Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…

Ezra 4:15

that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…

Ezra 4:22

Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?