נָחָה (na.chah)
na.chah
to lead
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nāḥâ means to lead or guide, often with a sense of bringing someone to a destination. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to describe God’s active role in directing people. For example, Psalm 23:3 speaks of God leading the psalmist beside quiet waters, while Exodus 13:21 describes the pillar of cloud and fire guiding the Israelites through the wilderness.
This word carries a weight of authority and care. It is not merely showing a path but actively escorting or governing those who follow. In Psalm 73:24, the psalmist credits God with holding him by his right hand and leading him to glory with counsel. The term also appears in historical narratives, such as when kings lead forth troops (1 Kings 10:26) or when God leads people back from exile (Job 12:23).
Translators typically render nāḥâ as "lead," "guide," or "bring." The choice depends on context, whether it is divine guidance for individuals or the movement of nations. Its consistent use highlights a biblical theme: God does not leave His people to find their way alone but personally directs their steps.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nāḥâ describes a leader who does not merely point out a direction but actively escorts those who follow. In Scripture, this verb often highlights God’s personal involvement in our daily lives. It suggests that we are not wandering alone or left to guess the next step. Instead, the Creator of the universe takes responsibility for guiding His people toward their destination.
This assurance is visible in the Psalms, where David speaks of being guided beside quiet waters and held by God’s right hand. It reminds us that divine guidance includes both protection and purpose. When life feels uncertain, this word offers a steady anchor. We can trust that the One who led Israel through the wilderness is equally attentive to our individual paths today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he led/ them4×
- and/ he guided/ them3×
- he led/ them2×
- and/ lead/ me2×
- you led/ them1×
- you have guided1×
- you guide/ me1×
- will you guide?/ them1×
- to/ lead/ them1×
- to/ guide/ them1×
- may they lead/ me1×
- may it lead/ me1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַנְחֵ֑/נִי2×
- וַ/יַּנְחֵ֣/ם2×
- תַּנְחֶ֬ה1×
- תַּנְחֵ֑/ם1×
- תַּ֝נְחֵ֗/נִי1×
- תַנְחֵֽ/ם\׃1×
- נָחָ֣/ם1×
- נָחַ֣/נִי1×
- נָחִ֥יתָ1×
- נְחֵ֣ה1×
- לַ/נְחֹתָ֣/ם1×
- לְ/הַנְחֹתָ֣/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 23:3
He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
This verse connects God’s guidance with the restoration of the soul, showing that spiritual direction brings inner peace.
-
Exodus 13:21
Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night:
Here the verb describes God’s tangible presence as a pillar of cloud and fire, actively leading Israel through the wilderness.
-
Psalms 73:24
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
The psalmist credits God with holding him by the right hand and leading him to glory through divine counsel.
-
Genesis 24:27
He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me on the way to the house of my master’s relatives.”
Abraham’s servant recognizes that Yahweh personally led him on the specific journey to find a wife for Isaac.