נָחַל (na.chal)
na.chal
to inherit
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 52 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nachal denotes taking possession of something as a permanent inheritance or property. It appears fifty-two times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Numbers, Joshua, and Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites receiving the land of Canaan. The word emphasizes secure ownership that is passed down through generations, establishing a lasting claim rather than temporary use.
Its meaning extends beyond physical territory into spiritual and moral realms. For instance, Psalm 119:111 uses it metaphorically when the psalmist speaks of taking God’s testimonies as an inheritance forever. Proverbs also employs this language, suggesting that wisdom or folly is acquired as a lasting possession that shapes one’s character (Proverbs 3:35; 11:29). This figurative use highlights how values and truths become part of a person’s identity.
The verb carries strong theological weight in the narrative of Israel. God often claims Israel as His own inheritance, while simultaneously granting them a land to possess (Exodus 34:9; Numbers 18:20). This dual dynamic shows that belonging to God and occupying a specific place are closely linked in biblical thought. The term underscores both divine initiative in granting the gift and human responsibility to hold it securely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about inheriting the land of Canaan, it is easy to see this as a distant historical event. Yet the Hebrew word nachal points to something deeper than property lines or borders. It describes a secure possession given by God, one that establishes identity and belonging for generations. This language reminds us that our place in God’s family is not temporary or uncertain.
Psalm 119:111 shows how this idea moves from physical territory to spiritual truth. The psalmist declares that God’s testimonies are an inheritance forever. This means the words of Scripture become part of who we are, shaping our character and guiding our steps just as a family estate shapes a lineage. We hold these truths not by our own effort, but as a gift received in faith.
Even when life feels unstable, this promise offers a steady foundation. God claims us as His own inheritance, and He gives us His word to possess. This dual reality—belonging to Him and holding His truth—anchors the heart. It invites us to rest in the security of what has already been given, trusting that our spiritual heritage is lasting and secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 52 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will inherit6×
- you will inherit3×
- you will have an inheritance2×
- to/ give as inheritance2×
- they inherited2×
- they gave as a possession2×
- he will inherit2×
- and/ they received their inheritance2×
- I gave as an inheritance2×
- you will give as an inheritance/ it1×
- you will cause to inherit1×
- you have an inheritance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָחֲל֥וּ2×
- נָחֲל֣וּ2×
- לְ/הַנְחִ֖יל2×
- יִנְחַל\־2×
- יִנְחֲל֖וּ2×
- וַ/יִּנְחֲל֥וּ2×
- תַּנְחִילֶ֥/נָּה1×
- תַּנְחִיל֙1×
- תִּתְנַחֲל֤וּ1×
- תִּתְנֶחָֽלוּ\׃1×
- תִּנְחַ֔ל1×
- תִנְחָ֔ל1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 34:9
He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go among us, even though this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
Here the word describes Israel itself as God's inheritance, highlighting the intimate bond between the Creator and His chosen people.
-
Numbers 18:20
Yahweh said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.
God tells Aaron that He Himself is his portion and inheritance, replacing physical land with divine presence as the ultimate possession.
-
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the children of men, he set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.
This verse connects the division of nations to God's sovereign plan, showing how inheritance reflects His broader ordering of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nachal mean in the Old Testament?
How is nachal different from other words for possessing?
Does nachal only refer to physical land?
Why is this word important for understanding God's promises?
Every Occurrence (52 verses across 15 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land.
Exodus 32:13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will…
Exodus 34:9He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go among us, even though this is a…