נָחַשׁ (na.chash)
na.chash
to divine
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb naḥash describes the act of practicing divination, specifically by observing signs or omens to predict the future. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears nine times and is closely associated with forbidden occult practices that sought knowledge outside of God’s revelation. The term often carries a negative connotation, linking the observer to those who engage in fortunetelling rather than trusting in divine guidance.
A key distinction lies in its usage within legal texts like Leviticus 19:26, where it is grouped with other prohibited activities such as eating blood or practicing soothsaying. This context highlights that naḥash was not merely casual observation but a systematic attempt to decode hidden meanings in natural events. The sources note that while the root might imply careful attention to detail, its biblical application strictly condemns using such diligence for pagan ends.
The word also appears in narratives like Genesis 44:5, where Joseph’s brothers fear his silver cup is used for divination. This example illustrates how naḥash was understood as a method of uncovering secrets through physical objects or signs. Translators typically render it as "divine" or "practice divination," preserving the sense of seeking hidden knowledge through unnatural means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word naḥash refers to seeking knowledge of the future through signs, omens, or objects rather than through God’s revealed will. In the Hebrew Bible, this practice is consistently condemned as a failure of trust. It represents an attempt to control outcomes or uncover hidden truths by means that bypass divine guidance.
This distinction matters for our daily faith. We are called to rely on God’s wisdom and promises, not on methods that claim to predict what He has chosen to keep secret. When we turn to such practices, we shift our confidence from the Creator to created signs. The biblical narrative shows that true security comes from walking in obedience to His commands.
Instead of looking for hidden meanings in random events, we are invited to rest in God’s sovereignty. This trust does not remove the need for careful thought or prayerful discernment. It simply places our hope in His faithful character rather than in uncertain omens. Such reliance brings peace that no divination can provide.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- indeed <divine>2×
- he practices divination2×
- and/ he practiced divination2×
- you will practice divination1×
- they observed [the] signs1×
- and/ they practiced divination1×
- and/ an augurer1×
- I have learned by divination1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְנַחֲשׁ֖וּ1×
- נַחֵ֧שׁ1×
- נַחֵ֥שׁ1×
- נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי1×
- יְנַחֵ֛שׁ1×
- יְנַחֵ֖שׁ1×
- יְנַחֲשׁ֨וּ1×
- וּ/מְנַחֵ֖שׁ1×
- וַ/יְנַחֵ֑שׁוּ1×
- וְ/נִחֵשׁ֙1×
- וְ/נִחֵ֔שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:26
“‘You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it. You shall not use enchantments, nor practice sorcery.
This verse groups divination with eating blood and sorcery, showing it was viewed as a serious violation of covenant holiness.
-
Genesis 44:5
Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’”
Joseph’s brothers fear his silver cup is used for divination, illustrating how such objects were believed to hold predictive power in ancient contexts.
-
II Kings 17:17
They caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger.
The text lists divination alongside child sacrifice as key reasons for Israel’s exile, highlighting its role in leading the nation away from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word naḥash mean?
How is naḥash different from general wisdom or discernment?
Why is divination forbidden in Leviticus 19:26?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me…
Genesis 44:5Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’”
Genesis 44:15Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed do…