נַ֫חַשׁ (na.chash)
na.chash
divination
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun naḥash refers to divination or enchantment, specifically the practice of seeking hidden knowledge through omens. In the Old Testament, it describes a form of fortune-telling that relies on interpreting signs rather than direct revelation from God.
This term appears only twice in Scripture, both in Numbers 23:23. There it is used to contrast the power of Balaam’s enemies with the authority of Israel’s God. The text states that there is no enchantment against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel, emphasizing that such practices are ineffective before the Lord.
The word highlights a sharp distinction in biblical thought between seeking guidance through supernatural signs and trusting in God’s revealed will. While other cultures viewed omens as reliable guides, the Bible presents naḥash as a futile attempt to control or predict the future outside of divine permission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word naḥash points to the human desire to predict or control the future through signs and omens. In ancient times, people often looked for hidden meanings in events to feel secure about what lay ahead. Scripture presents this as a futile attempt to bypass God’s revealed will, reminding us that true security does not come from deciphering luck or fate.
Instead of seeking answers in the shadows of divination, we are invited to trust in the God who speaks clearly. The Bible contrasts these empty practices with the confident declaration found in Numbers: 'What has God done!' This shift from fear to faith allows us to rest in His sovereignty rather than chasing uncertain omens.
When anxiety about tomorrow rises, remember that your future is held by a faithful Creator. You do not need to interpret signs or manipulate outcomes to find peace. Simply look to the Lord, who has already shown His love and power for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- omens1×
- enchantment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַ֙חַשׁ֙1×
- נְחָשִׁ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 23:23
Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob; neither is there any divination with Israel. Now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘What has God done!’
This verse explicitly denies that any divination can stand against Israel, highlighting God's exclusive authority over their destiny.
-
Numbers 24:1
When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Here the term shows Balaam abandoning his usual methods of enchantment when he realizes God’s will is fixed on blessing Israel.