נְחֵת (ne.chat)

ne.chat

to descend

H5182 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb nechet describes the physical act of descending or going down. In its basic form, it simply denotes movement from a higher position to a lower one. This straightforward meaning appears in contexts where characters or objects move downward, reflecting a literal change in elevation rather than an abstract concept.

The word gains additional nuance through its derived stems. The Hiphil stem shifts the focus to causing something to descend, effectively meaning to deposit or lay down. Meanwhile, the Hophal passive form takes on a political weight, describing someone who is deposed or cast down from power. This specific usage highlights how physical movement can metaphorically represent a loss of status or authority.

With only four occurrences in the Old Testament, nechet is a rare term found primarily in Ezra and Daniel. Its limited appearance underscores its role as a precise descriptor for downward motion or removal from high positions. Translators typically render it as "descend," "deposited," or "deposed," depending on whether the context involves simple movement or the fall of a ruler.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word nechet describes the simple act of moving downward, whether it is a person stepping down from a height or an object being placed in its proper spot. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, this verb appears rarely, yet it carries significant weight for those who study Scripture closely. It captures both physical movement and the shifting of authority, reminding us that positions of power are temporary.

For your faith life, this word offers a gentle perspective on humility. When we see leaders deposed or treasures returned to their rightful place, we are reminded that God oversees all elevations and descents. Nothing is too high for Him to reach, and nothing is too low for Him to restore. This truth brings comfort when our own circumstances feel unstable.

Ultimately, nechet points to the sovereignty of God over history. Whether vessels are taken away or rulers fall from their thrones, these events unfold under His watchful eye. We can rest in the knowledge that He holds all things together, guiding every step of the journey toward His intended purpose for His people.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

so/ you may deposit [them]1×
he was deposed1×
deposit!1×
[were] deposited1×

Forms in the text

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

מְהַחֲתִ֥ין1×
וְ/תַחֵ֖ת1×
הָנְחַת֙1×
אֲחֵ֣ת1×

Key Verses

Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.

This verse uses the Hophal form to describe King Belshazzar being deposed from his throne, showing how the word metaphorically represents a loss of political power and status.
Ezra 6:1
Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was searched.

Here the verb describes the archives where treasures were laid up or deposited in Babylon, illustrating the physical act of storing items in a lower or secure location.
Ezra 6:5
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everything to its place. You shall put them in God’s house.

The command to restore vessels and put them back in their place uses the word to indicate returning sacred objects to their proper, designated position within the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word nechet mean?

Nechet means to descend, go down, or deposit something. It is used in the Old Testament to describe physical movement from a higher to a lower position, as well as the act of placing items in storage or returning them to their proper place.

Where does nechet appear in the Bible?

This rare verb appears only four times in the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences focus on historical events involving the temple vessels and the fall of Babylonian kings.

How is nechet different from other words for going down?

While many Hebrew words describe general movement downward, nechet often carries a specific nuance of deposition or being cast down from authority. In Daniel 5:20, it highlights the removal of a king's glory, adding a layer of political consequence to the physical act of descending.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Ezra 3 verses

Ezra 5:15

He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in…

Ezra 6:1

Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…

Ezra 6:5

Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…

Daniel 1 verse