נָטַר (na.tar)
na.tar
to keep
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb natar means to keep or maintain something in a state of preservation. It appears in only seven verses, giving it a focused presence in Scripture. The word often carries the sense of guarding or holding onto something carefully, whether that is a promise, a law, or a physical object.
In the Psalms and Jeremiah, natar frequently describes God’s faithful keeping of His covenant promises or His protection of His people. For example, Psalm 121:8 speaks of the Lord keeping one’s going out and coming in. This usage highlights a divine vigilance that ensures safety and continuity. The term implies an active, watchful care rather than passive storage.
The word’s root suggests a sense of reserve or retention, as seen in its use for keeping reserves or maintaining standards. In Song of Solomon, it appears in contexts of preserving love or guarding relationships, adding a layer of intimacy to its protective meaning. Translators often render natar as "keep," "guard," or "maintain," depending on the context. Its rarity makes each occurrence stand out, emphasizing the importance of what is being kept.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word natar reminds us that God’s care is active and watchful. It is not a passive observation but a vigilant preservation of what matters most to Him. When Scripture speaks of God keeping His promises or guarding our steps, it describes a steady, faithful presence that holds us safe through every season.
This same careful attention extends to our relationships and inner life. Just as the psalmist reflects on God’s mercy rather than holding onto anger, we are invited to trust in a love that preserves rather than condemns. It encourages us to rest in the knowledge that our lives are held securely in hands that never let go.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ¿/ will he maintain1×
- you will keep1×
- to <the>/ [those who] keep1×
- he will keep1×
- [one who] keeps1×
- [belong] to/ [those who] keep1×
- I will maintain1×
- I have kept1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִטֹּר֙1×
- נֹטֵרָ֣ה1×
- נָטָֽרְתִּי\׃1×
- לַ/נֹּטְרִ֑ים1×
- לְ/נֹטְרִ֥ים1×
- יִטּֽוֹר\׃1×
- הֲ/יִנְטֹ֣ר1×
- אֶטּ֖וֹר1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 103:9
He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever.
This verse highlights God’s choice not to keep anger, showing His mercy overrides judgment.
-
Jeremiah 3:5
“‘Will he retain his anger forever? Will he keep it to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken and have done evil things, and have had your way.”
The rhetorical question emphasizes that God does not retain His anger forever, pointing to His enduring patience.
-
Jeremiah 3:12
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, you backsliding Israel,’ says Yahweh; ‘I will not look in anger on you, for I am merciful,’ says Yahweh. ‘I will not keep anger forever.
Here God explicitly states He will not keep anger, reinforcing the theme of divine forgiveness and restoration.
-
Song of Solomon 8:12
My own vineyard is before me. The thousand are for you, Solomon, two hundred for those who tend its fruit.
The speaker contrasts leased vinekeepers with her own vineyard, illustrating personal stewardship and intimate care.