נִיחוֹחַ (ni.cho.ach)
ni.cho.ach
soothing
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun niḥōaḥ describes a state of soothing or tranquilizing peace. It appears in only two verses, both found in the historical books of Ezra and Daniel where the imperial court interacts with Jewish exiles. In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of calm relief or settled stability brought about by royal decree or divine intervention.
As an Aramaic form related to the Hebrew niḥōaḥ (H5207), it carries the same root idea of rest or refreshment. The term is not used for emotional comfort in a personal sense, but rather for a condition of tranquility established by external authority or circumstance. Its rarity highlights how specific political and religious peace was viewed as a tangible, soothing reality for the community in exile.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word niḥōaḥ points to a deep, soothing peace that settles over a situation. In the Bible, this concept often appears when external pressures are lifted and stability returns. For believers today, it reminds us that God is the ultimate source of calm in chaotic times.
When anxiety rises or circumstances feel unstable, we can look to the example of those who trusted God’s sovereignty. The peace described here is not just an absence of trouble, but a tangible sense of relief and rest. It invites us to find our security in His faithful presence rather than in fleeting worldly conditions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- soothing offerings1×
- and/ soothing offerings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִיחוֹחִ֖ין1×
- וְ/נִ֣יחֹחִ֔ין1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:10
that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons.
This verse links the soothing peace of the community to proper worship and prayer for their rulers, showing that tranquility is connected to faithful obedience.
-
Daniel 2:46
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.
Here, the king’s reaction to Daniel’s interpretation reveals a moment of profound relief and recognition of God’s power, establishing a temporary peace through divine revelation.