נָכָא (na.ka)
na.ka
stricken
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word naka describes a state of being struck down or prostrated, typically referring to a spirit that has been crushed by external force. It appears in only four verses, carrying a heavy sense of defeat and vulnerability. The term is most often associated with the physical and emotional collapse of nations or individuals under the weight of conquest or judgment.
A striking example occurs in Isaiah 16:7, where the prophet uses this word to depict Moab’s reaction to its impending fall. The sources note that the nation is described as "stricken," illustrating a people laid low by military defeat. This usage highlights how the word conveys not just injury, but a complete overwhelming of strength and pride.
While sometimes treated as a variant of another term for mourning, naka specifically emphasizes the impact of an external blow that leaves the subject unable to stand. It serves as a vivid image of powerlessness, reminding readers that even strong nations can be brought low when their confidence is shattered by forces beyond their control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word paints a picture of being struck down or crushed by external forces. It describes a spirit that has been overwhelmed, leaving one feeling powerless and defeated. In Isaiah 16:7, it depicts Moab’s utter collapse under judgment, showing how pride can be shattered by circumstances beyond our control.
Yet this word also appears in Proverbs to describe the human condition. A crushed spirit dries up the bones and makes suffering unbearable. It reminds us that emotional pain is real and heavy, affecting our very physical health. We are not meant to carry these burdens alone.
Christian tradition has long understood that God draws near to those who are broken. While the word itself speaks of defeat, the broader biblical narrative offers hope for restoration. You are seen in your weakness, and grace is available to those who feel laid low by life’s blows.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stricken2×
- stricken people1×
- [is] stricken1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְ֝כֵאָ֗ה2×
- נְכָאִֽים\׃1×
- נְכֵאָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 16:7
Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken.
This verse uses the word to depict Moab's complete military and emotional collapse, emphasizing total powerlessness.
-
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Here the term describes a crushed spirit that physically weakens the body, linking mental state to physical health.
-
Proverbs 18:14
A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
The verse highlights that while resilience can sustain one in sickness, a deeply crushed spirit becomes unbearable to endure.