נָכַל (na.khal)
na.khal
to plot
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nāchal describes a specific kind of deceit: acting with crafty intent or knavish plotting. It does not simply mean lying; it implies a calculated, sly manipulation designed to mislead others. In the Qal stem, it characterizes a person as a deceiver, while the Hithpael form emphasizes the active process of devising schemes against someone.
This word appears in only four verses, giving it a concentrated theological weight. In Numbers 22:30, Balaam’s donkey uses it to describe how she had acted craftily to avoid an obstacle, highlighting that even animals can exhibit shrewdness humans lack. Conversely, in Psalms and Malachi, it condemns those who secretly plan harm or trickery against the righteous.
Translators often render nāchal as "plot," "deceive," or "act craftily." The nuance lies in the hidden nature of the action; it is not open conflict but a subtle, underhanded maneuver. The sources consistently link this term with moral corruption and the intent to beguile or trap others through cunning rather than force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nāchal reveals how sin often begins in the quiet corners of the mind before it ever reaches our hands. It describes a calculated, sly manipulation designed to mislead others, turning trust into a trap. When we see this kind of plotting in Scripture, such as the brothers conspiring against Joseph in Genesis 37:18, it reminds us that hidden motives can be just as destructive as open conflict.
Yet this word also points to our need for God’s protective wisdom. In Psalms 105:25, we see how God turns the hearts of those who plot against His people, showing that no scheme remains hidden from Him. This truth brings comfort; it assures us that while others may devise harm in secret, God sees the full picture and works for good.
Living with integrity means refusing to engage in these subtle deceptions. Instead, we are called to transparency and honesty, trusting that God defends His own without our need to scheme. This perspective frees us from the anxiety of trying to control outcomes through underhanded means, allowing us to rest in His justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ deal deceptively1×
- they have dealt deceptively1×
- and/ they dealt deceptively with1×
- [one who] deals deceptively1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נוֹכֵ֗ל1×
- נִכְּל֥וּ1×
- לְ֝/הִתְנַכֵּ֗ל1×
- וַ/יִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 37:18
They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him.
This verse illustrates the word's use for a calculated conspiracy to harm, showing how hidden intent can lead to severe betrayal within family.
-
Psalms 105:25
He turned their heart to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.
Here the term describes how God sovereignly turns the hearts of enemies to plot against His servants, highlighting His ultimate control over human schemes.
-
Malachi 1:14
“But the deceiver is cursed who has in his flock a male, and vows and sacrifices to the Lord a defective thing; for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and my name is awesome among the nations.”
The word condemns the deceiver who offers defective sacrifices, linking cunning dishonesty in worship with divine curse and judgment.