נָעַל (na.al)
na.al
to lock; to shoe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb na.al carries two distinct meanings that share a common theme of securing or covering: to bar, lock, or bolt an entrance, and to shoe or furnish with sandals. In the Old Testament, this word appears in only six verses, primarily within the narratives of Judges and 2 Samuel, as well as in the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon.
When used for doors, it describes the physical act of securing a space against entry, emphasizing safety or exclusion. In contrast, its usage regarding footwear highlights provision and preparation. For instance, Ruth 3:3 records Naomi instructing Ruth to wash and anoint herself before going down to the threshing floor, specifically noting that she should put on her sandals (na.al), signaling readiness for a formal visit. Similarly, in Song of Solomon 5:8, the beloved is asked not to disturb her until she has put on her shoes, using the term to denote personal preparation and propriety.
This duality reflects a practical ancient worldview where security and mobility were both matters of careful attention. Whether sealing a gate or preparing feet for travel, the word underscores deliberate action taken to either protect what is inside or enable movement outside.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word naal captures two distinct acts of care in ancient Israel: securing a space and preparing for movement. In Judges, Ehud bolts the door to ensure privacy during a critical moment, while in Chronicles, caring soldiers provide sandals to weary captives. Both uses highlight how physical details reflect deeper intentions—whether protecting what is inside or enabling journey outside.
This duality invites reflection on our own lives. We often seek security, locking doors against uncertainty, yet we also need preparation for the path ahead. Scripture shows God attending to both needs: guarding our peace and equipping us for daily steps. When you feel confined or unprepared, remember that divine care covers both boundaries and journeys.
In Song of Solomon, the image of a locked garden suggests cherished privacy, while Ruth’s sandals signal readiness for a new season. These images remind us that God values both our safety and our progress. Whether you are resting in protection or stepping into change, His attention is present in every detail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- locked2×
- and/ they shod/ them1×
- and/ lock1×
- and/ he locked [them]1×
- and/ he locked1×
- [were] locked1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָע֖וּל2×
- נְעֻל֑וֹת1×
- וּ/נְעֹ֥ל1×
- וַ֠/יַּנְעִלוּ/ם1×
- וְ/נָעָֽל\׃1×
- וְ/נָעַ֥ל1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:23
Then Ehud went out onto the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on him, and locked them.
This verse uses the word to describe Ehud securing a private space, emphasizing the physical act of locking doors to ensure safety and exclusion during a tense moment.
-
II Samuel 13:17
Then he called his servant who ministered to him, and said, “Now put this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.”
Here the term describes bolting a door after Tamar, highlighting the finality of her exclusion and the harshness of the action taken by Amnon's servant.
-
II Chronicles 28:15
The men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them, gave them sandals, gave them something to eat and to drink, anointed them, carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria.
This occurrence shifts to footwear, showing soldiers giving sandals to captives as an act of practical care and restoration for their journey home.
-
Song of Solomon 4:12
My sister, my bride, is a locked up garden; a locked up spring, a sealed fountain.
The word appears metaphorically to describe a locked garden, symbolizing cherished privacy and the value of protected intimacy in relationships.