נָעַר (na.ar)
na.ar
to growl
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb na’ar is a rare word that means to growl, appearing only once in the entire Old Testament. Its single occurrence is found in Jeremiah 51:38, where it describes the sounds made by lions and young lions after they have feasted on prey.
In this context, the word captures the deep, resonant rumble of satisfied predators. The prophet uses this vivid image to describe the fate of Babylon’s allies, who will lie down and rest in a state of fullness, their aggressive growls silenced by satiety and impending judgment.
This unique usage highlights how biblical authors employed concrete animal behavior to convey spiritual truths. The growl here is not one of hunger or attack, but of contentment before a sudden end, making the word a powerful tool for illustrating the temporary peace of the wicked.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word na’ar appears just once in Scripture, describing the low, satisfied rumble of lions after a full meal. In Jeremiah 51:38, this image portrays Babylon’s allies resting in their own strength, believing their power is secure. It serves as a stark reminder that human confidence often feels like safety until it is not.
For your faith, this rare word invites you to examine where you place your trust. We all have moments when we feel fully content and unshakable, much like the well-fed predator. Yet Scripture calls us to look beyond temporary peace toward the One who sustains us forever. True security does not come from our own strength or circumstances, but from God’s faithful presence.
When life feels stable, let this verse ground your heart in humility. When challenges arise, remember that lasting peace is found only in Him. May you rest in the knowledge that your hope is anchored in something far stronger than any earthly power.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they growl1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָעֲר֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 51:38
They will roar together like young lions. They will growl as lions’ cubs.
This verse uses the word to depict the satisfied, rumbling sound of lions after feeding, illustrating the false security of Babylon's allies before their sudden downfall.