נַ֫עַר (na.ar)
na.ar
newborn
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word na’ar is a rare noun appearing only once in the Bible, at Zechariah 11:16. Its core meaning relates to the idea of shaking or scattering. In this specific context, it describes a foolish shepherd who fails the flock, leaving them vulnerable to being scattered and lost.
Lexical sources note that the text here is difficult and potentially corrupt. The word likely functions as a concrete noun for "scattered ones" or "those cast away," deriving from a root sense of movement caused by shaking. Because it does not mean "child" (a common confusion with similar sounding words), its impact lies in depicting the result of bad leadership: a group dispersed and without care.
This single usage highlights the severity of neglect in prophetic imagery. The scattering is not accidental but a consequence of the shepherd's failure to gather or protect. Translators often render this as "scatter" or "cast away" to capture the sense of disintegration and loss inherent in the term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word na’ar appears only once in Scripture, at Zechariah 11:16. It describes a state of being scattered or cast away, resulting from the failure of leadership. This rare term paints a stark picture of vulnerability, showing how neglect leaves people without care or direction.
For your faith, this word highlights the importance of seeking true guidance. When human leaders fail, the result is disorientation and loss. Yet, the prophecy points to a greater hope: God promises to raise up a faithful shepherd who will gather the scattered and restore what is broken. This assurance reminds us that our security rests in His care, not in imperfect human systems.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ young man1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נַּ֣עַר1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 11:16
For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.
This verse uses na’ar to describe those who are scattered due to the foolish shepherd's neglect, emphasizing the consequence of poor leadership.