נֵץ (nets)
nets
flower; hawk
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nets refers primarily to a bird of prey, specifically identifying hawks or falcons in biblical texts. It appears as a generic term for these raptors, which are listed among unclean animals in Leviticus 11:13-16 and Deuteronomy 14:12-18. This classification highlights the ancient distinction between clean and unclean creatures, placing predatory birds outside the dietary laws given to Israel.
Interestingly, the same root also yields a meaning related to vegetation, appearing in Genesis 40:10 where it describes blossoms on an almond tree. In this context, it refers to the white flowers that appear before the fruit develops. This dual usage suggests a connection between the swift, striking nature of the hawk and the sudden appearance of the blossom, though scholars note the exact etymological link remains somewhat uncertain.
Translators typically render nets as "hawk" or "falcon" when discussing the birds, ensuring clarity for readers unfamiliar with ancient zoological categories. The word’s presence in Job 39:26 further emphasizes its association with keen sight and hunting prowess, traits that resonate with the bird’s reputation as a formidable predator in the natural world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nets carries a striking duality in Scripture. In most instances, it identifies a hawk or falcon, a bird of prey listed among the unclean animals in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. This classification reminds us that not every creature is meant for our table, reflecting an ancient order where some beings remain wild and untamed by human use.
Yet in Genesis 40:10, the same word describes the delicate blossoms of an almond tree budding before its fruit appears. This shift from predator to plant highlights a surprising connection between sudden appearance and keen sight. Just as the hawk spots its prey from afar, the blossom emerges swiftly, signaling change.
For your faith, this word invites attention to God’s detailed design in nature. Whether you see the fierce flight of the hawk or the quiet bloom of the almond tree, both reveal a Creator who values precision and timing. Let these images deepen your appreciation for the variety in His creation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ falcon2×
- blossom/ its1×
- a falcon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נֵּ֖ץ2×
- נֵ֑ץ1×
- נִצָּ֔/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 40:10
and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters produced ripe grapes.
This verse uniquely applies nets to almond blossoms, linking the word’s meaning of sudden emergence or brightness to vegetation rather than birds.
-
Leviticus 11:16
the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk,
Here nets classifies the hawk among unclean animals, establishing its role in dietary laws as a predatory bird not to be eaten by Israel.
-
Job 39:26
“Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?
God uses the soaring hawk to illustrate divine wisdom and instinct, contrasting human limitation with the bird’s innate hunting prowess.