נְקֵא (ne.qe)
ne.qe
pure
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective neqe describes something that is clean or pure. In the biblical text, it functions as a straightforward descriptor of moral or ritual integrity, indicating a state free from guilt, stain, or corruption.
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Daniel 7:9. Here, it modifies the Ancient of Days, portraying Him as one who is utterly pure and without blemish. The usage emphasizes His absolute holiness and righteous judgment, setting Him apart from all earthly powers that are subject to corruption.
While neqe can refer to physical cleanliness in other contexts, its singular occurrence here highlights its theological weight. It underscores the divine nature of God as the standard of purity against which all else is measured. The term conveys a sense of wholeness and unblemished character that defines His eternal throne.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word neqe appears in Scripture to describe a state of being completely free from stain or guilt. In Daniel 7:9, this term is used to depict the Ancient of Days, highlighting His absolute moral purity. This image reminds us that God’s nature is entirely separate from the corruption and imperfection found in human systems.
When we look at divine judgment, we see it rooted in this perfect holiness. The purity of God ensures that His decisions are always just and fair. For believers, this offers a deep sense of security, knowing that the One who evaluates all things is Himself without blemish.
This understanding invites us to trust in His character even when circumstances seem unclear. We can rest in the knowledge that our Judge is pure, and His standards reflect His loving and righteous nature. It encourages us to seek integrity in our own lives, reflecting the light of His truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] pure1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְקֵ֔א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:9
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
The term modifies the hair of the Ancient of Days, emphasizing His eternal and unblemished holiness in contrast to earthly powers.