נָקָם (na.qam)
na.qam
vengeance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb naqam carries the weight of executing justice through retribution. It appears twelve times in the Old Testament, with a notable concentration in Isaiah and Deuteronomy. The term does not merely describe anger; it signifies the active enforcement of penalty against an offender to restore moral order.
Lexical sources highlight that this action is taken by various agents: God Himself, individuals like Samson, or nations acting as instruments of judgment against Judah. This variety shows that while the right to exact vengeance belongs fundamentally to God, He may delegate this authority to human actors in specific historical contexts.
The word underscores a theological reality where wrongs are not ignored but addressed through decisive action. Translators typically render it as "avenge" or "take vengeance," capturing the sense of vindication for the wronged party. Its usage reminds readers that justice is an active force, ensuring that moral debts are settled according to divine law.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'vengeance' in Hebrew carries a heavy weight, pointing to justice rather than personal anger. It describes God’s active enforcement of moral order when wrongs are committed. This is not about petty revenge but the restoration of fairness and the protection of the vulnerable. When Scripture mentions this concept, it reminds us that no injustice goes unnoticed by the Creator.
For believers, this truth offers deep comfort. We do not need to carry the burden of settling scores or seeking retribution for ourselves. Instead, we can trust that God sees every tear and every wrong. His justice is sure, allowing us to live with peace rather than fear. This assurance frees our hearts to focus on love and forgiveness in our daily lives.
Ultimately, this attribute of God highlights His role as the righteous Judge. It assures us that evil will not have the final word. By resting in His sovereignty, we find hope that truth and justice will prevail. This perspective encourages a life of integrity, knowing that God handles what we cannot.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vengeance9×
- vengeance of2×
- and/ vengeance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָקָם֙3×
- נָקָ֖ם3×
- נָקָ֣ם2×
- נְקַם\־2×
- נָקָֽם\׃1×
- וְ/נָקָם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides, for the day of their calamity is at hand. Their doom rushes at them.”
This verse establishes the foundational principle that retribution belongs solely to God, relieving individuals of the duty to seek personal revenge.
-
Isaiah 61:2
to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Here the concept is paired with the 'year of favor,' showing that divine justice and grace work together in God's redemptive plan.
-
Judges 16:28
Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Samson’s plea illustrates a human request for vindication, highlighting the complex ways this term appears in historical narratives of conflict.