נָתַח (na.tach)
na.tach
to cut
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nathach means to cut or cut into pieces, specifically describing the physical division of an object. In the Old Testament, it appears in nine verses, with a significant concentration in Leviticus where it details the preparation of sacrificial animals. The word carries a precise sense of dismemberment or jointing, rather than simple slicing.
Its usage highlights the ritual nature of ancient worship. For instance, in Leviticus 1:6 and 8, priests are instructed to cut the sacrifice into pieces and arrange them on the altar. This action transforms the animal from a living creature into an offering, marking a clear boundary between the ordinary and the holy. The term is also used in Judges 19:29 to describe a gruesome act of violence, showing its application beyond religious contexts.
Translators typically render nathach as "cut up" or "cut in pieces," preserving the graphic reality of the action. This precision matters because it distinguishes ritual preparation from casual butchery. The word underscores the tangible cost of atonement and the seriousness with which ancient Israel treated their covenant obligations.
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.tach describes the physical act of cutting something into pieces. In the Old Testament, this verb appears nine times, mostly in Leviticus where priests prepare burnt offerings. They would cut the animal carefully to place it on the altar. This was not just butchery; it was a sacred act of worship. The precise division marked the offering as holy, setting it apart for God.
While the word can describe violent acts in Judges or Saul’s rallying cry in Samuel, its primary use highlights the seriousness of covenant obligations. Ancient Israel understood that approaching God required tangible effort and respect. The cutting of the sacrifice showed that atonement had a real cost. It reminds us that our relationship with the Creator is not casual but grounded in serious devotion.
For your faith today, this word invites you to view your worship with similar intentionality. Just as the priests did not rush the preparation, you can bring your whole self to God. Your prayers and acts of service are like the pieces on the altar—deliberate and meaningful. This ancient practice shows that God values the careful, respectful offering of your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he will cut in pieces2×
- you will cut in pieces1×
- he cut in pieces1×
- and/ let them cut in pieces/ it1×
- and/ he cut it in pieces1×
- and/ he cut in pieces/ it1×
- and/ he cut in pieces/ her1×
- and/ I cut in pieces/ her1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּנַתֵּ֖חַ1×
- נִתַּ֖ח1×
- וָֽ/אֲנַתְּחֶ֔/הָ1×
- וַֽ/יְנַתְּחֶ֙/הָ֙1×
- וַֽ/יְנַתְּחֵ֗/הוּ1×
- וַ/יְנַתַּח֙1×
- וִֽ/ינַתְּחֻ֗/הוּ1×
- וְ/נִתַּ֥ח1×
- וְ/נִתַּ֤ח1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 1:6
He shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.
This verse establishes the ritual standard for burnt offerings, where cutting the animal is a required step to prepare it for the altar.
-
Leviticus 1:12
He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar,
Here the word emphasizes the orderly arrangement of the cut pieces, showing that worship requires structured reverence.
-
I Kings 18:33
He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.”
Elijah uses this precise cutting action to prepare a bull for a public contest with the prophets of Baal, highlighting the word's use in dramatic divine encounters.