נָתַךְ (na.takh)
na.takh
to pour
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nathak describes the action of pouring or melting something into a liquid state. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, with notable usage in Jeremiah, II Chronicles, and Job. The word captures both the physical act of pouring out a substance and the process of melting metal, often implying a transformation from solid to fluid.
In its most vivid applications, nathak is used to describe the casting of molten bronze for the temple’s furnishings. For instance, II Chronicles 4:2 details the creation of the "sea of cast metal," where the material was poured out to form a large basin. This concrete imagery highlights the word’s connection to craftsmanship and deliberate shaping through heat and flow.
The term also carries theological weight when applied to divine action. In Jeremiah, God uses nathak to describe pouring out His wrath or spirit upon nations. This usage suggests an overwhelming release that cannot be contained, much like liquid flowing from a vessel. The word thus bridges physical description and spiritual metaphor, illustrating how God’s presence or judgment moves with force and purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb nathak describes the act of pouring or melting something into a liquid state. This word captures both the physical action of pouring out a substance and the process of melting metal, often implying a transformation from solid to fluid. In its most vivid applications, nathak is used to describe the casting of molten bronze for the temple’s furnishings. For instance, II Chronicles 4:2 details the creation of the "sea of cast metal," where the material was poured out to form a large basin. This concrete imagery highlights the word’s connection to craftsmanship and deliberate shaping through heat and flow.
The term also carries theological weight when applied to divine action. In Jeremiah, God uses nathak to describe pouring out His wrath or spirit upon nations. This usage suggests an overwhelming release that cannot be contained, much like liquid flowing from a vessel. The word thus bridges physical description and spiritual metaphor, illustrating how God’s presence or judgment moves with force and purpose.
When you encounter this word in Scripture, it reminds you of God’s sovereignty over both the material world and your spiritual life. Just as metal is shaped by fire and flow, your heart can be refined through seasons of change. Whether in times of joy or trial, remember that God’s plans are purposeful and intentional. Trust in His shaping hand, knowing that He works all things for your good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it was poured out3×
- they have poured out1×
- so/ it may pour forth1×
- it will pour out1×
- it will pour forth1×
- it will be poured forth1×
- it has been poured out1×
- did you pour out/ me1×
- and/ they poured forth1×
- and/ they have poured out1×
- and/ it poured forth1×
- and/ it has poured forth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּתִּיכֵ֑/נִי1×
- תִּתַּ֤ךְ1×
- תִּתַּ֖ךְ1×
- תִתַּ֧ךְ1×
- נִתַּךְ\־1×
- נִתַּ֨ךְ1×
- נִתַּ֥ךְ1×
- נִתֶּ֙כֶת֙1×
- נִתְּכָ֣ה1×
- וַֽ/יִּתְּכ֥וּ1×
- וַ/תִּתַּ֨ךְ1×
- וַ/תִּתַּ֤ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 7:20
Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: “Behold, my anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place, on man, on animal, on the trees of the field, and on the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and will not be quenched.”
Here, nathak portrays God’s wrath being poured out uncontrollably, showing the seriousness of sin and its consequences.
-
Job 10:10
Haven’t you poured me out like milk, and curdled me like cheese?
Job uses nathak metaphorically to describe how God formed him like milk, emphasizing God’s intimate role in creation.
-
Exodus 9:33
Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread out his hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth.
This verse shows nathak in the context of hail not being poured on the earth, illustrating God’s control over nature.
-
Daniel 9:11
Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, turning aside, that they should not obey your voice. “Therefore the curse and the oath written in the law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, for we have sinned against him.
In this passage, nathak describes the curse of the law being poured out on Israel due to their transgression.