נֶ֫תֶק (ne.teq)
ne.teq
scab
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun neteq refers to a crust or scab that forms on the skin, often as part of a disease process described in Leviticus. In the context of biblical law, it is not merely a minor injury but a visible sign of impurity that requires examination by a priest. The word appears nine times in the Old Testament, with the majority of occurrences found in chapters 13 and 14 of Leviticus, where detailed regulations for diagnosing skin conditions are outlined.
Its meaning extends beyond a simple scab to include specific types of skin eruptions or scales associated with what modern medicine might classify as various dermatological conditions. The sources highlight that neteq is one of several terms used to distinguish between different kinds of afflictions, each carrying its own ritual implications. This precision was crucial for maintaining communal purity and determining when an individual needed isolation or cleansing.
Understanding neteq provides insight into the ancient Israelite approach to health and holiness. The careful distinction of such conditions reflects a worldview where physical state and spiritual status were closely linked. By defining these terms, the text establishes a framework for community care and religious observance that was central to life in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word neteq describes a scab or crust, often linked to skin conditions in Leviticus. In ancient Israel, this was not just a medical issue but a matter of communal purity. A priest had to examine these marks to determine if someone was clean or unclean. This process ensured that the community remained healthy and holy, reflecting God’s care for both body and spirit.
For us today, neteq reminds us that God sees our whole selves. Physical struggles, like skin diseases, were taken seriously because they affected one’s place in the community. Yet, the law also provided a way back to purity through washing and priestly blessing. This shows that God values restoration and wholeness.
When we face challenges that set us apart or cause pain, we can trust that God is present. He does not ignore our suffering but offers a path to healing and renewal. Just as the Israelites were restored to community, we too are invited into God’s peace and acceptance through Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ scall12×
- and/ to <the>/ scall1×
- [is] a scall1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נֶּ֖תֶק5×
- הַ/נֶּ֜תֶק2×
- הַ/נֶּ֔תֶק2×
- נֶ֣תֶק1×
- וְ/לַ/נָּֽתֶק\׃1×
- הַ/נֶּ֛תֶק1×
- הַ/נֶּ֙תֶק֙1×
- הַ/נֶּ֗תֶק1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 13:30
then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is an itch. It is leprosy of the head or of the beard.
This verse identifies the condition as an 'itch' (neteq) with specific signs like yellow hair, showing how priests diagnosed impurity based on visible physical markers.
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Leviticus 13:34
On the seventh day, the priest shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread in the skin, and its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes and be clean.
Here, the priest pronounces the person clean if the scab has not spread, highlighting the law’s focus on stability and healing as signs of restoration.
-
Leviticus 13:37
But if in his eyes the itch is arrested and black hair has grown in it, then the itch is healed. He is clean. The priest shall pronounce him clean.
The growth of black hair signals that the itch is healed, illustrating how natural changes in the skin confirmed God’s provision for cleansing and community reintegration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word neteq mean?
Why was neteq important in ancient Israel?
How is neteq different from other skin terms in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)
Leviticus 9 verses
then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is…
Leviticus 13:31If the priest examines the plague of itching, and behold, its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, and there is no…
Leviticus 13:32On the seventh day the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread, and there is no yellow…
Leviticus 13:33then he shall be shaved, but he shall not shave the itch. Then the priest shall isolate the one who has the itch seven…
Leviticus 13:34On the seventh day, the priest shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread in the skin, and its…
Leviticus 13:35But if the itch spreads in the skin after his cleansing,
Leviticus 13:36then the priest shall examine him; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest shall not look for the…
Leviticus 13:37But if in his eyes the itch is arrested and black hair has grown in it, then the itch is healed. He is clean. The…
Leviticus 14:54This is the law for any plague of leprosy, and for an itch,