נָתַר (na.tar)
na.tar
to start; to free
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb natar carries two distinct threads of meaning depending on its grammatical form. In its basic stem, it describes a sudden physical movement: starting up, trembling, or springing into action. This sense appears when the text depicts something leaping or shaking, capturing a moment of dynamic energy rather than stillness.
In the intensive Hiphil stem, the meaning shifts toward release. Here, natar means to unfasten, loosen, or set free. It is used for undoing bonds or letting loose what was previously held back. This usage appears in passages where God causes nations to rise up or when physical restraints are removed, emphasizing a transition from confinement to freedom.
The word’s force lies in this contrast between sudden motion and deliberate release. Whether describing a heart that starts up or chains that are unbound, natar always points to a change of state. Translators often render it as "loose" or "set free," highlighting the decisive action involved in breaking ties or initiating movement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word natár captures two powerful moments of change: sudden movement and deliberate release. In its basic form, it describes something springing into action or trembling with energy. In the intensive form, it means to unfasten, loosen, or set free from bonds. This duality reminds us that God is both dynamic in His presence and liberating in His power.
When we feel trapped by circumstances, this word offers hope. It speaks of chains being undone and prisoners going free. It also describes a heart that trembles before the majesty of God, acknowledging His overwhelming presence. Whether it is physical freedom or spiritual awe, natár points to a decisive shift from confinement to liberty.
In Isaiah 58:6, this verb calls us to release the oppressed and break every yoke. It invites us to participate in God’s work of liberation. We can trust that He is active in our lives, loosening what binds us and moving us toward freedom. This promise encourages us to rest in His power to change our situations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ hop1×
- to unfasten1×
- so/ it may leap1×
- may he loosen1×
- and/ he set free/ him1×
- and/ he set free1×
- and/ he has made jump1×
- [is] setting free1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתִּ֥יר1×
- לְ/נַתֵּ֥ר1×
- יַתֵּ֥ר1×
- וַ/יַּתֵּ֥ר1×
- וַ/יַּתֵּ֣ר1×
- וַ/יַּתִּירֵ֑/הוּ1×
- וְ֝/יִתַּ֗ר1×
- הַתֵּ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 58:6
“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
This verse uses the intensive form of the word to describe actively unfastening bonds and breaking yokes, linking divine action with human responsibility for justice.
-
Job 6:9
even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
Here the verb describes God letting loose His hand, illustrating a sudden, decisive release of power that brings either judgment or relief.
-
Psalms 146:7
who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners.
The text states Yahweh frees prisoners, using the word to emphasize God’s role as the ultimate liberator of those held captive.
-
Job 37:1
“Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
This occurrence describes a heart trembling or starting up in response to God’s voice, capturing the sudden physical reaction to divine presence.