נָטַר
na.tar
to keep
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "na.tar" (H5201) means "to keep." It is a physical action that involves holding or retaining something. This verb is used in various contexts, including physical possession, care, and attention. In the Bible, "na.tar" is used 9 times, indicating its importance in Hebrew thought. The range of usage for "na.tar" is quite broad. It can refer to keeping or preserving physical objects, such as food (e.g., Leviticus 23:40), or it can describe the act of keeping or observing laws or commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 16:13). In some cases, "na.tar" implies a sense of care or attention, as when God is said to keep or preserve Israel (e.g., Genesis 28:15). The significance of "na.tar" lies in its emphasis on the importance of holding onto or preserving something of value. This can be a physical object, a law or command, or even a person. The verb highlights the responsibility that comes with possession or care, and it underscores the idea that what is kept or preserved is of great importance.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever.
Song of Solomon 1:6Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.
Song of Solomon 1:6Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.
Song of Solomon 8:11Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. He leased out the vineyard to keepers. Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.
Song of Solomon 8:12My own vineyard is before me. The thousand are for you, Solomon, two hundred for those who tend its fruit.
Jeremiah 3:5“ ‘Will he retain his anger forever? Will he keep it to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken and have done evil things, and have had your way.”
Jeremiah 3:12Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, you backsliding Israel,’ says Yahweh; ‘I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful,’ says Yahweh. ‘I will not keep anger forever.
Nahum 1:2Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.
Leviticus 19:18“ ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.