נָקָם
na.qam
vengeance
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "na.qam" (H5359) is defined as "vengeance." It appears 17 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in the text. The word seems to convey a sense of retribution or payback, often in response to wrongdoing or injustice. In its usage, "na.qam" is often associated with God's actions, suggesting that He is the one who seeks vengeance or retribution. This is evident in passages where God is described as taking vengeance on His enemies or punishing those who have wronged Him. However, the word is not limited to God's actions alone, as it is also used to describe human responses to injustice or harm. The significance of "na.qam" lies in its connection to the concept of justice and accountability. In a world where wrongdoing often goes unpunished, the idea of vengeance serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that those who perpetrate harm will be held accountable. This theme is woven throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of justice and the need for accountability in human relationships and society as a whole.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
17 total occurrences across the text
The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
Proverbs 6:34For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won’t spare in the day of vengeance.
Isaiah 34:8For Yahweh has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.
Isaiah 35:4Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
Isaiah 47:3Your nakedness will be uncovered. Yes, your shame will be seen. I will take vengeance, and will spare no one.”
Isaiah 59:17He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head. He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.
Isaiah 61:2to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Isaiah 63:4For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed has come.
Ezekiel 24:8That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance, I have set her blood on the bare rock, that it should not be covered.”
Ezekiel 25:12“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and taken revenge on them;”
Ezekiel 25:15“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because the Philistines have taken revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt of soul to destroy with perpetual hostility;”
Micah 5:15I will execute vengeance in anger, and wrath on the nations that didn’t listen.”
Leviticus 26:25I will bring a sword upon you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant. You will be gathered together within your cities, and I will send the pestilence among you. You will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
Deuteronomy 32:35Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. Their doom rushes at them.”
Deuteronomy 32:41if I sharpen my glittering sword, my hand grasps it in judgment; I will take vengeance on my adversaries, and will repay those who hate me.
Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will take vengeance on his adversaries, and will make atonement for his land and for his people.
Judges 16:28Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”