נָקַף
na.qaph
to surround
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "na.qaph" (H5362B) is defined as "to surround." This verb conveys the idea of encircling or encompassing something or someone. It is used 17 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. The range of usage for "na.qaph" is quite broad. It can describe physical boundaries, such as a city being surrounded by walls (Deuteronomy 3:5), or metaphorical encirclement, like God's presence surrounding His people (Psalm 139:5). This word also implies a sense of protection or shelter, as in the case of a mother hen surrounding her chicks (Matthew 23:37). The significance of "na.qaph" lies in its emphasis on the interconnectedness and unity of individuals or groups. It highlights the idea that we are not isolated entities, but rather part of a larger whole that is encompassed by a greater reality. This concept is central to many biblical themes, including community, protection, and the relationship between God and humanity.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
17 total occurrences across the text
The Levites shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand. Whoever comes into the house, let him be slain. Be with the king when he comes in, and when he goes out.”
Job 1:5It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.
Job 19:6know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net.
Psalms 17:9from the wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.
Psalms 48:12Walk about Zion, and go around her. Number its towers.
Psalms 88:17They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.
Isaiah 15:8For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.
Isaiah 29:1Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around;
Lamentations 3:5He has built against me, and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.
Psalms 22:16For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.
Leviticus 19:27“ ‘You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your head or clip off the edge of your beard.
Joshua 6:3All of your men of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days.
Joshua 6:11So he caused Yahweh’s ark to go around the city, circling it once. Then they came into the camp, and stayed in the camp.
1 Kings 7:24Under its brim around there were buds which encircled it for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The buds were in two rows, cast when it was cast.
2 Kings 6:14Therefore he sent horses, chariots, and a great army there. They came by night, and surrounded the city.
2 Kings 11:8You shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he who comes within the ranks, let him be slain. Be with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in.”
2 Chronicles 4:3Under it was the likeness of oxen, which encircled it, for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast.