נָתַח
na.tach
to cut
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word נָתַח (na.tach), corresponding to Strong's number H5408, has a short definition of "to cut." Its lexical domain is Physical Action, suggesting its primary function is to convey a concrete, physical action of severing or separating something. With 9 occurrences in the Bible, this verb is used across various contexts, implying its versatility in describing everyday events and actions. The meaning of "to cut" can be applied to various situations, such as actions involving a sharp object, like a knife or sword, or even separating objects, like cutting wood or fibers. This verb can also be used metaphorically, as evidenced by its occurrences in the biblical text, to represent other forms of action or separation that do not literally involve cutting. Overall, the significance of this word lies in its ability to convey precise and varied physical actions to the reader, making it a fundamental element in the biblical narrative's storytelling. Given its relatively high frequency of use and straightforward meaning, it's clear that cutting, as conveyed by the verb נָתַח, is an essential concept in ancient Hebrew culture, encompassing a wide range of physical actions and, by extension, metaphorical representations. This verb plays a vital role in describing the experiences and realities of the people who used this language, giving insight into their daily lives and understanding of the world.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
You shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its innards, and its legs, and put them with its pieces, and with its head.
Leviticus 8:20He cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat.
Leviticus 1:6He shall skin the burnt offering, and cut it into pieces.
Leviticus 1:12He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar,
Judges 19:29When he had come into his house, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, and divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the borders of Israel.
Judges 20:6I took my concubine and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
1 Samuel 11:7He took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever doesn’t come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” The dread of Yahweh fell on the people, and they came out as one man.
1 Kings 18:23Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under it.
1 Kings 18:33He put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. He said, “Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering, and on the wood.”