נַחֵ֥שׁ
𐤍𐤇𐤔
nâchash
practices divination
To practice divination or augury; to seek to foretell or uncover hidden knowledge through ritual, signs, or interpretation of omens. The verb is primarily used for illicit practices of interpreting signs, typically associated with predicting the future or deciphering divine will, and is often connected with forbidden or foreign ritual activities. Occasionally, it carries the nuance of closely observing or seeking to discover through inference, especially in narrative or idiomatic use.
Genesis 44:5 · Word #8
Lexicon H5172
| Lemma | נָחַשׁ |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤍𐤇𐤔 |
| Transliteration | nâchash |
| Strong's | H5172 |
| Definition | To practice divination or augury; to seek to foretell or uncover hidden knowledge through ritual, signs, or interpretation of omens. The verb is primarily used for illicit practices of interpreting signs, typically associated with predicting the future or deciphering divine will, and is often connected with forbidden or foreign ritual activities. Occasionally, it carries the nuance of closely observing or seeking to discover through inference, especially in narrative or idiomatic use. |
Morphology HVpa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | V — Verb — An action or state |
| Binyan | p — Piel — Intensive active |
| Conjugation | a — Infinitive Absolute — Emphasizes the verb |
Common Translation
| Phrase | practices divination |
SIBI-P1 Translation H5172-01
intensively practice divination
| Morphological Notes | Verb, Piel stem (intensive), infinitive absolute form. |
| Rendering Rationale | The Piel stem conveys an intensive or deliberate action of the root נחשׁ, which denotes hissing/whispering leading to augury or divination. As an infinitive absolute, it expresses the verbal idea in its intensified form, hence "intensively practice divination." |
View full lexicon entry for H5172 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
practices divination
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | P1 'intensively practice divination' adds unnecessary intensification; here, simple 'practices divination' fits best, aligning with the common meaning and not overstating. |