נְאֻם
𐤍𐤀𐤌
nᵉʼum
H5002 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A formal prophetic utterance, often styled as a solemn pronouncement or declaration; typically introduces or concludes an authoritative statement from a divine or exalted speaker. In biblical contexts, most frequently used to signal a direct message attributed to YHWH or, more rarely, another speaker. Serves as a marker for the authenticity and the gravity of the message delivered. Semantic range includes: oracle, utterance, divine pronouncement, affirmation, declaration.
Semantic Range
oracle, utterance, pronouncement, declaration, formal divine statement, affirmation, solemn proclamation
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root נָאַם (n-'-m), which means 'to utter, say, declare.' נְאֻם is a noun formed from this root, signifying the act or content of a formal proclamation, especially in a prophetic context. The root itself appears primarily in verbal forms but is functionally fossilized in this noun, especially in formulaic expressions.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, נְאֻם functions as a technical term introducing or validating prophetic utterances, most frequently in the formulaic construction נְאֻם יְהוָה ('declaration of YHWH'), which appears widely across prophetic and poetic texts from the monarchic through post-exilic periods. The term's usage underscores the authority and solemnity of the words that follow, distinguishing them from ordinary speech. Occasionally, the form is used with other subjects (including prominent individuals), though the overwhelming preponderance is in relation to YHWH. English translations often render the formula as 'says the LORD' or 'declares YHWH,' though 'oracle' or 'utterance' may better reflect its technical function. Unlike the generic verb 'to say' (אָמַר), נְאֻם is reserved for formal, weighty pronouncements and is seldom, if ever, used for everyday speech. Its appearance typically signals material intended for public proclamation, authoritative instruction, or eschatological promise.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָאַם; an oracle; (hath) said, saith.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נאם (n-ʾ-m) — to utter, to declare, to say solemnly
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5002-01 |
נְאֻם | neum | HNcmsc |
declares | solemn utterance of | 372 |
H5002-03 |
וּ/נְאֻ֥ם | uneum | HC/Ncmsc |
And the oracle | and solemn declaration of | 3 |
H5002-02 |
נְאֻום | neuvm | HNcmsc |
says | solemn utterance of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
376 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5002-01 |
Genesis 22:16 | נְאֻם | neum | HNcmsc |
declares | solemn utterance of |
H5002-01 |
Numbers 14:28 | נְאֻם | neum | HNcmsc |
declares | solemn utterance of |
H5002-01 |
Numbers 24:3 | נְאֻ֤ם | neum | HNcmsc |
The oracle | solemn utterance of |
H5002-03 |
Numbers 24:3 | וּ/נְאֻ֥ם | uneum | HC/Ncmsc |
And the oracle | and solemn declaration of |
H5002-01 |
Numbers 24:4 | נְאֻ֕ם | neum | HNcmsc |
utterance | solemn utterance of |
H5002-01 |
Numbers 24:15 | נְאֻ֤ם | neum | HNcmsc |
The oracle | solemn utterance of |
H5002-03 |
Numbers 24:15 | וּ/נְאֻ֥ם | uneum | HC/Ncmsc |
and the oracle | and solemn declaration of |
H5002-01 |
Numbers 24:16 | נְאֻ֗ם | neum | HNcmsc |
oracle | solemn utterance of |
H5002-01 |
1 Samuel 2:30 | נְאֻם | neum | HNcmsc |
declares | solemn utterance of |
H5002-01 |
1 Samuel 2:30 | נְאֻם | neum-2 | HNcmsc |
declares | solemn utterance of |