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נָא

𐤍𐤀

nâʼ

H4995 particle

SILEX Entry

Root נוא to refuse, to quiver, to shake (root meaning); to be raw, uncooked (lexical meaning of word)

Definition

An adjective meaning 'raw' or 'uncooked,' particularly describing meat that has not been subjected to heat. The term emphasizes the untouched, natural state of flesh before culinary preparation.

Semantic Range

raw, uncooked (specifically meat); not subjected to fire; in an unprepared state

Root / Etymology

The word appears to derive from the root נוּא, though the semantic link is uncertain. The root carries the meaning 'to refuse' or 'to quiver,' but the application of these senses to 'raw' or 'uncooked' is not entirely clear, leaving the etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word נָא occurs only in Exodus 12:9 with reference to the Passover lamb and instruction not to eat its flesh 'raw' or 'uncooked,' but rather roasted. In this cultic context, it highlights strict ritual guidelines. The concept of eating meat 'raw' may have had additional ritual or purity implications in ancient Israelite culture, setting apart Israelite practices from some neighboring peoples. English translations (KJV 'raw,' NRSV 'raw') generally capture the functional meaning, though 'uncooked' might better reflect the original sense. The word is rare and does not appear elsewhere in the Tanakh, nor is it attested in later Hebrew literature, making it a hapax legomenon. It is distinct from cognate words for 'cooked,' 'roasted,' or 'boiled,' and does not carry the implication of cruelty or harshness, despite what some older lexicons suggest.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from נוּא in the sense of harshness from refusal; properly, tough, i.e. uncooked (flesh); raw.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

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Root Family

— (uncertain) — entreaty, request, urging

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H116 אֱדַיִן then
H133 אַדְמָתָא Admatha
H175 אַהֲרוֹן and in Aharon
H1834 דַּמֶּשֶׂק Damascus
H1867 דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ Darius

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4995-01 נָ֔א na HTe raw please 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4995-01 Exodus 12:9 נָ֔א na HTe raw please
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