נַגָּח
𐤍𐤂𐤇
naggâch
H5056 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adjective describing an animal, typically an ox, that is known for goring or butting—i.e., given to aggressive, habitual attacks with its horns. Used primarily of livestock, especially oxen, that have been observed to be dangerous or accustomed to attack; denotes habitual rather than accidental behavior.
Semantic Range
habitually goring (of an ox), prone to butting or attacking (of livestock), vicious or aggressive in behavior (in legal contexts)
Root / Etymology
From the root נגש (נָגַח), meaning 'to gore, butt, thrust.' The form is a passive or participial adjective indicating a quality or habitual action—'one prone to goring.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical law texts (e.g., Exodus 21:29, 36), נַגָּח designates an ox that has a documented tendency to gore, as opposed to an ox that gores only incidentally. The distinction was important in ancient Near Eastern and Israelite legal systems, especially regarding liability and responsibility. The term appears only in legal and property contexts concerning domesticated animals. Later translations (including the Septuagint and Vulgate) often render it with terms implying habitually injurious behavior. English versions sometimes obscure this legal nuance by simply calling it a 'dangerous ox.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָגַח; butting, i.e. vicious; used (wont) to push.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נגח (n-g-ḥ) — to gore, to butt, to thrust violently
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5055 | נָגַח | the violently goring one |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5056-01 |
נַגָּ֨ח | nagach | HAamsa |
goring | habitually goring | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5056-01 |
Exodus 21:29 | נַגָּ֨ח | nagach | HAamsa |
was in the habit of goring | habitually goring |
H5056-01 |
Exodus 21:36 | נַגָּ֥ח | nagach | HAamsa |
goring | habitually goring |