נָהַם
𐤍𐤄𐤌
nâham
H5098 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To utter a deep, resonant cry or growl, typically associated with animals (such as lions), but also used figuratively for the groaning, moaning, or lamentation of humans in distress. The verb conveys the idea of producing a rumbling, mournful, or anguished sound, particularly in moments of agitation or deep emotion.
Semantic Range
to growl (of animals, esp. lions), to roar, to express grief or distress with a loud sound, to moan, to wail, to lament
Root / Etymology
Root: נ-ה-ם. The root נָהַם primarily denotes the act of making a sound that is resonant or guttural, often attributed to predatory animals. Derived forms extend to metaphorical uses referring to the expression of human sorrow or deep emotion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical texts, נָהַם frequently appears in poetic and prophetic passages to describe the characteristic growl or roar of a lion (e.g., Amos 1:2; Jeremiah 2:15), serving as an image of power, menace, or impending disaster. It is also employed metaphorically to describe human groaning or moaning under affliction (e.g., Isaiah 16:7). The emotional nuance of the word—ranging from animalistic sound to human lament—varies with context, and its translation into English often fails to capture the full auditory and emotional force inherent in the Hebrew. In contrasts, related roots such as שאג (sha'ag, roar) often more narrowly denote the roar of lions, while נָהַם carries a broader sense including both animal sounds and the deep agony of human lamentation. Over time, the metaphorical usage for human sorrow became more prominent, especially in poetic texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to growl; mourn, roar(-ing).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נהם (n-h-m) — to growl, to utter a deep sound, to moan, to lament
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5098-04 |
וְ/יִנְהֹם֙ | veyinehom | HC/Vqi3ms |
and growl | and he will growl | 2 |
H5098-03 |
וְ/נָהַמְתָּ֥ | venahameta | HC/Vqq2ms |
and you groan | and you growled | 1 |
H5098-01 |
נֹ֭הֵם | nohem | HVqrmsa |
roaring | growling one | 1 |
H5098-02 |
וּ/נְהַמְתֶּ֖ם | unehametem | HC/Vqq2mp |
and you shall groan | and you groaned deeply | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5098-04 |
Isaiah 5:29 | וְ/יִנְהֹם֙ | veyinehom | HC/Vqi3ms |
and growl | and he will growl |
H5098-04 |
Isaiah 5:30 | וְ/יִנְהֹ֥ם | veyinehom | HC/Vqi3ms |
and it will growl | and he will growl |
H5098-02 |
Ezekiel 24:23 | וּ/נְהַמְתֶּ֖ם | unehametem | HC/Vqq2mp |
and you shall groan | and you groaned deeply |
H5098-03 |
Proverbs 5:11 | וְ/נָהַמְתָּ֥ | venahameta | HC/Vqq2ms |
and you groan | and you growled |
H5098-01 |
Proverbs 28:15 | נֹ֭הֵם | nohem | HVqrmsa |
roaring | growling one |