נַהַם
𐤍𐤄𐤌
naham
H5099 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A vocalization characterized by a deep, guttural sound, often expressing anger, agitation, or threat; specifically, a roaring or growling sound as made by an animal (commonly lions in biblical texts). The term may also be used metaphorically to indicate a tumultuous or threatening noise, whether by animals or in poetic description of danger or chaos.
Semantic Range
roaring (of a lion), growling, snarling, threatening noise, tumult or din (figurative)
Root / Etymology
The verb נַהַם derives from the root נ־ה־ם (נהם), which denotes making a loud, resonant sound, especially associated with roaring or growling by animals. The derived noun indicates either the act or the sound itself. Cognate language evidence points to similar roots with meanings related to growling or loud noise (see Akkadian nahāmu, to roar).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, נַהַם chiefly refers to the sound made by lions (cf. Proverbs 19:12, Job 4:10), conveying both literal animal behavior and, in poetic passages, the threat or overwhelming force posed by an enemy or a powerful figure. This term is less common than other noise-related Hebrew roots, such as שָׁאָג (sha'ag, to roar), but both are used for lion imagery. נַהַם is also used in parallel with verbs for wailing or tumult in poetic or prophetic literature, amplifying imagery of fear or destruction. English 'roar' or 'growl' usually capture its meaning, though sometimes over-specific 'snarl' is used in older translations. See also נָהַם (verb) for the action; this entry covers the nominal usage as a sound.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָהַם; a snarl; roaring.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נהם (n-h-m) — to roar, to growl, to make a guttural sound
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5099-01 |
נַ֣הַם | naham | HNcmsa |
roaring | growling roar | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5099-01 |
Proverbs 19:12 | נַ֣הַם | naham | HNcmsa |
roaring | growling roar |
H5099-01 |
Proverbs 20:2 | נַ֣הַם | naham | HNcmsa |
roaring | growling roar |