נְחִיר
𐤍𐤇𐤉𐤓
nᵉchîyr
H5156 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A nostril, specifically one of the external openings of the nose in humans or animals, with emphasis on its anatomical function in breathing, flaring, or conveying anger or emotion. In the dual form, refers to both nostrils. While primarily anatomical, the term may also serve as a metonym for breath or anger in contextual usage.
Semantic Range
nostril, nostrils (as an anatomical feature), by metonymy: breath, display of emotion through the nostrils (such as anger or snorting)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root נחר (n-ḥ-r), which conveys the idea of snorting, snuffing, or strong breathing. The noun נְחִיר (nᵉchîyr) specifically denotes the anatomical part — a nostril — rather than the act or sound itself. The semantic relationship to the root reflects the association of the nostril with forceful breathing or displaying emotion, such as anger.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In its limited biblical occurrences (notably in Job 41:12[20] with reference to the leviathan), נְחִיר appears in the dual form to denote the pair of nostrils. The term is distinct from אַף (’af), which can mean 'nose' more generally and is often idiomatic for anger or wrath. While English translations usually render נְחִיר as 'nostril(s),' nuances such as the physicality or expressiveness of nostrils in conveying emotion (flaring, snorting) may be lost. In ancient Israelite society, reference to nostrils was both anatomical and expressive, often conveying breath, vitality, or anger. The dual form reflects natural Hebrew morphology for paired body parts. The word is rare and does not develop significant metaphorical meanings beyond its tangible, anatomical sense. Later Hebrew sources retain this concrete meaning. Etymologically and semantically distinct from נַחַר, an unrelated term meaning 'current' or 'torrent.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as נַחַר; a nostril; (dual) nostrils.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נחר (n-ḥ-r) — to snort, to breathe heavily, to emit air forcefully
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5152 | נָחוֹר | to Nahor |
| H5170 | נַחַר | snorting of |
| H5171 | נַחֲרַי | Nacharai |
| H588 | אֲנָחֲרָת | and Anacharath |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5156-01 |
מִ֭/נְּחִירָי/ו | minechirayv | HR/Ncmdc/Sp3ms |
from his nostrils | from his nostrils | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5156-01 |
Job 41:12 | מִ֭/נְּחִירָי/ו | minechirayv | HR/Ncmdc/Sp3ms |
from his nostrils | from his nostrils |