נְכֹת
𐤍𐤊𐤕
nᵉkôth
H5238 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A valuable aromatic resin or gum, often used as a trade good or gift; sometimes more broadly, a precious substance or spiced product of significant value. The term primarily indicates an item recognized for its worth and rarity, particularly in a commodity or diplomatic context.
Semantic Range
aromatic resin; fragrant gum; valued or precious substance; negotiable trade good; luxury export; gift item
Root / Etymology
The word נְכֹת appears to be a variant or a form related to נְכֹאת (nekō't), which is of uncertain etymology and not clearly derived from any common Semitic root. Its specific morphological form suggests a tangible commodity, but the underlying root is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
נְכֹת occurs only in Genesis 43:11, in the context of trade and gifting between the patriarchal household and Egyptian officials. It is grouped with other regional luxury items exported from Canaan, such as balm and honey, indicating its function as a prestige good rather than an ordinary spice. Though often translated 'spicery' or 'aromatic gum,' the exact botanical or commercial identification is uncertain. Later traditions have variously understood the term to refer to ladanum, storax, or another fragrant resin, but the association is ultimately speculative. English Bible translations limit its sense to 'spicery' or 'resin,' but the actual ancient usage is wider, encompassing the broader category of 'precious/valued aromatic substances.' Notably, the term is distinct from other Hebrew words for resin (e.g., צרי, 'balm') or frankincense (לבונה, 'frankincense'), reflecting a differentiation in trade nomenclature during the patriarchal period. Over time, the word does not appear to persist in later biblical books, in contrast to more common trade terms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably for נְכֹאת; spicery, i.e. (generally) valuables; precious things.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נכת (uncertain) (n-k-th (uncertain)) — valuable fragrance, aromatic resin, precious commodity
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5238-03 |
נכת/ה | nkhth | HNcfsc/Sp3fs |
his treasure | her precious resin | 1 |
H5238-02 |
נְכֹתֹ֡/ה | nekhotoh | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
of his precious things | his valuable aromatic resin | 1 |
H5238-01 |
נְכֹת֡/וֹ | nekhoto | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
his treasure | his precious resin | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5238-02 |
2 Kings 20:13 | נְכֹתֹ֡/ה | nekhotoh | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
of his precious things | his valuable aromatic resin |
H5238-03 |
Isaiah 39:2 | נכת/ה | nkhth | HNcfsc/Sp3fs |
his treasure | her precious resin |
H5238-01 |
Isaiah 39:2 | נְכֹת֡/וֹ | nekhoto | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
his treasure | his precious resin |