נוּן
𐤍𐤅𐤍
nûwn
H5125 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To sprout, to propagate through offspring or new growth. The verb denotes the process of producing new shoots either literally, as in plants sending forth fresh branches, or metaphorically in reference to descendants, continuity, or perpetuation across generations. In biblical usage, it may carry the nuance of sustaining a lineage or establishing continuity over time.
Semantic Range
to produce new shoots, to grow or sprout anew, to propagate through descendants, to continue or be perpetuated (especially of a lineage or name), to be ongoing
Root / Etymology
Root/Nun-Vav-Nun (נו"ן). This root conveys the idea of sprouting, producing fresh shoots, or propagating. The form נוּן (nûwn) likely derives from the imagery of new plant growth, transmitting a sense of continuity or regeneration.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb נוּן appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, its rarity reflected in its limited attestation. Where used (e.g., Psalm 72:17), the term bears the notion of a name or legacy being perpetuated akin to a plant renewing itself by sending out new shoots—thus, extension across time and generations. This metaphor of propagation and continuity is connected thematically to ideas of enduring lineage or perpetuity but does not carry the developed later sense of 'eternal.' The term's root is also attested in related Semitic languages, often with plant imagery. The name of the figure 'Nun,' father of Joshua, is likely related but should not be confused directly with the verb's meaning. Standard English translations often render occurrences with terms like 'flourish,' 'endure,' or 'continue,' which may miss the precise plant-propagation metaphor. The word does not appear frequently enough to undergo significant semantic development across historical periods, but where employed, it maintains its core connotations of organic, generational continuity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to resprout, i.e. propagate by shoots; figuratively, to be perpetual; be continued.
Bantu Hebrew
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נון (n-w-n) — to sprout, to propagate, to send out shoots, to continue
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5125-02 |
ינין | ynyn | HVhj3ms |
continue | may he cause to sprout | 1 |
H5125-01 |
יִנּ֪וֹן | yinon | HVNj3ms |
it continues | may he be perpetuated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5125-02 |
Psalms 72:17 | ינין | ynyn | HVhj3ms |
continue | may he cause to sprout |
H5125-01 |
Psalms 72:17 | יִנּ֪וֹן | yinon | HVNj3ms |
it continues | may he be perpetuated |