נָמַל
𐤍𐤌𐤋
nâmal
H5243 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be cut off, trimmed, or clipped; in some contexts, specifically to be circumcised (have the foreskin removed), or by extension, to have a branch or part of a plant or object removed or pruned. The verb generally denotes the process of shortening, detaching, or removing by cutting.
Semantic Range
to be circumcised (remove foreskin), to be cut off (generally), to be clipped, to be pruned, to have a branch cut down (arboreal), to remove part of something (by cutting)
Root / Etymology
Root: נמל (n-m-l). The root conveys the core sense of cutting, clipping, or trimming. The verbal stem nml underlies the sense of removing a part by an act of cutting. From this core sense, the verb develops into specific meanings such as the removal of the foreskin (circumcision) or the cutting off of branches.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, נָמַל occurs in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In Genesis 17:11, it is used for the act of circumcision (the removal of the foreskin), a ritual marking covenantal identity among Israelites. The verb also appears in the context of cutting down vegetation or branches. The word's semantic range incorporates both human and arboreal subjects, focusing on the result of an object or part being removed. In later periods, texts tend to employ more specific terms for circumcision (such as מוּל), but נָמַל retains an overtone of physical cutting or separation. English translations historically render this as 'circumcise' where ritual removal is meant, or 'cut off'/'cut down' in other contexts, but these may obscure the lexical unity of the act of clipping or detaching. The verb is distinct from other cutting roots such as כרת (krt, 'to cut, make a covenant') or גדע (gda‘, 'to hew or chop down'), which commonly denote more violent or terminal forms of removal. נָמַל, in contrast, may at times reference a more precise or ritual action.
Translation Consistency
The SILEX range centers on shortening/removing by cutting (circumcise, cut off, clip, prune). "Cut" is the natural, versatile English verb that covers all typical senses (including "cut off" or "cut away") and will remain consistent and idiomatic across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to become clipped or (specifically) circumcised; (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נמל (n-m-l) — to cut, clip, trim, remove by cutting
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5244 | נְמָלָה | the ants |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5243-04 |
יִמָּ֑לוּ | yimalu | HVqi3mp |
they-are-cut-off | they will be cut off | they are cut off | 2 |
H5243-03 |
יִמַּ֥ל | yimal | HVqi3ms |
is cut off | he will be cut off | it will be cut off | 1 |
H5243-02 |
וַ/יִּמָּ֑ל | vayimal | HC/Vqw3ms |
and is cut down | and he was cut off | and he is cut off | 1 |
H5243-01 |
וּ/נְמַלְתֶּ֕ם | unemaletem | HC/VNq2mp |
you shall be circumcised | you will be cut | you shall be circumcised | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5243-01 |
Genesis 17:11 | וּ/נְמַלְתֶּ֕ם | unemaletem | HC/VNq2mp |
you shall be circumcised | you will be cut | you shall be circumcised |
H5243-04 |
Psalms 37:2 | יִמָּ֑לוּ | yimalu | HVqi3mp |
they shall be cut down | they will be cut off | they will be cut off |
H5243-02 |
Job 14:2 | וַ/יִּמָּ֑ל | vayimal | HC/Vqw3ms |
and is cut down | and he was cut off | and he is cut off |
H5243-03 |
Job 18:16 | יִמַּ֥ל | yimal | HVqi3ms |
is cut off | he will be cut off | it will be cut off |
H5243-04 |
Job 24:24 | יִמָּֽלוּ | yimalu | HVqi3mp |
they-are-cut-off | they will be cut off | they are cut off |