נֶפֶץ
𐤍𐤐𐤑
nephets
H5311 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Violent shattering, smashing, or breaking apart—typically of objects or groups; by extension, a tumultuous or destructive storm characterized by forceful dispersal or scattering. The term invokes the imagery of disruption, whether physical (such as shattering pottery) or by natural forces (such as a storm that scatters).
Semantic Range
violent shattering, smashing, breaking apart, disruptive storm, forceful scattering, agent or result of dispersal
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root נָפַץ (npṣ), meaning 'to shatter, break apart, scatter.' The noun form נֶפֶץ derives from this verbal root and denotes the result or agent of shattering—i.e., a destructive force or event causing dispersal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word נֶפֶץ is rare, occurring in contexts depicting violent destruction, dramatic scattering, or the breaking apart of physical objects or groups. In the Hebrew Bible, its usage aligns with forceful fragmentation—often associated with divine judgment or chaotic disruption. Unlike words for ordinary 'winds' or more general 'storms,' נֶפֶץ emphasizes the aspect of violent breaking or scattering. Later Jewish exegesis sometimes interpreted it metaphorically as misfortune or calamity. English translations often render it as 'storm,' but this can obscure the underlying image of forceful smashing or breaking apart, which is primary to the Hebrew term. Contrast with רוּחַ (ruach, 'wind/spirit') and סַעַר (sa‘ar, 'tempest/gale'), which may lack the nuance of destruction by shattering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָפַץ; a storm (as dispersing); scattering.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נפץ (n-p-ṣ) — to shatter, break apart, scatter, disperse
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4660 | מַפָּץ | his shattering-blow |
| H4661 | מַפֵּץ | smashing war-club |
| H5310 | נָפַץ | shattered ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5311-01 |
נֶ֥פֶץ | nefets | HNcmsa |
shattering | violent shattering | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5311-01 |
Isaiah 30:30 | נֶ֥פֶץ | nefets | HNcmsa |
shattering | violent shattering |