Lexical Summary nid: Wandering, exile, fugitive, lamentation Original Word: נִיד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance moving From nuwd; motion (of the lips in speech) -- moving. see HEBREW nuwd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nud Definition quivering motion (of lips) NASB Translation solace (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נִיד noun masculine:(see below) quivering motion of lips; — only construct שְׂפָתַי ׳נ Job 16:5 the motion of my lips (in expressing sympathy). — ᵑ0 makes subject of יחשׂך, but read probably אחשׂך, see חשׂך. נִידָה see נִדָּה below נדד. Topical Lexicon Usage and Single Biblical Occurrence Job 16:5 contains the sole appearance of נִיד. In the midst of painful lament, Job imagines reversing roles with his friends: “I would encourage you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would bring relief” (Job 16:5). Here the term portrays the gentle, restorative movement of compassionate speech—words meant to soothe rather than wound. Context within the Book of Job Job’s friends have offered rigid theology and hollow accusations. By contrasting their harsh counsel with the hoped-for נִיד of his own lips, Job exposes a critical flaw in their ministry: truth without tenderness. The scene underscores that doctrines of suffering must be conveyed by mouths seasoned with mercy (compare Proverbs 15:23; Isaiah 50:4). Biblical Theology of Comforting Speech 1. Divine Pattern: God’s own words heal the crushed in spirit (Psalm 107:20). Within this canon-wide thread, נִיד illustrates the potency of speech as a conduit of divine consolation. Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient Near Eastern mourners expressed sympathy through both verbal lament and physical gestures such as nodding or rocking. The term evokes that gentle motion, suggesting lips that move sympathetically with the sufferer’s pain. Far from passive, such movement signified shared grief and active solidarity. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Model empathetic dialogue. Job longs for friends who will first strengthen him with kind words before probing his theology. Christological Reflection Jesus Christ embodies the perfect נִיד. Crowds marveled at the gracious words on His lips (Luke 4:22). To the weary He offers, “Come to Me … and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Where Job could only envision such solace, the Messiah delivers it fully—His words stilling troubled souls and promising final relief in the gospel. Summary Though נִיד appears but once, it highlights Scripture’s consistent emphasis on compassionate speech. The term invites believers to let their lips move in harmony with the heart of God—bringing strength, solace, and hope to those who suffer. Forms and Transliterations וְנִ֖יד וניד veNid wə·nîḏ wənîḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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