Lexical Summary nekel: Deceit, treachery Original Word: נֵכֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wile From nakal; deceit -- wile. see HEBREW nakal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nakal Definition wiliness, craft, knavery NASB Translation tricks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נֵ֫כֶל] noun [masculine] wiliness, craft, knavery; — only plural suffix נִכְלֵיהֶם Numbers 25:18 their craft, their wile (as accusative of congnate meaning with verb with נִכֵּל). Topical Lexicon Term Overview נֵכֶל appears only once in the canonical text (Numbers 25:18) and conveys deliberate, calculated deception. It depicts the subtle strategy by which Israel’s enemies sought to entice the covenant people into idolatry and immorality, thereby provoking divine judgment. Occurrence and Immediate Context (Numbers 25:18) The word surfaces after the plague at Peor. Moses is commanded, “for they have harassed you with their deception in the matter of Peor and of Cozbi…” (Numbers 25:18). Here נֵכֶל describes the covert plan whereby Midianite women, at Balaam’s counsel (Numbers 31:16), lured Israelite men into ritual prostitution and Baal worship. The result was a plague that claimed twenty-four thousand lives until Phinehas’ zealous act halted it (Numbers 25:9). Narrative Background: The Midianite Strategy 1. Political calculation: Midian could not overpower Israel militarily (Numbers 22–24), so they used seduction and syncretism. Theological Significance of Deception • Violation of covenant holiness: נֵכֶל embodies the principle that spiritual compromise often begins with moral compromise (James 1:14-15). Moral and Pastoral Lessons 1. Guard the gates of fellowship: Relationships that appear harmless may carry hidden snares (Proverbs 5:3-9). Intercanonical Connections • Old Testament: The crafty counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:1-4) and the intrigues of Jezebel (1 Kings 21:8-10) mirror the spirit of נֵכֶל. Historical Notes on Midian and Peor Midianites descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). Though kin to Israel, by Moses’ day they allied with Moab against Israel’s advance (Numbers 22:4). Peor lay on the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho, becoming infamous for the worship of Baal-peor—a fertility cult. Christological and Gospel Trajectory Jesus Christ, in perfect obedience, overcame every temptation (Hebrews 4:15) and unmasks Satan, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). At the cross He triumphs over “principalities and powers,” exposing their deceptive tactics (Colossians 2:15). The victory of Christ equips believers to resist modern forms of נֵכֶל. Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching: Use Numbers 25 to warn against syncretism and sexual immorality, emphasizing holiness and covenant loyalty. Summary נֵכֶל in Numbers 25:18 encapsulates the calculated deceit that lures God’s people into sin. The single occurrence magnifies its seriousness: one strategic act of seduction nearly destroyed a nation poised to enter the Promised Land. Scripture consistently reveals and warns against such cunning, calling believers to steadfast holiness, discerning vigilance, and reliance on Christ’s triumph over every scheme of the enemy. Forms and Transliterations בְּנִכְלֵיהֶ֛ם בנכליהם bə·niḵ·lê·hem benichleiHem bəniḵlêhemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 25:18 HEB: הֵם֙ לָכֶ֔ם בְּנִכְלֵיהֶ֛ם אֲשֶׁר־ נִכְּל֥וּ NAS: for they have been hostile to you with their tricks, with which KJV: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled INT: have been like their tricks which have deceived 1 Occurrence |
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