Nega' (נֶגַע) means plague, affliction, blow, mark, wound. From nāga' (to touch, to strike). Used for skin diseases (Leviticus 13-14), divine judgments, and personal afflictions.
Leviticus 13:3: 'The priest shall examine the sore on the skin.' The nega' required priestly examination — a reminder that spiritual leaders bear responsibility for diagnosing spiritual condition. In 1 Kings 8:37-38, Solomon prays at the temple dedication about 'whatever disaster or disease (nega') may come' — asking God to hear from heaven. Psalm 91:10 promises: 'no plague will come near your tent.' The nega' system taught Israel that sin manifests in visible ways and requires examination, cleansing, and ultimately, atonement.