← Back to Lexicon
H5261 · Hebrew · Old Testament
נְפַק
nephaq
Verb (Aramaic)
To go out/come forth/issue

Definition

The Aramaic verb nephaq means to go out, to come forth, to issue. It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew yatsa (H3318) and appears primarily in the book of Daniel.

Usage & Theological Significance

The verb of going forth — nephaq — marks decisive moments of divine action in Daniel. In Daniel 2:13, the decree 'went out' to execute the wise men of Babylon, setting the stage for Daniel's divine revelation. In Daniel 5:5, 'fingers of a human hand appeared (nephaq) and wrote on the wall' — divine intervention coming forth into human affairs at the king's feast. The repeated use of nephaq in Daniel underscores the book's central message: God's word and God's messengers go forth at the divine appointed time, and nothing can restrain them. This anticipates the New Testament's 'proclamation' imagery — the gospel 'going forth' into all the world (Matthew 24:14), issuing from God's throne room.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 2:13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
Daniel 5:5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace.
Daniel 2:14 When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.
Daniel 9:23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.
Isaiah 55:11 So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️