Lexical Summary nekoth: Spices, balm, or gum Original Word: נְכאת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spices From nake'; properly, a smiting, i.e. (concretely) an aromatic gum (perhaps styrax) (as powdered) -- spicery(-ces). see HEBREW nake' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naka Definition (a spice) perhaps tragacanth gum NASB Translation aromatic gum (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs נְכאֹת noun feminine a spice, (usually understood of tragacanth gum, exuding from astralagus bush, DiGenesis 27:25 and references; NowArchaeology i. 64 (and 249); compare also Löw§ 24; but = Arabic ![]() ![]() נכד (√ of following, meaning uncertain; Ethiopic Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting and Occurrences נְכאת appears only twice, both in the Joseph narratives. First, a caravan of Ishmaelites journeys “from Gilead —their camels were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh” (Genesis 37:25). These merchants become God’s appointed means of transporting Joseph to Egypt, preserving his life and, in the long run, the lives of his family (Genesis 50:20). Second, when famine drives Jacob’s sons back to Egypt, Israel instructs them to carry “a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds” as a conciliatory gift for the governor of the land (Genesis 43:11). In both passages נְכאת stands amid valuable trade items—aromatics prized for worship, medicine, and luxury. Historical and Cultural Context 1. International Commerce: Aromatic resins from Arabia and beyond moved north through Gilead en route to Egypt. The spice trade linked distant peoples, demonstrating the global stage on which God’s redemptive plan would unfold. Theological Themes • Providence through Ordinary Means: Joseph’s sale hinges on a passing caravan laden with נְכאת. A mundane trade route becomes the channel for God’s sovereign purposes. Typological Connections to Christ The movement of fragrant resin toward Egypt parallels the gifts of the Magi to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Both narratives highlight Gentile involvement in preserving the promised Seed, while fragrances intimate His priestly and sacrificial roles (John 12:3; Mark 15:23). Practical Ministry Insights 1. God Directs Global Systems: Modern believers can trust God’s control over commerce, politics, and even crises. What appears as mere market activity may advance divine mission. Summary Though occurring only twice, נְכאת enriches the patriarchal narratives with insights into ancient trade, divine providence, and foreshadowings of redemption. Its fragrance lingers across Scripture, reminding readers that the God who orders caravans and famines likewise orchestrates all history for His saving purposes. Forms and Transliterations נְכֹ֣את נְכֹאת֙ נכאת nə·ḵōṯ nechoT nəḵōṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 37:25 HEB: וּגְמַלֵּיהֶ֣ם נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים נְכֹאת֙ וּצְרִ֣י וָלֹ֔ט NAS: bearing aromatic gum and balm KJV: bearing spicery and balm INT: their camels bearing aromatic and balm and myrrh Genesis 43:11 2 Occurrences |