5219. nekoth

Lexical Summary

nekoth: Spices, balm, or gum

Original Word: נְכאת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: nko'th
Pronunciation: neh-KOHT
Phonetic Spelling: (nek-ohth')
KJV: spicery(-ces)
NASB: aromatic gum
Word Origin: [from H5218 (נָכֵא נָכָא - Innocent)]

1. (properly) a smiting, i.e. (concretely) an aromatic gum (perhaps styrax) (as powdered)

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 Origin
from 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, Di^{Genesis 27:25 and references}; Now^{Archaeology i. 64} (and 249); compare also Löw^{§ 24}; but = Arabic = summitas rubicunda sive flores plantae (i.e. a certain plant, Frey), according to Hom^{Aufsätze 4}); — absolute ׳נ Genesis 37:25 ( + צְרִי, לּט as merchandise), Genesis 43:11 (+ id., also דְּבַשׁ, בָּטְנִים, שְׁקֵדִים, as gift).

נכד (√ of following, meaning uncertain; Ethiopic = gens, stirps, [compare Samaritan נגד Genesis 21:23]).

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.
2. Economic Value: Like frankincense and myrrh, these resins were small, portable, and high-value—ideal currency for nomadic traders. Their presence underscores the wealth of Canaan’s produce (Genesis 43:11) and the profitability of ancient caravans.
3. Ritual and Medicinal Use: In surrounding cultures, such aromatics featured in incense offerings, embalming, and healing balms. Scripture later mirrors these functions (Exodus 30:34; John 19:39), hinting that such substances were already familiar to the patriarchs.

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.
• Reconciliation and Atonement Imagery: Jacob’s gift of the land’s “best products” anticipates the biblical pattern of a precious offering softening wrath and securing favor (compare Proverbs 21:14). The fragrant quality of נְכאת foreshadows the “fragrant offering and sacrifice” of Christ (Ephesians 5:2).
• Foreshadowing of Exodus and Redemption: Goods carried to Egypt prefigure Israel’s later descent and deliverance. The same land that receives these spices will one day witness plagues upon its own aromatic gods (Exodus 12:12).

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.
2. Gifts that Please: Jacob’s discerning selection teaches thoughtful generosity. Ministry leaders can encourage offerings that reflect excellence and heartfelt devotion, not mere obligation.
3. Fragrance of Witness: Paul exhorts Christians to be “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). The rare and costly nature of נְכאת challenges believers to manifest a testimony that is both distinct and attractive in a spiritually famished world.

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 nəḵōṯ

Englishman'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
HEB: וּמְעַ֣ט דְּבַ֔שׁ נְכֹ֣את וָלֹ֔ט בָּטְנִ֖ים
NAS: honey, aromatic gum and myrrh,
KJV: honey, spices, and myrrh,
INT: little honey aromatic and myrrh pistachio

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5219
2 Occurrences

nə·ḵōṯ — 2 Occ.