- NAIL for fastening. (1.) Hebrew yathed, “piercing,” a peg or nail of any
material (Ezekiel 15:3), more especially a tent-peg (Exodus 27:19; 35:18;
38:20), with one of which Jael (q.v.) pierced the temples of Sisera (Judges
4:21, 22). This word is also used metaphorically (Zechariah 10:4) for a
prince or counsellor, just as “the battle-bow” represents a warrior.
(2.) Masmer, a “point,” the usual word for a nail. The words of the wise
are compared to “nails fastened by the masters of assemblies”
(Ecclesiastes 12:11, A.V.). The Revised Version reads, “as nails well
fastened are the words of the masters,” etc. Others (as Plumptre) read, “as
nails fastened are the masters of assemblies” (comp. Isaiah 22:23; Ezra
9:8). David prepared nails for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:3; 2 Chronicles
3:9). The nails by which our Lord was fixed to the cross are mentioned
(John 20:25; Colossians 2:14).
Nail of the finger (Hebrews tsipporen, “scraping”). To “pare the nails” is
in Deuteronomy 21:12 (marg., “make,” or “dress,” or “suffer to grow”)
one of the signs of purification, separation from former heathenism (comp.
Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 8:7). In Jeremiah 17:1 this word is rendered
“point.”
- NAIN (from Hebrews nain, “green pastures,” “lovely”), the name of a
town near the gate of which Jesus raised to life a widow’s son (Luke
7:11-17). It is identified with the village called Nein, standing on the
north-western slope of Jebel ed-Duhy (=the “hill Moreh” = “Little
hermon”), about 4 miles from Tabor and 25 southwest of Capernaum. At
the foot of the slope on which it stands is the great plain of Esdraelon.
This was the first miracle of raising the dead our Lord had wrought, and it
excited great awe and astonishment among the people.
- NAIOTH dwellings, the name given to the prophetical college established
by Samuel near Ramah. It consisted of a cluster of separate dwellings, and
hence its name. David took refuge here when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel
19:18, 19, 22, 23), and here he passed a few weeks in peace (comp. Psalm
11). It was probably the common residence of the “sons of the prophets.” - NAKED This word denotes (1) absolute nakedness (Genesis 2:25; Job
1:21; Ecclesiastes 5:15; Micah 1:8; Amos 2:16); (2) being poorly clad
(Isaiah 58:7; James 2:15). It denotes also (3) the state of one who has laid
aside his loose outer garment (Lat. nudus), and appears clothed only in a