Original Word: נֵכֶה
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: nakeh
Pronunciation: naw-keh'
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-keh')
NASB: crippled, contrite
Word Origin: [smitten, i.e. (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected]

1. contrite, lame

contrite, lame

Smitten, i.e. (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected -- contrite, lame.

Word Origin
from nakah
Definition
smitten, stricken
NASB Translation
contrite (1), crippled (2).

[נָכֵה] adjective smitten, stricken (compare [נָכָא]); — only construct: נְכֵה רַגְלַיִם 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 9:3 crippled of feet; נְכֵהרֿוּחַ Isaiah 66:2 contrite of spirit (+ עָנִי).

Semantic Range and Core Idea

נֵכֶה describes one who is physically crippled or, by extension, inwardly stricken and humbled. In every occurrence the word highlights human weakness set in contrast to divine kindness.

Physical Lameness in the Royal Narrative (2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 9:3)

The word first appears in connection with Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son: “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in both feet” (2 Samuel 9:3). His condition resulted from a tragic childhood fall when his nurse fled upon hearing of Saul’s defeat (2 Samuel 4:4). נֵכֶה underscores the vulnerability of the last living male of Saul’s line. In the Ancient Near Eastern context a physical disability often disqualified a man from public office or military service. Yet David intentionally seeks out this “lame” heir—not to eliminate a rival, but to demonstrate covenant faithfulness to Jonathan. The term therefore serves the narrator’s theological purpose: power and privilege do not attract the king; covenant loyalty and mercy do.

Grace and Covenant Loyalty

David’s gracious treatment of Mephibosheth anticipates later biblical themes of divine grace toward the helpless. The text moves from the statement of disability (“lame in both feet”) to the granting of a perpetual place at the royal table (2 Samuel 9:7). נֵכֶה thus becomes a narrative device to spotlight unearned favor—an Old Testament foreshadowing of the gospel principle that God “shows kindness” to those who cannot help themselves (Romans 5:6).

Spiritual Brokenness Esteemed by God (Isaiah 66:2)

The prophet applies נֵכֶה to the inner life: “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). Here the term modifies “spirit” rather than “feet,” pointing to a heart that senses its own insufficiency. Physical lameness becomes an image for moral and spiritual bankruptcy. In Isaiah’s closing oracle, God dismisses ostentatious temple rituals and honors those who approach Him in dependence. The movement from external to internal disability reveals Scripture’s consistent testimony that humility is the prerequisite for divine favor (Psalm 51:17; Matthew 5:3).

Prophetic and Messianic Echoes

Isaiah’s linkage of נֵכֶה with a “contrite spirit” resonates with messianic prophecies that anticipate healing for the broken (Isaiah 35:5–6) and culminate in Jesus’ ministry to the marginalized—“the lame walk” (Matthew 11:5). The word therefore participates in a larger canonical pattern: physical impairment mirrors humanity’s deeper need, which is finally met in the Messiah’s atoning work.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Compassion for the Disabled: David’s example calls believers to pursue and honor those society overlooks, integrating them fully into the covenant community.
2. Humility before God: Isaiah 66:2 encourages self-examination, reminding worshipers that true piety arises from a “stricken” spirit rather than external ceremony.
3. Gospel Illustration: נֵכֶה supplies vivid imagery for preaching grace—God seeks the spiritually crippled, invites them to His table, and restores their dignity.

Summary

Whether referring to Mephibosheth’s lame feet or a contrite heart that trembles at God’s word, נֵכֶה consistently magnifies human weakness as the stage upon which divine kindness is displayed. The term invites readers to acknowledge their own need and to trust the covenant-keeping God who exalts the lowly.

וּנְכֵה־ ונכה־ נְכֵ֣ה נְכֵ֥ה נכה nə·ḵêh neCheh nəḵêh ū·nə·ḵêh- unecheh ūnəḵêh-Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts