Original Word: נָתַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: nathar
Pronunciation: naw-thar'
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-thar')
KJV: drive asunder, leap, (let) loose, X make, move, undo
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to jump, i.e. be violently agitated
2. causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie

drive asunder, leap, let loose, make, move, undo

A primitive root; to jump, i.e. Be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie -- drive asunder, leap, (let) loose, X make, move, undo.

I. [נָתַר] verb spring or start up; —

Qal Imperfect וְיִתַּר מִמְּקוֺמוֺ Job 37:1 yea, it (the heart) starts up from its place ("" יֶחֱרַד).

Pi`el Infinitive לְנַתֵּר בָּהֵן עַלהָֿאָרֶץ Leviticus 11:21 (P), to leap with them (i.e. its legs) upon the earth (of locust).

Hiph`il Imperfect וַיַּתֵּר גּוֺיִם Habakkuk 3:6 he (׳י) looked, and made nations start up.

II. [נָתַר] verb be free, loose (? usually placed below I., but connection not obvious; compare also Late Hebrew Niph`al free oneself, Hiph`il = Biblical Hebrew; perhaps compare Arabic rend a garment, break string (of bow), etc.); —

Hiph`il Imperfect3masculine singular jussive יַתֵּר Job 6:9 suffix וַיַּתִּירֵהוּ Psalm 105:20; Infinitive absolute הַתֵּר Isaiah 58:6; Participle מַתִּיר Psalm 146:7; —

1 unfasten, loosen, with accusative of thing; thongs of yoke Isaiah 58:6 ("" מַּתֵּחַ, תְּנַתֵּ֑קוּ).

2 set free, unbind with accusative of person, prisoners Psalm 105:20 ("" וַיְפַתְּחֵהוּ), Psalm 146:7; figurative יַתֵּר יָדוֺ Job 6:9 that he would let loose his hand and cut me off, — וַיַּתֵּר 2 Samuel 22:33 was possibly connected by Masoretes with תּוּר (see Commentaries), but read וַיִּתֵּן (as "" Psalm 18:33).

Overview

Natar (Strong’s Hebrew 5425) embodies the idea of springing loose—whether the agile leap of an insect, the shaking of the earth, or the unbinding of a captive. Across its eight occurrences the verb consistently depicts released energy: something once restrained is suddenly set in motion.

Semantic Range in Scripture

1. Physical leap or jump (Leviticus 11:21; Job 37:1).
2. Removing restraint or loosening bonds (Job 6:9; Psalm 105:20; Psalm 146:7; Isaiah 58:6).
3. Granting unhindered progress (2 Samuel 22:33).
4. Shaking or startling nations and terrain (Habakkuk 3:6).

Canonical Occurrences and Contexts

• Leviticus 11:21 – The permitted insects possess “legs … to leap on the ground,” illustrating God’s precision in ceremonial distinctions.
• 2 Samuel 22:33 – David praises the LORD who “makes my way clear,” acknowledging divine enablement for victorious advance.
• Job 6:9 – Job longs that God would “release His hand,” expressing that only the Almighty can loosen the grip of suffering.
• Job 37:1 – At Yahweh’s thunder, Job’s heart “leaps from its place,” a visceral reaction to transcendent power.
• Psalm 105:20 – “The king sent and released him,” portraying Joseph’s liberation as God-ordained despite human injustice.
• Psalm 146:7 – “The LORD sets the prisoners free,” a timeless declaration of covenant faithfulness to the oppressed.
• Isaiah 58:6 – True fasting is defined as God’s people “undo[ing] the ropes of the yoke … [and] let[ting] the oppressed go free,” linking worship with social righteousness.
• Habakkuk 3:6 – At theophany the Lord “startled the nations,” shaking structures of human pride.

Thematic Threads

1. Liberation and Justice

In the worship psalms and prophetic exhortations, natar underscores God’s commitment to liberty. Psalm 146:7 and Isaiah 58:6 connect divine character with practical justice, urging believers to participate in God’s freeing work.

2. Empowered Mission

David’s battlefield testimony (2 Samuel 22:33) shows natar as a gift that clears obstacles for covenant purposes. Strength and guidance converge so the servant fulfills divine calling.

3. Awe before Divine Majesty

Job 37:1 and Habakkuk 3:6 portray hearts and nations shaken when confronted with God’s voice and presence. Natar here evokes trembling reverence rather than fear-induced paralysis; such awe fosters humble dependence.

4. Providence in Personal Suffering

Job’s plea (Job 6:9) reveals a paradox: the same God who loosens bonds can also “let slip” His hand in judgment or discipline. The sufferer trusts that the Lord alone decides when restraint ends.

Historical Setting

In the Ancient Near East, rulers claimed power to imprison or release. Scripture repeatedly attributes ultimate authority to the LORD, subverting contemporary political theology. Whether Joseph’s dungeon or Israel’s exile, liberation arrives only when God “sends and releases.”

Ministry Implications

• Gospel proclamation: Christ fulfills the liberating theme (Luke 4:18 echoes Isaiah 58), calling the church to announce and embody freedom from sin and oppression.
• Pastoral care: Like Job, sufferers need permission to voice longing for divine release, while counselors guide them toward steadfast hope.
• Social action: Authentic piety requires loosening unjust chains; charitable programs, advocacy, and personal generosity are integral to worship.
• Worship planning: Texts employing natar invite songs and prayers that celebrate God’s power to shake complacency and open new paths.

Christological Perspective

Jesus’ earthly ministry mirrors every nuance of natar: He makes the lame leap (Matthew 11:5), clears the way to the Father (John 14:6), shakes kingdoms by the cross and resurrection (Hebrews 12:26-28), and sets captives free from sin and death (Romans 8:2).

Reflection for Today

The governing question for modern disciples is not whether freedom is God’s will—it is. Rather, how will believers cooperate with the One who still causes hearts to leap, shatters unjust yokes, and opens new horizons for obedient service?

הַתֵּ֖ר התר וְ֝יִתַּ֗ר וַיַּתִּירֵ֑הוּ וַיַּתֵּ֣ר וַיַּתֵּ֥ר ויתירהו ויתר יַתֵּ֥ר יתר לְנַתֵּ֥ר לנתר מַתִּ֥יר מתיר hat·têr hatTer hattêr lə·nat·têr lenatTer lənattêr mat·tîr matTir mattîr vaiyatTer vayattiRehu veyitTar wa·yat·tî·rê·hū way·yat·têr wayattîrêhū wayyattêr wə·yit·tar wəyittar yat·têr yatTer yattêrInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts