נַגָּח

From the study of Exodus 21:29

Range of meaning

An adjective, or noun of agent, from the verb nāgaḥ, "to gore, butt, thrust with horns" (Exod 21:28, 31, 32; figuratively for nations or kings "goring" enemies, Deut 33:17; Dan 8:4). The word pattern describes a habit or profession: "a habitual gorer". It occurs only in Exod 21:29 and 21:36.

Against the English

KJV's "wont to push with his horn" and BSB/WEB's "has a habit of goring" both catch the habitual sense. NLT's "reputation for goring" shifts the stress toward what people say about the ox. The Hebrew describes the animal's established behaviour, and the next clause adds that this was formally made known.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Mesopotamian law collections use an exactly matching term. The Laws of Eshnunna §54 and the Laws of Hammurabi §251 speak of an ox that is a nakkāpû, "a gorer", whose owner has been notified. The Greek Septuagint translates it κερατιστής (keratistēs, "a butter with the horns"), and the Latin Vulgate cornipeta ("horn-striker").

From the study of Exodus 21:36

Range of meaning

An adjective meaning 'given to goring, a habitual gorer'. It comes from the verb nāgaḥ, 'to gore, thrust with the horns' (Exod 21:28, 31–32; Deut 33:17; Ps 44:5; Dan 8:4). The word pattern (qattāl) is used for traits and occupations, so it describes the animal's nature, not one event.

Against the English

KJV 'hath used to push' (old English 'push' = butt or gore with horns) and BSB 'had a habit of goring' both catch the habitual sense. To a modern ear, KJV's 'push' sounds far too mild.

How it drifted

Only in KJV, where 'push' has lost its older sense of 'thrust with the horns'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used only in Exod 21:29 and 21:36. It matches the Akkadian legal term for a known gorer: Laws of Eshnunna §54 and Code of Hammurabi §251 (an ox that is 'a gorer', nakkāpû). There the city ward or council has notified the owner, who has failed to 'blunt its horns' or control it.