Lead/Guide
נָהַג (Nahag)
To lead, drive, or guide — as a shepherd leads a flock.
The Hebrew word nahag means to lead, drive, or guide — often depicting God as the divine shepherd who leads His people with care and purpose.
"Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth." — Psalm 80:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 80:1
“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.”Read in context
Isaiah 49:10
“They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.”Read in context
Psalm 23:2
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H5090 — Lead/Guide (נָהַג (Nahag))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where נָהַג (Nahag) appears.
Open Strong's H5090The Meaning of Nahag
Nahag means to lead, drive, or guide. It is used of a shepherd leading a flock, a driver guiding animals, or a leader directing people. When applied to God, it evokes the tender image of a shepherd who knows every member of the flock and leads them to provision, protection, and rest.
God as the Divine Guide
Throughout the Old Testament, God leads His people: through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud and fire, through the Red Sea with a mighty hand, through exile with promises of restoration. His leading is not distant direction but intimate guidance — He goes before His people and walks with them.
Following the Shepherd
The call to follow God's leading requires trust. Sheep follow their shepherd because they know his voice and trust his character. Similarly, believers follow God not because they see the destination but because they trust the One who leads. This trust is tested in valleys and confirmed on mountaintops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nahag mean in Hebrew?
Nahag means to lead, drive, or guide — like a shepherd leading a flock. It describes careful, purposeful guidance from one who knows the way and cares for those being led.
How does God lead His people?
God leads through His Word, His Spirit, His providence, and His people. In the Old Testament, He led Israel through visible signs; today He guides believers through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
What is the Hebrew word for "Lead/Guide" in the Bible?
נָהַג (Nahag), pronounced "nah-HAHG." It means to lead, drive, or guide — as a shepherd leads a flock. Its Strong's number is H5090. It is the word behind "Lead/Guide" in the Old Testament, for example in Psalm 80:1.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Lead/Guide"?
Psalm 80:1 — "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 49:10, Psalm 23:2.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Lead/Guide (נָהַג (Nahag))
To lead, drive, or guide — as a shepherd leads a flock.
Strong's H5090 — Lead/Guide
נָהַג (Nahag) • To lead, drive, or guide — as a shepherd leads a flock.
Shepherd (רֹעֶה (Roeh) / ποιμήν (Poimēn))
One who tends and protects a flock; a key metaphor for God and Christ
God Promises to Be Your Shepherd
Bible promises about the Lord as your Shepherd who leads, feeds, and protects yo
Psalm 32:8 — Meaning & Devotional
Divine Guidance
Isaiah 30:21 — Meaning & Devotional
Divine Guidance
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