The "nail" with which Jael killed Sisera was rather a tent-pin, such as is driven into the ground in order to fasten the cords of the tent, Exodus 27:19 Judges 4:21-22. Sometimes the Hebrew word is used for the wooden pins or iron spikes firmly inwrought into the walls of a building, Ezra 9:8 Ezekiel 15:3. The word implies fixedness, Isaiah 22:23; and a firm support, Zechariah 10:4. Another Hebrew word describes the golden and ornamental nails of the temple, etc., 2 Chronicles 3:9 Ecclesiastes 12:11 Isaiah 41:7 Jeremiah 10:4.

For fastening. 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.

Masmer, a "point," the usual word for a nail. The words of the wise are compared to "nails fastened by the masters of assemblies" (Eccl 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" (Compare Isaiah 22:23; Ezra 9:8). David prepared nails for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:3; 2Chr 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 (Heb. 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 (Compare Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 8:7). In Jeremiah 17:1 this word is rendered "point."

NAIL, n. If the word was originally applied to a claw or talon, the primary sense may be to catch, or it may be a shoot.

1. The claw or talon of a fowl or other animal.

2. The horny substance growing at the end of the human fingers and toes.

3. A small pointed piece of metal, usually with a head, to be driven into a board or other piece of timber, and serving to fasten it to other timber. The larger kinds of instruments of this sort are called spikes; and a long thin kind with a flattish head, is called a brad.

4. A stud or boss; a short nail with a large broad head.

5. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the 16th of a yard.

6. On the nail, in hand; immediately; without delay or time of credit; as, to pay money on the nail.

7. To hit the nail on the head, to hit or touch the exact point.

NAIL, v.t.

1. To fasten with nails; to unite, close or make compact with nails.

2. To stud with nails.

3. To stop the vent of a cannon; to spike.

Of finger. (a) A nail or claw of man or animal. (b) A point or style e.g. for writing; see (Jeremiah 17:1) (a) A nail, (Isaiah 11:7) a stake, (Isaiah 33:20) also a tent-peg. Tent-pegs were usually of wood and of large size; but some times, as was the case with those used to fasten the curtains of the tabernacle of metal. (Exodus 27:19; 38:20) (b) A nail, primarily a point. We are told that David prepared iron for the nails to be used in the temple; and as the holy of holies was plated with gold, the nails for fastening the plates were probably of gold.