Nail

Nail in Scripture refers to several distinct objects. (1.) The tent-peg (Hebrew yathed) driven into the ground to anchor tent ropes — most notably the tent-peg Jael used to kill Sisera (Judg. 4:21). (2.) Metal fastening nails (Hebrew masmer) used in construction, including those David prepared for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3). (3.) The human fingernail or toenail (Hebrew tsipporen), mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:12. The figurative uses are significant: the messianic servant is compared to "a nail fastened in a sure place" (Isa. 22:23), while Paul declares that the legal record of demands against us was nailed to Christ's cross (Col. 2:14) — an image of cancellation of debt by the crucifixion.