### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נְאָצָה (nᵉʼâtsâh, `{{H5007}}`) is derived from the verbal root נָאַץ (nâʼats, `{{H5006}}`), which carries the core semantic range of despising, abhorring, spurning, or treating with contempt. Consequently, nᵉʼâtsâh denotes the *act* or *state* of scorn, contempt, or blasphemy. It signifies an active, often defiant, rejection or disdain, particularly when directed towards God or that which is sacred to Him. This is not merely a passive lack of respect but an aggressive act of devaluing or dishonoring. Within its limited occurrences, the word consistently points to a severe form of disrespect, often amounting to sacrilege when the object of contempt is divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nᵉʼâtsâh (`{{H5007}}`) appears in a few significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each highlighting the gravity of the act:
* **[[2 Kings 19:3]] and [[Isaiah 37:3]]**: These parallel passages describe the message sent by King Hezekiah to the prophet Isaiah during Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem. Hezekiah declares, "For this day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of **blasphemy**..." Here, nᵉʼâtsâh refers to the contemptuous and defiant words spoken by Sennacherib's field commander (Rabshakeh) against the living God of Israel. These words were a direct challenge to God's power and sovereignty, treating Him as no different from the idols of defeated nations. The context underscores the profound offense taken by God's people at such sacrilege.
* **[[Psalm 74:18]]**: The psalmist laments, "Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have **blasphemed** thy name." In this communal lament, nᵉʼâtsâh describes the active reviling of God's holy name by His enemies, likely referring to foreign invaders who desecrated the temple and ridiculed Israel's God. The use of "foolish people" (עַם נָבָל, am nāvāl, related to `{{H5036}}` and `{{H5034}}`) signifies that such blasphemy stems from a heart devoid of wisdom and reverence for God.
* **[[Ezekiel 35:12]]**: God declares His judgment against Edom, stating, "And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy **blasphemies** which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume." Here, Edom's contemptuous words and actions against the land of Israel—God's chosen inheritance—are considered nᵉʼâtsâh against God Himself. This demonstrates that contempt for God's people or property, especially when rooted in a denial of His covenant faithfulness, is tantamount to contempt for God.
Across these occurrences, nᵉʼâtsâh consistently describes a severe form of verbal or attitudinal disrespect, directed against God, His name, or that which is sacred to Him. It represents a profound act of defiance and devaluing, eliciting a strong divine response.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of nᵉʼâtsâh (`{{H5007}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms expressing contempt, reproach, or cursing:
* **נָאַץ (nâʼats, `{{H5006}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to spurn, despise, revile, or blaspheme." This is the direct progenitor of nᵉʼâtsâh and shares the same core meaning. Examples include despising the Lord ([[Numbers 14:23]]) or the wicked contemning God ([[Psalm 10:3]]).
* **גָּדַף (gādaph, `{{H1442}}`)**: "To blaspheme, revile." This verb is a close synonym, often used in contexts of direct verbal abuse against God, as seen in [[Isaiah 37:23]] describing Sennacherib's blasphemy.
* **חָרַף (ḥāraph, `{{H2778}}`)**: "To reproach, taunt, defy." While broader in meaning, ḥāraph often describes the verbal abuse that constitutes nᵉʼâtsâh, particularly in the context of challenging divine authority or ridiculing God's people.
* **קָלַל (qālal, `{{H7043}}`)**: "To curse, revile, treat lightly." While related to dishonor, nᵉʼâtsâh implies a deeper, more active contempt and disdain than merely uttering a curse.
* **נָבָל (nābal, `{{H5034}}`)**: "To be foolish, senseless, or to act disgracefully." The "foolish people" associated with nᵉʼâtsâh in [[Psalm 74:18]] suggest that such profound contempt for God stems from a morally depraved and spiritually senseless heart.
The concept of "despising God" is a recurring theological theme in the Old Testament, often leading to divine judgment. nᵉʼâtsâh is one of the strongest expressions of this spiritual rebellion.
### Theological Significance
The term nᵉʼâtsâh holds profound theological significance, illuminating aspects of God's character, human sin, and divine justice:
* **Gravity of Offense**: nᵉʼâtsâh underscores the extreme gravity of despising or blaspheming God. It is not merely a social transgression or a minor offense but a direct assault on the divine character, sovereignty, and holiness. Such an act is an ultimate expression of rebellion against the Creator.
* **Violation of Covenant**: In the context of Israel, nᵉʼâtsâh represents a profound breach of covenant. By devaluing God's name or His promises, it denies His uniqueness, authority, and faithfulness, which are foundational to the covenant relationship.
* **Divine Response**: The occurrences of nᵉʼâtsâh are invariably met with decisive divine judgment. The fate of Sennacherib's army ([[2 Kings 19:35]]) and the promised judgment on Edom ([[Ezekiel 35:15]]) serve as stark reminders that God does not tolerate such contempt for His name or His people. His response demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His own glory and justice.
* **Nature of God**: The very existence of this word and its severe implications reveal God's intolerance for dishonor. It emphasizes His absolute holiness, His demand for reverence, and His ultimate authority over all creation. To blaspheme Him is to deny His very nature and claim.
* **Human Rebellion**: The word highlights the depth of human rebellion and spiritual blindness, where individuals or nations actively choose to scorn the Creator and His divine purposes. It exposes the sinful heart's propensity to elevate itself against the Most High.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun nᵉʼâtsâh (`{{H5007}}`) denotes profound scorn, contempt, or blasphemy, derived from the root nâʼats (`{{H5006}}`) meaning to despise or spurn. Its limited but powerful occurrences in the Old Testament consistently describe a severe verbal or attitudinal affront directed against God, His holy name, or His sacred possessions, such as the land of Israel. Notable examples include Sennacherib's blasphemous taunts against the Lord ([[2 Kings 19:3]], [[Isaiah 37:3]]), the reproach of God's enemies in the Psalms ([[Psalm 74:18]]), and Edom's contemptuous words against Israel ([[Ezekiel 35:12]]). This term is closely related to other words for reviling or reproaching (e.g., `{{H1442}}`, `{{H2778}}`) and stands in stark contrast to the reverence and honor due to God. Theologically, nᵉʼâtsâh underscores the extreme gravity of dishonoring God, representing a direct violation of His holiness and sovereignty. Such an act invariably provokes His righteous judgment, revealing both the depth of human rebellion and the absolute demand for reverence by the Creator.
TRV