a primitive root; to spirt, i.e. besprinkle (especially in expiation); sprinkle.
Transliteration:nâzâh
Pronunciation:naw-zaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5137}}` *nâzâh* is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental action of "to spirt" or "to besprinkle." Its core meaning implies the forceful projection of liquid in small drops. Crucially, the semantic range extends specifically to ritualistic application, particularly in the context of expiation and purification. It is not merely a casual splashing, but a deliberate and controlled act of applying a liquid, most often blood or water, for a sacred purpose. The nuance of "especially in expiation" highlights its predominant theological function within the Israelite cultus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5137}}` *nâzâh* are almost exclusively found within the cultic instructions of the Pentateuch, primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Its usage is consistently tied to specific ritual actions:
* **Blood Sprinkling for Covenant Ratification:** One of its earliest and most foundational uses is in the ratification of the Mosaic Covenant. Moses *sprinkled* the blood of the covenant sacrifices on the altar and on the people, signifying the binding agreement between Yahweh and Israel [[Exodus 24:6]], [[Exodus 24:8]]. This act symbolized the people's commitment to the covenant and its life-and-death implications.
* **Blood Sprinkling for Consecration:** The verb is central to the consecration of priests and the Tabernacle. Blood and anointing oil were *sprinkled* upon Aaron, his sons, and their garments to set them apart as holy for service to God [[Exodus 29:21]], [[Leviticus 8:30]]. The Tabernacle and its furnishings were similarly consecrated by sprinkling blood [[Leviticus 16:18-19]].
* **Blood Sprinkling for Atonement:** The most significant application of *nâzâh* is in the rituals of atonement, particularly on the Day of Atonement. The high priest *sprinkled* the blood of the sin offering on and before the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place, and on the altar, to make atonement for the sanctuary, the priests, and the people [[Leviticus 16:14]], [[Leviticus 16:19]]. This act was essential for expiating the defilement of sin and maintaining God's presence among His people.
* **Water Sprinkling for Purification:** `{{H5137}}` is also used in conjunction with the "water of purification" (מֵי נִדָּה, *mei niddah*), which contained the ashes of the red heifer. This water was *sprinkled* upon individuals who had become ritually defiled, especially through contact with a dead body, to cleanse them and restore them to the community of worship [[Numbers 19:13]], [[Numbers 19:19]], [[Numbers 19:21]].
In every instance, the act of *nâzâh* is purposeful, ritualistic, and carries profound symbolic weight, signifying cleansing, consecration, or the establishment of a sacred bond.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5137}}` *nâzâh* is rich with terms related to holiness, purity, and sacrifice:
* **`{{H1818}}` *dam* (blood):** The primary substance *sprinkled* in atonement and consecration rituals.
* **`{{H4307}}` *mayim* (water):** Used in purification rituals, particularly the water of purification.
* **`{{H3722}}` *kaphar* (to atone, make atonement):** The purpose for which much of the blood-sprinkling was performed. The act of *nâzâh* was a means to achieve *kaphar*.
* **`{{H2893}}` *tahor* (clean, pure) & `{{H2891}}` *tohorah* (purification):** The state or process achieved through the sprinkling rituals.
* **`{{H6942}}` *qadash* (to be holy, consecrate):** The outcome of sprinkling rituals, setting apart persons or objects for sacred use.
* **New Testament Parallels:**
* **`{{G4472}}` *rhantizo* (to sprinkle):** The direct Greek equivalent often used in the Septuagint for *nâzâh*, particularly in Hebrews when referencing Old Testament rituals.
* **`{{G129}}` *haima* (blood):** The blood of Christ, which is presented as the ultimate reality to which the Old Testament blood *sprinklings* pointed.
* **`{{G25}}` *hagiasmos* (sanctification/holiness) & `{{G40}}` *hagnismos* (purification):** Concepts achieved by Christ's sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament types.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5137}}` *nâzâh* is profound, serving as a foundational concept for understanding atonement, holiness, and covenant in the Old Testament, and ultimately pointing to Christ:
* **Atonement and Propitiation:** The sprinkling of blood, especially on the mercy seat, was the divinely ordained means of making atonement for sin. It symbolized the covering or expiation of guilt, allowing a holy God to dwell among a sinful people without consuming them. The life is in the blood [[Leviticus 17:11]], and its ritual application through *nâzâh* represented a substitutionary offering of life.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The act of *sprinkling* marked individuals (priests) and objects (Tabernacle, altar) as holy, setting them apart exclusively for God's service and presence. It signified their removal from the common realm and their dedication to the sacred.
* **Covenant Relationship:** The blood *sprinkled* on the people at Sinai sealed their covenant with God, signifying a profound, life-binding relationship. Disobedience to the covenant had dire consequences, while obedience promised blessing and continued fellowship.
* **Purification from Defilement:** The sprinkling of purification water addressed ritual impurity, which, while not always moral sin, prevented participation in worship and communal life. This highlighted the pervasive nature of defilement in a fallen world and God's provision for restoration to a state of ceremonial purity.
* **Typological Fulfillment in Christ:** The rituals involving *nâzâh* are powerful types foreshadowing the work of Jesus Christ. His shed blood is the ultimate "sprinkled blood" that "speaks a better word than the blood of Abel" [[Hebrews 12:24]]. His sacrifice provides a perfect, once-for-all atonement and cleansing from sin, not just ceremonial purity but true spiritual purification [[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Hebrews 9:22-24]]. Through His blood, believers are truly consecrated and purified, gaining direct access to God's presence [[Hebrews 10:19-22]].
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5137}}` *nâzâh* precisely describes the ritual act of "sprinkling," a practice central to the Israelite cultus. Predominantly involving the application of blood or water, *nâzâh* was instrumental in the ratification of covenants, the consecration of priests and sacred spaces, and, most significantly, in the rites of atonement and purification from defilement. Each act of sprinkling carried profound theological weight, signifying expiation for sin, the establishment of holiness, and the restoration of ritual purity necessary for communion with a holy God. As a powerful type, the Old Testament practices of *nâzâh* find their ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the perfect and efficacious blood of Jesus Christ, shed once for all, accomplishes complete spiritual purification, consecration, and reconciliation for all who, by faith, are **sprinkled** with His grace.
TRV