### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâzâh**, represented by `{{H5137}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **spirt** or **besprinkle**, particularly in the context of expiation. It appears **24 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible. The term primarily describes the act of spattering a liquid, most often as a key component of ceremonial purification and consecration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H5137}}` is used in specific ritual contexts. Priests are commanded to **sprinkle** the blood `{{H1818}}` of a sin offering `{{H2403}}` upon the altar [[Leviticus 5:9]] or before the LORD seven times to achieve cleansing ([[Leviticus 4:6]], [[Leviticus 16:19]]). The action is also essential for personal purification, such as when **sprinkling** water to cleanse a person from leprosy [[Leviticus 14:7]] or after contact with the dead [[Numbers 19:19]]. The word also appears in prophetic passages, where a figure will **sprinkle** many nations, causing kings to be silent [[Isaiah 52:15]], and in a vision of divine judgment where God's garments are **sprinkled** with the blood `{{H5332}}` of His enemies [[Isaiah 63:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and purpose of sprinkling:
* `{{H2881}}` **ṭâbal** (to dip, to immerse): This action is frequently performed immediately before sprinkling. For instance, a priest would **dip** his finger in the blood before he would **sprinkle** it [[Leviticus 4:6]], or a clean person would **dip** hyssop in water to **sprinkle** a tent [[Numbers 19:18]].
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure... be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self)): This term describes the intended result of ritual sprinkling. The act of sprinkling is performed so that an individual may be pronounced **clean** [[Leviticus 14:7]] or make themselves **clean** [[Numbers 8:7]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): As the primary substance used in sacrificial sprinkling, **blood** is central to the meaning of the ritual. It was sprinkled on the mercy seat [[Leviticus 16:14]] and used to **hallow** Aaron and his sons for the priesthood [[Exodus 29:21]].
* `{{H3526}}` **kâbaç** (to wash): In purification rites, sprinkling is often paired with washing. To be made clean, the Levites were to have water of purifying sprinkled on them and then **wash** their clothes [[Numbers 8:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5137}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of worship and divine action.
* **Atonement and Purification:** Sprinkling is a foundational mechanism for cleansing from sin `{{H2403}}` and ritual uncleanness. The sprinkling of blood from a sin offering [[Leviticus 5:9]] or water of purifying [[Numbers 8:7]] was necessary for atonement and restoring a person to a state of cleanness.
* **Consecration and Sanctification:** The act is used to set people and objects apart as holy `{{H6942}}`. Priests were consecrated by being sprinkled with a mixture of anointing oil and blood ([[Exodus 29:21]], [[Leviticus 8:30]]). Likewise, the altar and its vessels were **sanctified** through sprinkling [[Leviticus 8:11]].
* **Divine Judgment and Authority:** Beyond ritual, sprinkling is a metaphor for God's sovereign power. In Isaiah, God is depicted treading the winepress of his fury, resulting in the blood of his enemies being **sprinkled** upon his garments [[Isaiah 63:3]]. Conversely, the servant who will **sprinkle** many nations demonstrates a startling authority that leaves world leaders speechless [[Isaiah 52:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5137}}` is far more than a simple verb for spattering liquid. It is a precise term in Levitical law, indispensable for the rites of atonement, purification from sin, and the sanctification of both people and objects for holy purposes. At the same time, it serves as a powerful image in prophecy, capable of representing both the awesome authority of God's servant and the fierceness of divine judgment. The word demonstrates how a physical ritual act can signify profound spiritual truths about sin, holiness, and God's relationship with humanity.
TRV