### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâzîyd**, represented by `{{H5138}}`, refers to something boiled, such as a **soup** or **pottage**. It is derived from the root `{{H2102}}`, which means "to seethe." The term appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, often as a central element in significant narrative events, consistently denoting a simple, stewed meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5138}}` is most famously associated with Jacob and Esau. Jacob first prepares **pottage** [[Genesis 25:29]], which a faint Esau desires. This leads to Jacob giving Esau bread and a **pottage** of lentiles in exchange for his birthright [[Genesis 25:34]]. The word also appears in the account of Elisha during a dearth, when he instructs his servant to "seethe **pottage** for the sons of the prophets" [[2 Kings 4:38]]. This communal meal becomes life-threatening when a poisonous wild gourd is added, leading the men to cry, "there is death in the pot" [[2 Kings 4:40]]. In Haggai, **pottage** is listed alongside other staple foods like bread and wine in a question about ceremonial holiness [[Haggai 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and preparation of **pottage**:
* `{{H2102}}` **zûwd** (to seethe; figuratively, to be proud, deal proudly, presume): This is the root verb from which **nâzîyd** is derived. Its primary meaning "to seethe" is used to describe Jacob's action of preparing the meal, as he "sod" `{{H2102}}` pottage [[Genesis 25:29]].
* `{{H1310}}` **bâshal** (to boil up; ...seethe, sod): A common verb for cooking, it is used when Elisha commands his servant to "seethe" `{{H1310}}` pottage for the sons of the prophets [[2 Kings 4:38]].
* `{{H5518}}` **çîyr** (a pot; caldron): This is the vessel in which pottage is cooked. The story in 2 Kings features a "great pot" `{{H5518}}` for the pottage [[2 Kings 4:38]].
* `{{H5742}}` **ʻâdâsh** (a lentil; lentile): This specifies the key ingredient in the pottage that Jacob made, which is identified as a "pottage of lentiles" [[Genesis 25:34]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H5138}}` is demonstrated through several key themes:
* **Physical Need vs. Lasting Consequence:** The pottage is central to the story of Esau, who, when faint with hunger, trades his birthright for a simple meal. This illustrates how immediate physical desire can lead to the forfeiture of a significant, long-term inheritance [[Genesis 25:34]].
* **Provision and Peril:** In the story of Elisha, pottage represents life-sustaining provision during a time of dearth [[2 Kings 4:38]]. However, it quickly becomes a symbol of unseen danger when poisonous wild gourds are added, turning the food into a source of "death in the pot" [[2 Kings 4:40]].
* **Everyday Staple in Law:** The inclusion of pottage in Haggai's question about ritual purity places it alongside fundamental foods like bread and wine. This shows its status as a common, everyday food item that is subject to God's laws of holiness [[Haggai 2:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5138}}` **nâzîyd** is more than a simple word for a boiled meal. It serves as a pivotal element in stories that explore themes of critical choice, divine provision, unforeseen danger, and ritual law. From Esau’s fateful trade to the poisoned pot of the prophets, this humble **pottage** is used to highlight moments where physical needs intersect with profound spiritual and life-altering consequences.
TRV