apparently passive participle of נָחַשׁ (perhaps in the sense of ringing), i.e. bell-metal; or from the red color of the throat of a serpent (נָחָשׁ, as denominative) when hissing); coppery, i.e. (figuratively) hard; of brass.
Transliteration:nâchûwsh
Pronunciation:naw-khoosh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh, `{{H5153}}`) is a fascinating word with a rich semantic range, primarily denoting "brass" or "copper" and extending figuratively to describe something "hard" or "unyielding." Its etymological roots are debated, offering two primary possibilities. One theory suggests it is a passive participle of נָחַשׁ (nâchash, `{{H5172}}`), which can mean "to hiss" or "to practice divination." In this context, נָחוּשׁ might refer to "bell-metal," implying a ringing sound, or perhaps the sound of a serpent. The second, and perhaps more prominent, etymology links it to נָחָשׁ (nâchash, `{{H5175}}`), meaning "serpent." This connection could derive from the reddish, coppery hue of certain serpents, or the "hissing" sound associated with them. Regardless of the precise origin, the core meaning revolves around a metallic substance, specifically brass or copper, known for its durability and hardness. This physical property then forms the basis for its figurative use, describing an unyielding, stubborn, or insensitive quality, particularly in human character or divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not as frequent as the related term נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉchosheth, `{{H5178}}`), נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh, `{{H5153}}`) appears in significant contexts, primarily in its figurative sense.
In [[Leviticus 26:19]], as part of the covenant curses for disobedience, God warns, "And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass." Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 28:23]] states, "And your heaven that is over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron." In both instances, "heaven as brass" signifies a severe drought and barrenness, a divine withholding of rain and blessing due to the people's rebellion. The brassy sky is impenetrable, unyielding, and reflects the hardness of the people's hearts that have become impervious to God's commands.
The figurative sense is further emphasized in descriptions of human stubbornness. [[Isaiah 48:4]] describes the people of Israel: "Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass." Here, "brow brass" (מֵצַח נָחוּשׁ) vividly portrays an unashamed, unyielding, and rebellious disposition, a face hardened against correction and truth. This imagery underscores a deep-seated spiritual insensitivity.
In [[Job 6:12]], Job laments, "Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?" Here, "flesh of brass" implies an impossible resilience, highlighting Job's utter weakness and despair, contrasting the unyielding nature of brass with his fragile human condition.
These occurrences consistently link נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh) with concepts of hardness, unyieldingness, and resistance, whether applied to the heavens in judgment or to human character in sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh, `{{H5153}}`) is enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms:
* **נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉchosheth, `{{H5178}}`):** This is the most common Hebrew noun for "bronze," "copper," or "brass." While נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh) can function as an adjective or a noun describing something as "coppery" or "of brass," נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉchosheth) refers directly to the metal itself (e.g., the brazen altar, bronze serpent). The terms are semantically very close, with נָחוּשׁ often describing a quality *of* brass or copper, or functioning as a poetic synonym for the metal.
* **נָחַשׁ (nâchash, `{{H5172}}`):** "To hiss," "to whisper," "to practice divination." As discussed in the core meaning, this root may contribute to the idea of "ringing" for bell-metal or the sound of a serpent.
* **נָחָשׁ (nâchash, `{{H5175}}`):** "Serpent." This noun is a prime candidate for the etymological origin, linking the word to the color or sound of a snake. The famous "bronze serpent" (נְחַשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת, literally "serpent of bronze") in [[Numbers 21:9]] combines both the serpent and the metal, though using נְחֹשֶׁת.
* **Other terms for hardness/stubbornness:** Concepts like "stiff-necked" (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, qᵉsheh-oreph, e.g., [[Exodus 32:9]]) and "hardened heart" (e.g., [[Exodus 7:3]]) are conceptually related to the figurative use of נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh), emphasizing human resistance to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh, `{{H5153}}`) primarily resides in its powerful figurative imagery.
1. **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** The "heaven as brass" motif is a potent symbol of divine judgment for covenant disobedience. It represents God's withholding of essential blessings (rain, fertility) and the sealing off of His favor. The unyielding nature of brass in the sky mirrors the unyielding justice of God in response to persistent sin. This imagery underscores the severe consequences of rebellion against the divine covenant.
2. **Human Stubbornness and Spiritual Insensitivity:** The application of "brass" to the human brow or flesh highlights the depth of human sinfulness. A "brow of brass" signifies an unrepentant, unashamed, and obstinate spirit that refuses to acknowledge God's truth or submit to His will. It speaks to a spiritual hardness that prevents the individual or nation from receiving divine instruction or experiencing true repentance. This stubbornness is a barrier to spiritual growth and fellowship with God.
3. **The Nature of Sin:** The imagery suggests that sin hardens the heart and mind, making one impervious to the gentle whispers of the Spirit or the clear commands of the Law. Just as brass is unyielding, so too can the human will become stiff and resistant to divine influence, leading to spiritual barrenness and separation from God.
In essence, נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human rebellion and the unyielding nature of God's righteous judgment against persistent sin, while also portraying the hardened state of the unrepentant heart.
### Summary
נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh, {{H5153}}`) is a Hebrew term primarily denoting "brass" or "copper," derived possibly from roots related to "ringing" (bell-metal) or the "serpent" (color/sound). Its most profound usage in the biblical text is figurative, extending its meaning to describe something "hard," "unyielding," or "stubborn." Biblically, it appears in contexts depicting divine judgment, where the "heaven as brass" signifies drought and the withholding of blessings due to disobedience ([[Leviticus 26:19]], [[Deuteronomy 28:23]]). It also powerfully illustrates human spiritual obstinacy, as seen in the "brow of brass" describing an unrepentant and stubborn character ([[Isaiah 48:4]]). Theologically, נָחוּשׁ (nâchûwsh) underscores the severity of God's judgment against sin and vividly portrays the hardened, unyielding nature of the human heart in rebellion against its Creator. It serves as a potent symbol of spiritual insensitivity and the dire consequences of a life lived in defiance of divine truth.
TRV