(Aramaic) corresponding to נֶכֶס; {treasure}; goods.
Transliteration:nᵉkaç
Pronunciation:nek-as'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term נְכַס (nᵉkaç), Strong's number `{{H5232}}`, denotes "treasure" or "goods." It is explicitly defined as corresponding to the Hebrew נֶכֶס (nekes, `{{H5233}}`), which carries a similar semantic range of "riches," "substance," or "treasure." The core meaning of nᵉkaç thus centers on valuable possessions, accumulated wealth, or material assets. It refers to tangible property, whether in the form of monetary funds, precious items, or general belongings, emphasizing their inherent value or economic significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic form נְכַס (nᵉkaç) appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, reflecting the Aramaic sections of that historical narrative. Its two occurrences offer distinct yet complementary insights into its usage:
1. **[[Ezra 6:8]]**: In this passage, King Darius issues a decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. He commands that "expenses shall be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal treasury" (מִן־נִכְסֵי מַלְכָּא). Here, nᵉkaç clearly refers to "royal funds" or "royal treasure," signifying the financial resources of the Persian empire. The context highlights the king's provision for a sacred endeavor, demonstrating how earthly wealth, even from a pagan ruler, can be directed by divine providence to serve God's purposes. The term underscores the substantial material support required for such a large-scale project.
2. **[[Ezra 7:26]]**: This verse records King Artaxerxes' decree regarding the administration of justice in Judah. It states that anyone who does not obey the law of God and the king's law shall be punished, including "confiscation of goods" (נִכְסִין). In this instance, nᵉkaç refers to personal "goods" or "property" that can be seized as a legal penalty. This usage emphasizes the vulnerability of material possessions to legal authority and the consequences of disobedience. It portrays "goods" as something that can be forfeited, underscoring their temporal and conditional nature.
Across these contexts, nᵉkaç consistently refers to valuable material assets, whether held by a king or an individual, and highlights their role in both provision and penalty within the divine-human drama.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew נֶכֶס (nekes, `{{H5233}}`), which the Aramaic נְכַס (nᵉkaç) directly corresponds to. This strong linguistic link indicates a shared conceptual understanding of "treasure" or "goods" across the closely related Semitic languages.
Beyond this direct cognate, nᵉkaç relates to broader biblical concepts of wealth and possessions, expressed through various Hebrew terms:
* `{{H207}}` (otsar): "treasure," "storehouse," often referring to accumulated wealth or a place where it is kept.
* `{{H2428}}` (ḥayil): Can mean "wealth," "substance," "riches," often in the context of a person's resources or capability.
* `{{H6239}}` (ʿosher): A general term for "riches" or "wealth," often in contrast to poverty.
These terms collectively form a semantic field around material resources, which the Bible frequently addresses in terms of their acquisition, use, and spiritual implications.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of נְכַס (nᵉkaç) in Ezra carry significant theological weight, particularly concerning divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
In [[Ezra 6:8]], the "royal treasure" provided for the Temple's rebuilding demonstrates God's ability to orchestrate events and utilize even secular authorities and their resources for the advancement of His kingdom. It underscores the principle that all "treasure" ultimately belongs to God, and He can move the hearts of kings to dedicate their "goods" to His service. This speaks to divine provision and the consecration of material wealth for sacred purposes, highlighting that earthly resources, when consecrated, become instruments of divine will.
In [[Ezra 7:26]], the "confiscation of goods" as a penalty illustrates the biblical understanding of justice and accountability. It teaches that material possessions are not absolute but are subject to divine and human law. Disobedience can lead to the forfeiture of one's "goods," serving as a tangible consequence of sin. This reflects a theological principle that holds individuals accountable for their actions, with their material wealth being part of the consequences.
Overall, nᵉkaç points to the dual nature of wealth: it can be a blessing and a means of divine provision when rightly stewarded and consecrated, or it can be subject to loss and judgment when used in defiance of God's ways. The term, though simple in its definition, touches upon profound biblical themes of stewardship, divine sovereignty over material resources, and the relationship between wealth and righteousness.
### Summary
The Aramaic term נְכַס (nᵉkaç, `{{H5232}}`) signifies "treasure" or "goods," directly corresponding to the Hebrew נֶכֶס (nekes, `{{H5233}}`). Its two occurrences in Ezra illuminate its usage: royal funds designated for the Temple's rebuilding ([[Ezra 6:8]]) and personal property subject to confiscation as a legal penalty ([[Ezra 7:26]]). Theologically, nᵉkaç underscores God's sovereign control over all material resources, His capacity to utilize even secular wealth for His purposes, and the principle of accountability where "goods" can be forfeited due to disobedience. It highlights the transient nature of earthly possessions and their potential role in either serving God's kingdom or facing the consequences of human actions.
TRV