a primitive root; to retreat; departing away, remove, take (hold), turn away.
Transliteration:nâçag
Pronunciation:naw-sag'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5253 (נָסַג, *nâçag*) is a primitive verb, signifying a fundamental action of movement away from a point or state. Its core meaning encompasses "to retreat," implying a withdrawal, often under duress or as a strategic maneuver. From this central idea, the semantic range expands to include:
* **Departing away:** A general sense of moving off, leaving, or going away from a place.
* **Remove:** To cause something to be taken from its position, displaced, or abolished. This can apply to physical objects (e.g., landmarks) or abstract concepts.
* **Turn away:** To avert one's direction, gaze, or allegiance. This often carries a spiritual or relational connotation, indicating a departure from fidelity or a chosen path.
* **Take (hold):** While seemingly contradictory to "retreat," this nuance typically emerges in the Hiphil (causative) stem. It can mean "to cause to reach," "to overtake," or "to seize," thereby implying taking possession or gaining control, often by causing an opponent to retreat or by pursuing and capturing. This sense is a transitive application of movement towards an object, often by dislodging it from its previous state or owner.
The underlying concept is a change of position or state, specifically involving a separation or a shift away from a previous condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H5253 appears in various stems (Qal, Niphil, Hiphil) across the Old Testament, each adding a specific nuance to its core meaning:
* **Military Retreat and Flight:** In its most literal sense, *nâçag* describes military maneuvers.
* In [[Joshua 8:6]] and [[Joshua 8:15]], the Israelites feign a retreat (Hiphil: "we will cause them to retreat") to draw the men of Ai out of their city. This demonstrates a strategic withdrawal designed to deceive the enemy.
* [[Psalm 78:9]] laments the Ephraimites, who, though armed, "turned back" (Qal: retreated or fled) on the day of battle, highlighting a failure of courage and faithfulness.
* **Removing Boundaries and Landmarks:** A significant legal and ethical application of *nâçag* is its use regarding the "removal" or "moving" of ancient landmarks, which defined property lines.
* [[Deuteronomy 19:14]] states, "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark," emphasizing the divine prohibition against altering established boundaries and violating property rights, which was a serious offense against justice and social order.
* This theme is reiterated in [[Deuteronomy 27:17]], [[Job 24:2]], [[Proverbs 22:28]], and [[Proverbs 23:10]], underscoring the importance of respecting inherited land and the stability of community.
* **Spiritual Turning Away and Departure:** The verb also describes a departure from God or His ways.
* [[Isaiah 59:13]] speaks of "transgressing and denying the Lord, and turning away (Hiphil: "causing to turn away" or "departing") from following our God," depicting spiritual apostasy and rebellion. This is a profound ethical turning away from covenant fidelity.
* Conversely, God's steadfastness is expressed in [[Jeremiah 32:40]], where He promises, "I will not turn away (Hiphil: "cause to turn away" or "depart") from doing them good," assuring His people of His unwavering covenant faithfulness.
* **Overtaking and Seizing (Hiphil):** The causative Hiphil can imply causing something to reach or overtake, leading to the sense of seizing or gaining possession.
* In [[1 Samuel 14:47]], it is said of Saul that "he took hold of" or "seized" (Hiphil: "caused to reach" or "overtook") those who attacked him, indicating his military success in capturing or defeating his enemies.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H5253 intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to movement, separation, and change of direction:
* **Movement/Going:** `{{H1980}}` (הָלַךְ, *halak*, to walk, go) and `{{H5186}}` (נָטָה, *natah*, to turn, stretch out).
* **Turning/Returning:** `{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*, to turn back, return), which often implies a change of course, whether for repentance or apostasy.
* **Flight/Escape:** `{{H1272}}` (בָּרַח, *barach*, to flee), which shares the concept of rapid movement away from danger.
* **Separation/Distance:** `{{H6504}}` (פָּרַשׁ, *parash*, to separate) and `{{H7368}}` (רָחַק, *rachaq*, to be far, distant).
* **Boundary/Limit:** `{{H1366}}` (גְּבוּל, *gevul*, border, boundary), which is directly relevant to the legal context of "removing landmarks."
### Theological Significance
The various uses of H5253 illuminate several key theological themes:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God's power is evident in His ability to "remove" nations or individuals from their land or position, as a form of judgment or consequence for sin. Conversely, His promise *not* to "turn away" from His people underscores His covenant faithfulness and unwavering commitment to their welfare.
* **Human Responsibility and Sin:** The act of "turning away" from God or His commands is a stark portrayal of human rebellion and apostasy. The failure to stand firm in battle or to maintain integrity reflects a moral or spiritual weakness. The "removal of landmarks" is a direct violation of God's established order and justice, reflecting human greed and disregard for communal welfare.
* **Justice and Social Order:** The repeated prohibition against moving ancient landmarks emphasizes the sanctity of property rights and the importance of established boundaries for maintaining social stability and justice within the community. This reflects God's concern for order and fairness among His people.
* **Faithfulness and Steadfastness:** The contrast between those who "retreat" or "turn away" in times of trial and those who remain steadfast highlights the value of perseverance and loyalty. God's own steadfastness, particularly His promise not to turn away from doing good, serves as the ultimate model of faithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H5253 (נָסַג, *nâçag*) is a versatile term rooted in the concept of movement *away* from a given point or state. Its primary meanings include "to retreat" (especially in military contexts), "to remove" (as in landmarks or established order), and "to turn away" (often signifying spiritual departure or apostasy). A derived Hiphil sense can mean "to overtake" or "to seize," representing a forceful taking by causing another to retreat. Biblically, H5253 serves to illustrate themes of military strategy, legal and social justice, and profound spiritual fidelity or rebellion. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty in judgment and His unwavering faithfulness, highlights human responsibility in choosing to turn towards or away from Him, and emphasizes the divine mandate for justice and order within society.
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