נָסַךְ

nâçak /naw-sak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint aking
KJV usagecover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâçak, represented by H5258, is a primitive root primarily meaning to pour out. It appears 25 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. The word's application is diverse, encompassing actions such as pouring a libation, casting metal, anointing a king, and metaphorically to cover or set up.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H5258 carries several distinct applications. A primary use is for the ritual act of pouring out a drink offering. This is seen in acts of devotion to God, such as Jacob anointing a pillar Genesis 35:14 and David pouring out water to the LORD 2 Samuel 23:16. However, the term is frequently used to describe idolatrous practices, specifically the pouring out of drink offerings to the "queen of heaven" and other gods, which provokes the LORD to anger (Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 32:29). The word also denotes the casting or melting of metal, particularly in the creation of idols (Isaiah 40:19; Isaiah 44:10). Figuratively, it is used for the anointing or establishing of a king by God Psalms 2:6 and for the sovereign act of God pouring out a spirit of deep sleep upon people Isaiah 29:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the scope of H5258:

  • H5262 neçek (a libation; also a cast idol): As the noun form, this word captures the two main products of the verb's action. It can refer to a "drink offering" Psalms 16:4 or a "molten image" created by a founder Jeremiah 10:14.
  • H3332 yâtsaq (to pour out... melt or cast as metal): This verb is often used in parallel with H5258. In the account of Jacob consecrating a pillar, he "poured" H5258 a drink offering on it, and he also "poured" H3332 oil on it Genesis 35:14.
  • H5324 nâtsab (to station... erect, establish... set (over, up)): This term connects to the concept of establishing or anointing found in H5258. Jacob first "set up" H5324 a pillar before he "poured" H5258 a drink offering on it, linking the physical establishment to the ritual act.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of H5258 are significant, touching on worship, idolatry, and divine authority.

  • Worship and Consecration: The act of pouring out a libation is a fundamental expression of worship. It is commanded in the law for offerings to the LORD Numbers 28:7 and is also seen in personal acts of sacrifice and dedication, such as David pouring out water he would not drink 2 Samuel 23:16.
  • The Sin of Idolatry: The term is a focal point in the condemnation of idolatry. Pouring drink offerings to false deities like the "queen of heaven" is presented as a defiant act that provokes God's anger Jeremiah 32:29. Similarly, using this action to "melt" or cast a graven image is condemned as creating something worthless Isaiah 44:10.
  • Divine Appointment and Sovereignty: Beyond human ritual, H5258 is used to describe God's sovereign acts. God "set" His king upon Zion Psalms 2:6, and Wisdom declares, "I was set up from everlasting" Proverbs 8:23, establishing a theme of divine appointment and eternal establishment.

Summary

In summary, H5258 is a dynamic word whose meaning is heavily shaped by its context. It illustrates the physical act of pouring, whether as a sacred drink offering to God, a rebellious libation to an idol, or the casting of molten metal. Furthermore, it carries the metaphorical weight of divine appointment, as in the setting up of a king or the establishment of eternal wisdom. The use of nâçak underscores a critical biblical theme: the direction and object of one's offering determines whether the act is one of holy worship or profane idolatry.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 25 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 8×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Hophal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hophal
The passive of the causative (Hiphil) stem.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in Jeremiah (7 verses).

1
Genesis
3
Exodus
1
Numbers
1
2 Samuel
1
2 Kings
1
1 Chronicles
2
Psalms
1
Proverbs
4
Isaiah
7
Jeremiah
1
Ezekiel
1
Hosea

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