a primitive root (probably identical with נָסַךְ through the idea of fusion); to interweave, i.e. (figuratively) to overspread; that is spread.
Transliteration:nâçak
Pronunciation:naw-sak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5259}}` (nâçak) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense of "to interweave," "to overspread," or "to be spread." While its form is identical to `{{H5258}}` (nâçak), which means "to pour out" or "to cast metal," the definition provided for `{{H5259}}` specifically highlights a semantic distinctiveness rooted in the idea of "fusion" leading to a pervasive covering or interweaving. This suggests a process where something becomes thoroughly integrated or extends widely to form a layer. The "interweaving" aspect implies a close, intricate connection, which then results in a comprehensive "overspreading" or "covering." It describes a state of being thoroughly enveloped or diffused.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5259}}` are relatively few, yet each instance profoundly illustrates its core meaning of pervasive covering or spreading:
* **[[Isaiah 25:7]]**: "And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering that is cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations." Here, `{{H5259}}` describes the "veil" (מַסֵּכָה, massekah – related to `{{H5258}}` in its "casting" sense, but here referring to a woven or spread covering) that "is spread" over all nations. This is a metaphorical veil of spiritual blindness, death, or judgment that universally afflicts humanity. The verb emphasizes the pervasive and encompassing nature of this spiritual darkness, which God promises to remove. The destruction of this "spread" covering signifies a radical act of divine revelation and salvation for all peoples.
* **[[Isaiah 28:20]]**: "For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." In this prophetic warning against reliance on human alliances and false security, `{{H5259}}` describes the "covering" (מַסָּכָה, massâkhâh) that "is spread" but proves inadequate. The imagery portrays a futile attempt to find comfort or protection in something insufficient. The word highlights the failure of this "spread" covering to provide true refuge, emphasizing its narrowness and inability to fully envelop or secure.
* **[[Ezekiel 16:10]]**: "I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk." In this vivid description of God's lavish care for Jerusalem (personified as an abandoned infant), `{{H5259}}` is used to describe how God "covered" her with silk. This signifies a rich, luxurious, and complete adornment, providing both beauty and protection. The verb here underscores the thoroughness and generosity of God's provision, indicating a full and enveloping covering.
* **[[Psalm 109:29]]**: "Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle." Here, the psalmist prays for his adversaries to "cover themselves" with confusion. This is a metaphorical use where shame and confusion are depicted as a garment that completely envelops the individual. The verb `{{H5259}}` conveys the idea of being thoroughly and inescapably enveloped by disgrace, much like a mantle that is "spread" over one's entire body.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is **`{{H5258}}` (nâçak)**, which means "to pour out," "to anoint," or "to cast metal." While the Strong's definition suggests a shared primitive root and the idea of "fusion," `{{H5259}}` distinctly focuses on the outcome of that fusion or spreading as a *covering* or *interweaving*, rather than the act of pouring or casting itself. This distinction is crucial for understanding its specific usage.
Other related concepts involve words for "covering" or "spreading":
* **`{{H3680}}` (kasa)**: A very common verb meaning "to cover," "to conceal," often in a general sense. While similar in outcome, `{{H5259}}` often implies a more pervasive or intricately applied covering.
* **`{{H6584}}` (pâraś)**: "to spread out," often used for hands, wings, or a net. While also indicating spreading, `{{H5259}}` carries more of the nuance of "interweaving" or a dense, pervasive layer.
* **Figurative "coverings"**: The various contexts of `{{H5259}}` connect it to concepts of spiritual blindness, inadequate protection, divine adornment, and inescapable shame. These are not physical coverings but metaphorical states or conditions that "overspread" individuals or nations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5259}}` is found in its portrayal of comprehensive and pervasive realities, whether positive or negative.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**: In [[Isaiah 25:7]], the "veil" that "is spread" over all nations represents the spiritual blindness or death that humanity experiences apart from God. God's promise to destroy this veil signifies His sovereign power to remove spiritual darkness, bringing light, truth, and salvation to all peoples. It underscores that true revelation comes from God alone, piercing through the pervasive obscurity of the fallen world.
* **Human Futility and False Security**: [[Isaiah 28:20]] powerfully illustrates the inadequacy of human efforts to secure themselves apart from God. The "covering" that "is spread" but proves too narrow highlights the futility of relying on human wisdom, covenants, or alliances for protection. It serves as a theological warning that only God provides a truly comprehensive and sufficient refuge.
* **God's Covenantal Grace and Provision**: [[Ezekiel 16:10]] beautifully demonstrates God's lavish and unconditional love for His people. His act of "covering" Jerusalem with silk signifies His boundless grace, His commitment to beautify and protect His chosen, and His faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are undeserving. This "spreading" of divine adornment speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's care.
* **Divine Justice and Consequence**: [[Psalm 109:29]] invokes the concept of divine justice, where the wicked are "overspread" by shame and confusion. This signifies an inescapable and pervasive consequence for their actions, demonstrating that sin leads to a comprehensive state of disgrace and spiritual disorientation. It is a powerful image of judgment as an enveloping reality.
In essence, `{{H5259}}` highlights the thorough and inescapable nature of what "overspreads" or "covers," whether it be spiritual blindness, insufficient refuge, divine grace, or righteous judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5259}}` (nâçak) conveys the nuanced meaning of "to interweave," "to overspread," or "to be spread," emphasizing a pervasive and comprehensive covering. Distinct from the more common "pour out" meaning of its homograph `{{H5258}}`, `{{H5259}}` focuses on the resulting state of being thoroughly enveloped or diffused. Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Old Testament reveal its profound theological significance. It describes the universal "veil" of spiritual blindness that God promises to destroy ([[Isaiah 25:7]]), the inadequate "covering" of human self-reliance that offers no true security ([[Isaiah 28:20]]), the lavish "covering" of silk symbolizing God's abundant grace and adornment for His people ([[Ezekiel 16:10]]), and the inescapable "covering" of shame and confusion that envelops the wicked ([[Psalm 109:29]]). Across these contexts, `{{H5259}}` consistently underscores the comprehensive and pervasive nature of spiritual realities, whether they manifest as divine judgment, human futility, or the boundless grace of God.
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