(Aramaic) corresponding to נָסַךְ; to pour out a libation; offer.
Transliteration:nᵉçak
Pronunciation:nes-ak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5260}}`) functions as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew נָסַךְ (nāçak, `{{H5258}}`). Its fundamental meaning is "to pour out." While the core semantic range encompasses the general act of pouring, its specific application in biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts primarily refers to the ritualistic "pouring out of a libation" or "offering a drink offering." This typically involved liquids, such as wine or water, poured out as an act of worship, dedication, or sacrifice to a deity. The term can also extend to a more generalized sense of "to offer" or "to present" something in a solemn or reverent manner, as seen in its sole biblical occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5260}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, found in the book of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 2:46]]**: "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and paid homage to Daniel and commanded that an offering and incense be offered to him."
In this significant passage, King Nebuchadnezzar's response to Daniel's interpretation of his dream is one of profound reverence and awe. The king commands that a "tribute" (מִנְחָה, minchah) and "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, qetoreth) be "offered" (נְסַךְ) to Daniel. This is a striking deviation from the typical usage of "pouring out a libation." Here, נְסַךְ signifies an act of veneration, an offering of tribute and incense, which were forms of worship usually reserved for divine beings or highly esteemed figures. The context is not a literal pouring of liquid, but the performance of a ritual act of homage. This unique usage highlights the king's recognition of the divine power and wisdom operating *through* Daniel, leading him to treat Daniel with a reverence bordering on worship, acknowledging the God of heaven whom Daniel serves.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic and conceptual relative to Aramaic נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5260}}`) is its Hebrew cognate, נָסַךְ (nāçak, `{{H5258}}`), which likewise means "to pour out," especially in the context of cultic libations (e.g., [[Genesis 35:14]], [[Exodus 30:9]]). From this same root, we find:
* נֶסֶךְ (nesek, `{{H5262}}`): The Hebrew noun meaning "drink offering" or "libation," a common element in Israelite worship (e.g., [[Numbers 15:5]], [[Isaiah 30:1]]).
* מַסֵּכָה (massekah, `{{H4542}}`): Meaning "molten image" or "cast image," derived from the idea of "pouring out" molten metal to form an idol (e.g., [[Exodus 32:4]], [[Isaiah 42:17]]). This demonstrates the broader semantic field of "pouring" beyond liquids.
The concept of "offering" or "sacrificing" is also related, encompassing a range of acts of devotion and submission to a deity or a revered figure.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5260}}`) in [[Daniel 2:46]] carries significant theological weight within the narrative of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's command to "offer" tribute and incense to Daniel is a powerful testament to the impact of divine revelation. It signifies:
1. **Recognition of Divine Authority**: The king, the most powerful man in his world, falls on his face and offers worship-like homage, not to Daniel himself, but to the God who revealed the mystery through Daniel. It is an acknowledgement of Yahweh's supreme power and wisdom.
2. **Validation of God's Prophet**: The act validates Daniel's role as a true prophet of God, demonstrating that God speaks and acts through His chosen servants.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms**: This scene profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and empires. Nebuchadnezzar's response underscores the theme that the God of Israel is the true King of kings, before whom even the mightiest monarchs must bow.
4. **Awe of the Divine**: The use of a term typically associated with divine worship to describe the king's reaction emphasizes the overwhelming awe and fear that God's manifest power can inspire, even in pagan rulers.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5260}}`) fundamentally means "to pour out," particularly in the context of ritual libations or drink offerings. While its Hebrew cognate (`{{H5258}}`) and related nouns (`{{H5262}}`) frequently describe such cultic acts, the sole biblical occurrence of נְסַךְ (`{{H5260}}`) in [[Daniel 2:46]] expands its usage to mean "to offer" or "to present" tribute and incense. In this unique context, it describes King Nebuchadnezzar's profound act of veneration towards Daniel, recognizing the divine wisdom and power revealed through him. Theologically, this passage powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over earthly rulers, the validation of His prophet, and the awe inspired by His divine revelation.
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