(Aramaic) corresponding to נֶסֶךְ; a libation; drink offering.
Transliteration:nᵉçak
Pronunciation:nes-ak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5261}}`) carries the core meaning of a "libation" or "drink offering." As indicated by its base definition, it directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew term נֶסֶךְ (nesek, `{{H5262}}`). Both words denote the act of pouring out a liquid, typically wine, water, or oil, as an act of worship, dedication, or homage. The semantic range is quite focused, centering on this ritualistic outpouring. It signifies an offering, a gift presented to a deity or a revered figure, expressing devotion, consecration, or an appeal. The act itself is inherently symbolic, representing the giving of something valuable and the complete dedication of the offerer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5261}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 2:46]]**: "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel and commanded that an offering and incense be presented to him."
In this solitary occurrence, nᵉçak is translated as "offering" or "oblation" (often paired with "incense" or "sweet odors," Aramaic nîḥōaḥ). The context is profoundly significant: a pagan king, overwhelmed by Daniel's divine wisdom in interpreting his dream, prostrates himself before Daniel and commands that ritual offerings be made to him. This is not an Israelite sacrifice to Yahweh, but rather a pagan act of veneration directed towards a human figure perceived as divinely empowered. Nebuchadnezzar's action underscores the universal human impulse to acknowledge and offer homage to what is deemed sacred or representative of the divine. While the object of worship is misdirected from a biblical theological perspective, the *act* of presenting a nᵉçak demonstrates a profound acknowledgment of supernatural power and wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew counterpart, נֶסֶךְ (nesek, `{{H5262}}`), which is extensively used throughout the Pentateuch and Prophets to describe the drink offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. This Hebrew term is often associated with other types of sacrifices, particularly the burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah `{{H5930}}`) and the grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah `{{H4503}}`). The concept of "pouring out" is central, drawing connections to verbs like שָׁפַךְ (shaphak, `{{H8210}}`), which can describe pouring out blood, water, or even one's soul. Other general terms for offerings, such as קָרְבָּן (qorban, `{{H7133}}`), also relate, as the nᵉçak is a specific type of offering. The broader concepts of worship, homage, consecration, and covenant are intrinsically linked to the practice of libations, whether in Israelite or ancient Near Eastern contexts.
### Theological Significance
While the Aramaic nᵉçak (`{{H5261}}`) itself appears in a context of pagan homage, its theological significance is best understood in light of its Hebrew equivalent, nesek (`{{H5262}}`), which defines its conceptual space. In the Israelite cult, the drink offering was never a standalone atonement sacrifice for sin. Instead, it was an integral accompaniment to other offerings, symbolizing the complete dedication and outpouring of life and resources to God. It represented an act of thanksgiving, consecration, and covenant renewal. The pouring out of wine, in particular, could symbolize joy, blessing, and the fruit of the land offered back to the Divine Giver.
In the context of [[Daniel 2:46]], Nebuchadnezzar's nᵉçak to Daniel, though misdirected, highlights a profound theological truth: the inherent human impulse to recognize and worship a higher power. Even in a pagan king's actions, there is an acknowledgment of divine revelation and power that demands a response of reverence and offering. This demonstrates that the concept of offering a libation is a deeply ingrained human expression of homage, reflecting a universal understanding that certain powers or beings are worthy of such devotion. The biblical narrative, while condemning idolatry, uses this instance to show the impact of God's power and wisdom, even on those outside the covenant.
### Summary
נְסַךְ (nᵉçak, `{{H5261}}`) is an Aramaic term meaning "libation" or "drink offering," directly corresponding to the Hebrew nesek (`{{H5262}}`). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Daniel 2:46]], where King Nebuchadnezzar commands an "offering" and incense to be presented to Daniel as an act of homage, acknowledging divine revelation through him. This unique context, while depicting a pagan act of veneration, underscores the universal human impulse to express reverence and worship towards what is perceived as divine or divinely empowered. Theologically, while nᵉçak itself is limited to this specific instance of pagan homage, its conceptual link to the Israelite nesek illuminates its deeper significance: the pouring out of something valuable as a profound act of dedication, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of a higher power, whether in the context of prescribed worship to Yahweh or the spontaneous recognition of divine authority.
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