a primitive root; to gleam from afar, i.e. to be conspicuous as a signal; or rather perhaps a denominative from נֵס (and identical with נָסַס, through the idea of a flag as fluttering in the wind); to raise a beacon; lift up as an ensign.
Transliteration:nâçaç
Pronunciation:naw-sas'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5264 (נָסַס, nâçaç) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to gleam from afar" or "to be conspicuous as a signal." This suggests an inherent quality of visibility and prominence. The definition further proposes a potential denominative connection to `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, nēs), meaning "standard," "ensign," or "banner." This connection significantly expands its semantic range to include the active process of "raising a beacon" or "lifting up as an ensign." The imagery of "a flag as fluttering in the wind" adds a dynamic dimension, implying a visible, attention-grabbing display. Thus, H5264 encompasses both the state of being highly visible and the action of making something prominently displayed to serve as a signal, a rallying point, or a clear indicator.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H5264 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in its causative (Hiphil) or reflexive (Hithpolel) stems, emphasizing the action of making something conspicuous or being made conspicuous.
* **[[Isaiah 62:10]]**: "Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Clear it of stones; lift up a banner for the peoples!" Here, the verb נָסַס (nâçaç) is in the Hiphil imperative, "הָרִימוּ נֵס" (harimu nes), meaning "lift up a standard/banner." The context is eschatological, a prophetic call to prepare for the return of the exiles to Zion. The "banner" serves as a visible signal to gather the dispersed peoples, a clear sign for their journey. It signifies a divine directive to make a path and a signal evident for a great ingathering.
* **[[Zechariah 9:16]]**: "The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people; for they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted up as a banner over His land." In this verse, the verb יִתְנֹסְסוּ (yitnōs'sû) is the Hithpolel of נָסַס, meaning "they shall be lifted up as an ensign" or "they shall be displayed prominently." Here, the people of God themselves are the conspicuous sign. Likened to "jewels of a crown," they are not merely raising a banner, but *are* the banner, a radiant and prominent display of God's glory and redemptive power in His land. This highlights their transformed state and their role as a visible testimony.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H5264 is deeply intertwined with several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5251}}` (נֵס, nēs)**: This noun, meaning "standard," "banner," or "ensign," is directly related to H5264. The verb H5264 describes the action of raising or making visible this `{{H5251}}`. Examples include [[Exodus 17:15]], where Moses builds an altar and names it "Yahweh-Nissi" ("The Lord is my Banner"), and [[Isaiah 11:12]], where the "root of Jesse" stands as an `{{H5251}}` for the peoples.
* **`{{H7311}}` (רוּם, rûm)**: "to be high, exalted, lifted up." While `{{H7311}}` is a more general term for elevation, H5264 carries the specific nuance of being lifted up for the purpose of being a conspicuous signal or standard.
* **`{{H226}}` (אוֹת, ’ōṯ)**: "sign," "mark," "token." A banner raised by H5264 often functions as an `{{H226}}`, conveying a specific message or serving as a point of identification.
* **Gathering and Rallying**: The act of raising a standard (H5264 an `{{H5251}}`) is frequently associated with the concept of assembling or rallying people, particularly in military or eschatological contexts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5264 is profound, particularly in its implications for divine action, human response, and the nature of God's people:
* **Divine Summons and Guidance**: The raising of a banner by divine command ([[Isaiah 62:10]]) functions as a clear, unmistakable summons. It signifies God's initiative to gather His scattered people, providing a visible point of direction and hope for their return and restoration. It speaks to God's active involvement in guiding His people through historical and eschatological events.
* **God as the Conspicuous One**: The close link to `{{H5251}}` (nēs), which can refer to God Himself as the "banner" ([[Exodus 17:15]]), suggests that when something is "lifted up" via H5264, it often makes God's presence, power, or purpose conspicuously visible to the world. It is a declaration of His sovereignty and His redemptive plan.
* **God's People as a Visible Testimony**: In [[Zechariah 9:16]], the people of God are themselves the "ensign" (H5264 in the Hithpolel). This highlights their transformed nature and their role as a living, shining testament to God's glory and saving work. They are not merely recipients of salvation but are to become a radiant, conspicuous display of God's grace and power, drawing others to Him. This carries missional implications, emphasizing the Church's role as a "light to the nations."
* **Clarity and Unmistakable Display**: The core idea of "gleaming from afar" means that what is lifted up is not obscure or hidden. It is a clear, unmistakable sign, meant to be seen and understood, conveying a message of divine authority, protection, or a call to action.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5264 (נָסַס, nâçaç) conveys the meaning "to gleam from afar" or "to be conspicuous as a signal," specifically in the context of "raising a standard" or "lifting up an ensign." This verb is intrinsically linked to the noun `{{H5251}}` (נֵס, nēs), a "banner" or "signal." Its sparse but significant biblical occurrences, notably in [[Isaiah 62:10]] and [[Zechariah 9:16]], underscore its profound theological implications. The word points to a divine action of summoning and gathering God's people, preparing the way for His redemptive purposes, or highlighting God's people themselves as a visible, shining testimony of His glory and protection. The core idea is one of prominent, unmistakable display, serving as a clear indicator of God's sovereign hand and His unfolding plan for humanity.
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