(Aramaic) corresponding to נָסַק; {to go up}; take up.
Transliteration:nᵉçaq
Pronunciation:nes-ak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb נְסַק (`{{H5267}}`, *nᵉçaq*) fundamentally means "to go up," "to ascend," or "to rise." Its semantic range extends to include the causative sense of "to take up" or "to cause to ascend." The Strong's definition explicitly notes its correspondence to the Hebrew verb נָסַק (`{{H5266}}`), which shares the core meaning of "to ascend" or "to go up." This linguistic parallel underscores a consistent concept of upward movement, whether literal or figurative, across the related Semitic languages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נְסַק (`{{H5267}}`) is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences reveal a diverse application of its core meaning:
* **Literal Physical Ascent:** In [[Ezra 7:9]], the word describes Ezra's journey, stating that he "went up" (נְסַק) from Babylon to Jerusalem. This is a straightforward account of physical movement, an ascent in elevation from the Mesopotamian plains to the Judean highlands.
* **Metaphorical Growth and Expansion:** [[Daniel 2:35]] uses נְסַק to describe the stone, cut without human hands, which "grew" or "became" (literally, "ascended" or "filled up") into a great mountain that filled the whole earth. Here, the verb signifies a process of expansion, growth in magnitude, and a filling of space, conveying the unstoppable and universal dominion of God's kingdom.
* **Emergence and Rise to Prominence:** In the prophetic visions of Daniel 7, נְסַק is used to depict the emergence of various entities:
* [[Daniel 7:4]] describes the eagle's wings being "plucked up" (נְסַק), implying a removal or cessation of its ability to ascend, or a taking away of its power. This is a passive or causative sense of being "taken up" or "removed."
* [[Daniel 7:8]] and [[Daniel 7:20]] both describe the "little horn" "coming up" (נְסַק) among the ten horns. In this context, the verb signifies the emergence of a new power, an ascent to prominence or authority within the political landscape of the vision.
These contexts demonstrate the versatility of נְסַק, ranging from simple physical movement to profound metaphorical representations of divine sovereignty over kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic cognate to נְסַק (`{{H5267}}`) is its Hebrew counterpart, נָסַק (`{{H5266}}`), which also means "to ascend" or "to go up." While less common than the broader Hebrew verb עָלָה (`{{H5927}}`, *ʿālāh*), which encompasses a wide range of "going up" or "bringing up" actions, נְסַק/נָסַק carries a specific nuance of upward movement. Concepts related to נְסַק include elevation, ascent, emergence, growth, and the establishment of dominion. In its causative sense, it can also relate to removal or taking away.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְסַק (`{{H5267}}`) is primarily derived from its usage in the prophetic and historical narratives of Daniel and Ezra.
* In [[Ezra 7:9]], Ezra's "going up" to Jerusalem is not merely a physical journey but a divinely ordained return, symbolizing the restoration of God's people to their land and the re-establishment of the temple worship. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active guidance in the lives of His servants.
* The most profound theological implications arise from its use in Daniel. The "stone" that "grows" or "ascends" to become a great mountain in [[Daniel 2:35]] is a powerful prophetic image of the kingdom of God. This kingdom, not established by human hands, will ultimately "ascend" and fill the entire earth, signifying its universal, eternal, and sovereign dominion over all earthly powers. This speaks directly to the eschatological hope of God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His righteous reign.
* The "coming up" of the horns in [[Daniel 7:8]] and [[Daniel 7:20]] illustrates the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and rulers. While these ascensions often represent oppressive powers, their emergence is presented within the framework of God's sovereign plan. Even the rise of seemingly insurmountable evil is ultimately under divine control, setting the stage for God's ultimate judgment and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. Thus, נְסַק, even when describing the rise of human empires, points to the overarching sovereignty of God over history.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb נְסַק (`{{H5267}}`) signifies "to go up," "ascend," "rise," or "to take up." Its usage in Ezra describes a literal physical ascent, while in Daniel, it carries significant metaphorical weight, depicting the growth and ultimate universal dominion of God's kingdom and the emergence of earthly powers within God's providential plan. Theologically, נְסַק underscores God's active involvement in human history, His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, and the inevitable, unstoppable ascent and triumph of His eternal kingdom.
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