lemma נְסִרֹךְ first vowel, corrected to נִסְרֹךְ; of foreign origin; Nisrok, a Babylonian idol; Nisroch.
Transliteration:Niçrôk
Pronunciation:nis-roke'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נִסְרֹךְ (Niçrôk, `{{H5268}}`) is a proper noun, specifically identifying a foreign deity. The Strong's definition explicitly states its origin as "of foreign origin" and identifies it as "a Babylonian idol." Its semantic range is thus exceptionally narrow, referring exclusively to this particular pagan god. Unlike many Hebrew words that possess a rich array of meanings or metaphorical extensions, Niçrôk functions solely as a proper noun for a specific entity within a non-Israelite pantheon. The note regarding the corrected vowel from נְסִרֹךְ to נִסְרֹךְ pertains to textual transmission rather than a shift in the word's inherent meaning, which remains consistently tied to the identity of this idol.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Niçrôk appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a pivotal narrative concerning the Assyrian king Sennacherib. This sole occurrence is found in [[2 Kings 19:37]], with its parallel in [[Isaiah 37:38]]. The context is the aftermath of Sennacherib's failed siege of Jerusalem and his subsequent retreat to Nineveh. The verses describe his assassination: "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."
This singular mention is highly significant. Sennacherib, who had openly defied Yahweh and boasted of his conquests over other nations and their gods, is struck down not in battle, but in the very sanctuary of his own deity. This detail underscores the narrative's theological message: the impotence of pagan gods to protect their worshippers, especially when confronted by the sovereign power of the Lord. The act of assassination within the temple of Nisroch serves as a dramatic fulfillment of the prophecy against Sennacherib, showcasing divine judgment against a blasphemous king and the futility of his idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun for a foreign deity, Niçrôk does not have direct Hebrew synonyms or antonyms in the typical lexical sense. However, it is conceptually related to several significant biblical themes and terms:
* **Idolatry:** The worship of Niçrôk falls squarely within the pervasive biblical condemnation of idolatry, the practice of worshipping false gods or created things rather than the one true God.
* **Pagan Deities:** Niçrôk stands alongside other named foreign gods in the Bible, such as Baal (`{{H1168}}`), Dagon (`{{H1712}}`), Molech (`{{H4432}}`), and Chemosh (`{{H3644}}`). These figures collectively represent the spiritual opposition to Yahweh.
* **Assyrian Pantheon:** While the precise identity of Niçrôk within the Assyrian pantheon is debated among scholars (some suggest a connection to the god Nusku, or an eagle-headed deity), the biblical text's primary concern is not an exhaustive theological treatise on Assyrian religion but rather the demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy.
* **Divine Judgment:** The context of Sennacherib's death while worshipping Niçrôk is intimately linked to the concept of divine judgment, particularly against those who exalt themselves against the Lord and rely on false gods.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Niçrôk is profound, despite its limited textual presence. It serves as a stark and powerful foil to the omnipotence and sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Sennacherib's death in the temple of Niçrôk is a deliberate narrative choice that dramatically illustrates several key theological truths:
1. **Yahweh's Supremacy:** It unequivocally demonstrates that Yahweh is above all other gods. Sennacherib's reliance on Niçrôk proved utterly futile; his god could not protect him from the Lord's judgment. This reinforces the declaration in [[Psalm 96:5]], "For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens."
2. **Futility of Idolatry:** The scene powerfully conveys the inherent powerlessness and emptiness of idols. They are unable to deliver, protect, or intervene on behalf of their devotees. The very act of worship becomes the setting for the worshipper's demise, highlighting the deceptive nature of false worship.
3. **Divine Justice:** Sennacherib's blasphemous challenge to Yahweh is met with precise and fitting justice. His death in the sanctuary of his own god underscores the principle that those who reject the Lord and trust in false deities will ultimately face divine retribution.
4. **Monotheistic Affirmation:** The narrative implicitly but strongly affirms the exclusive monotheism of Israel's faith, contrasting it with the polytheism of the surrounding nations and demonstrating the unique power of the one true God.
### Summary
נִסְרֹךְ (Niçrôk, `{{H5268}}`) is a Hebrew transliteration of a foreign proper noun, referring to a Babylonian or Assyrian idol. Its single appearance in the biblical narrative, specifically in [[2 Kings 19:37]] (and [[Isaiah 37:38]]), describes the assassination of King Sennacherib of Assyria while he was worshipping in the temple of Niçrôk his god. The significance of this word lies not in its intrinsic meaning beyond identifying a pagan deity, but in its profound theological implications within the biblical account. It serves as a powerful narrative device to underscore the absolute supremacy of Yahweh over all other gods, the utter futility and impotence of idolatry, and the certainty of divine judgment against those who defy the living God and rely on false deities. The demise of Sennacherib in the presence of his god Niçrôk stands as a stark testament to the unique sovereignty of the Lord.
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