from an unused root meaning to prick; probably a brier; by implication, a thicket of thorny bushes; thorn.
Transliteration:naʻătsûwts
Pronunciation:nah-ats-oots'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נַעֲצוּץ (naʻătsûwts, `{{H5285}}`) derives from an unused root signifying "to prick" or "to pierce." This etymological root immediately establishes the core semantic range of the word, centering on the physical characteristics of sharpness, pointedness, and the potential for causing pain or obstruction. Primarily, נַעֲצוּץ denotes a "brier" or a "thorn." By implication, it extends to "a thicket of thorny bushes," suggesting not merely an individual sharp plant but a dense, impenetrable growth that signifies wildness, desolation, and difficulty of passage. Its meaning is thus rooted in the literal botanical world, yet it carries strong metaphorical weight concerning the consequences of spiritual states.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נַעֲצוּץ (naʻătsûwts, `{{H5285}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within prophetic literature, where it serves as a powerful symbol of desolation, judgment, and the reversal of blessing.
One significant occurrence is found in [[Isaiah 7:19]]: "And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the clefts of the rocks, and upon all thorns (נַעֲצוּץ), and upon all briers (שָׁמִיר, `{{H7898}}`)." Here, נַעֲצוּץ is paired with שָׁמִיר (shamiyr), another term for briers or thorns. In this context, these thorny plants symbolize the takeover of cultivated land by wild, unproductive growth, signifying the devastation brought about by divine judgment. The once-fertile ground, abandoned and overrun, becomes a place where invading armies can find shelter, highlighting the complete desolation of the land.
Another crucial instance is in [[Isaiah 55:13]]: "Instead of the thorn (נַעֲצוּץ) shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier (סִרְפָּד, `{{H5636}}`) shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." This verse presents a profound contrast. Here, נַעֲצוּץ represents the current state of barrenness and curse, often associated with the consequences of sin. Its replacement by the cypress (בְּרוֹשׁ, `{{H1265}}`) and the myrtle (הֲדַס, `{{H1918}}`), both beautiful and fragrant trees, symbolizes a radical transformation. This transformation signifies divine restoration, the reversal of judgment, and the ushering in of a new era of blessing, fruitfulness, and peace, directly attributable to the Lord's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נַעֲצוּץ (naʻătsûwts, `{{H5285}}`) overlaps with several other Hebrew terms for thorny or prickly plants, each carrying nuances:
* **שָׁמִיר (shamiyr, `{{H7898}}`):** Often translated as "briers" or "thorns," frequently appearing alongside נַעֲצוּץ, as seen in [[Isaiah 7:19]]. It can also refer to a sharp point or diamond.
* **קוֹץ (qôwts, `{{H6975}}`):** A general term for "thorns" or "thistles," famously appearing in the curse upon the ground in [[Genesis 3:18]].
* **סִרְפָּד (sirpad, `{{H5636}}`):** Translated as "brier" or "nettle," also used in the prophetic contrast of [[Isaiah 55:13]].
* **חֹחַ (chôach, `{{H2336}}`):** Refers to "thorns," "thistles," or a "hook," often symbolizing trouble or entrapment.
Conceptually, נַעֲצוּץ is intrinsically linked to:
* **The Curse:** Particularly the Adamic curse on the ground in [[Genesis 3:18]], where thorns and thistles become a symbol of laborious existence and a fallen world.
* **Desolation and Wilderness:** The presence of thorny thickets indicates uncultivated, unproductive land, a state contrary to God's original design for fruitfulness.
* **Divine Judgment:** In prophetic texts, the proliferation of thorns often signifies God's punitive hand upon a disobedient people or land.
* **Restoration and Redemption:** Conversely, the removal or replacement of thorns by fruitful trees symbolizes God's promise of renewal, a new creation, and the reversal of the curse through His grace.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נַעֲצוּץ (naʻătsûwts, `{{H5285}}`) is multifaceted and profound.
Firstly, it serves as a potent symbol of **divine judgment and the consequences of sin**. Just as the physical land becomes overgrown with painful, unproductive thorns due to neglect or curse, so too does a people's spiritual state degenerate when they turn from God. The presence of נַעֲצוּץ signifies a departure from the blessings of covenant faithfulness and an entry into a state of barrenness, difficulty, and divine displeasure. It vividly portrays the reversal of Edenic abundance, where the ground itself testifies to humanity's rebellion.
Secondly, and perhaps most powerfully, נַעֲצוּץ highlights the **radical nature of God's redemptive work**. The transformation depicted in [[Isaiah 55:13]]—where the thorn is replaced by the cypress, and the brier by the myrtle—is not merely an agricultural improvement but a profound theological statement. It underscores God's ability to take what is cursed, unproductive, and painful, and transform it into something beautiful, fruitful, and fragrant. This divine intervention is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate desire for restoration and blessing. It anticipates the new heavens and new earth, where the effects of the curse are entirely undone.
Finally, the inherent "pricking" quality of נַעֲצוּץ subtly speaks to the **pain, irritation, and obstruction** that characterize a life or world alienated from God. These thorns are not passive; they actively hinder, wound, and make passage difficult, mirroring the spiritual struggles and hardships faced when one walks outside of God's will. Yet, the prophetic vision offers hope: these very obstacles will be removed by divine grace, paving the way for flourishing and peace.
### Summary
נַעֲצוּץ (naʻătsûwts, `{{H5285}}`) is a Hebrew term referring to a "brier" or "thorny thicket," rooted in the concept of "pricking." Though rare in biblical usage, its appearances are highly significant, particularly in the prophetic book of Isaiah. It functions primarily as a powerful symbol of **desolation, divine judgment, and the consequences of sin**, representing land that has become barren and unproductive due to spiritual rebellion. However, its most poignant usage is in contexts of **restoration and redemption**, where it is contrasted with fruitful and beautiful trees (like the cypress and myrtle). This stark juxtaposition underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which can reverse the effects of the curse, turning barrenness into blessing and signaling a new era of peace and fruitfulness. Thus, נַעֲצוּץ serves as a vivid botanical metaphor for both the painful reality of a fallen world and the glorious hope of God's ultimate renewal.
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