### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נָצָא (nâtsâʼ), Strong's `{{H5323}}`, is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of "to go away" or "to flee." Its semantic range encompasses both a simple departure and a more urgent or fearful flight. At its most basic, it denotes movement away from a point of origin or a situation. When translated as "flee," it implies an escape from danger, pursuit, or an undesirable circumstance, often motivated by fear or necessity. Unlike some other words for "going," נָצָא emphasizes the *direction* of movement – away – and often the *purpose* of that movement, which is to avoid or escape. It can describe the flight of individuals, groups, or even animals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring verbs for "fleeing," נָצָא appears in contexts that highlight its specific nuance of urgent departure or escape. For instance, in [[Exodus 9:19]], Moses warns Pharaoh's servants to gather their livestock from the field, lest they be destroyed by the impending hail, instructing them to "flee" (תָּנֻצוּ). Here, the word conveys a necessary and swift withdrawal from a coming judgment. Similarly, in [[Judges 6:11]], the angel of the Lord finds Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress "to flee" (לְהָנִיס) from the Midianites. This illustrates a desperate act of concealment and escape from an oppressive enemy, underscoring the urgency and fear associated with the verb. The context consistently points to a movement driven by a desire to avoid harm, capture, or destruction, rather than a leisurely departure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "fleeing" or "going away" is expressed by several Hebrew verbs, each with its own subtle distinctions.
* `{{H1272}}` (barach): This is a very common word for "to flee," often implying escape from a pursuer or a place of danger. It frequently describes a hasty, often panicked, departure.
* `{{H5127}}` (nus): Another prevalent term for "to flee," often used in military contexts for retreat or rout, or in a more general sense for escaping from danger. It can also imply taking refuge.
* `{{H3212}}` (yalak): While a broad term meaning "to go" or "to walk," it can, in certain contexts, imply "going away" or departing, though without the inherent urgency or fear often associated with נָצָא.
* `{{H6213}}` (asah): "To do" or "to make," but can be used in idiomatic expressions that involve movement or action, though not directly "fleeing."
Compared to `{{H1272}}` and `{{H5127}}`, נָצָא (nâtsâʼ) appears to emphasize the act of "going away" from a threat, often with a sense of withdrawal or taking cover, as seen in the agricultural context of Judges 6:11, where Gideon is not necessarily running away but hiding and protecting his livelihood.
### Theological Significance
The act of "fleeing" or "going away" in the biblical narrative often carries significant theological weight. It can represent:
* **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** Instances of fleeing, such as Gideon's actions, highlight human weakness and the need for divine intervention or protection in the face of overwhelming threats. It underscores the reality of living in a fallen world where danger is present.
* **Consequences of Disobedience/Judgment:** In contexts like Exodus 9:19, the call to "flee" from an impending plague serves as a divine warning and an opportunity for some to escape judgment, emphasizing God's justice and mercy.
* **The Pursuit of Deliverance:** The act of fleeing can be a desperate, yet faithful, response to a threatening situation, trusting that God will provide a way of escape or refuge. It can also signify a necessary separation from evil or danger, as when Lot was commanded to flee Sodom (though a different Hebrew word is used, the concept is similar).
* **God's Sovereignty over Movement:** Even in acts of human flight, God's sovereign hand can be seen, either in allowing the flight, directing it, or using it to accomplish His purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew root נָצָא (nâtsâʼ), Strong's `{{H5323}}`, signifies "to go away" or "to flee," conveying a movement of departure often driven by urgency, fear, or the need to escape danger. Its limited but poignant occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, such as in [[Exodus 9:19]] and [[Judges 6:11]], illustrate its use in contexts of avoiding impending destruction or escaping oppressive forces. While sharing semantic space with more common verbs for flight like `{{H1272}}` (barach) and `{{H5127}}` (nus), נָצָא often emphasizes a strategic withdrawal or taking cover. Theologically, its usage underscores human vulnerability, the consequences of divine judgment, and the pursuit of deliverance, all within the overarching framework of God's sovereign oversight of human affairs.
TRV