נָצָה

nâtsâh /naw-tsaw'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root · properly, to go forth, i.e. (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate
Meaningcausatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
KJV usagebe laid waste, runinous, strive (together).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâtsâh, represented by H5327, is a primitive root with a dual meaning that encompasses both interpersonal conflict and widespread destruction. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses. Its definition includes concepts such as to go forth, be expelled, to be desolate, to lay waste, and specifically, to quarrel or strive together.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, H5327 describes two distinct scenarios of ruin. It is frequently used to denote physical and verbal disputes between people. This can be seen when two Hebrew men strove together Exodus 2:13, when two brothers strove together in a field with fatal consequences 2 Samuel 14:6, or when Dathan and Abiram strove against Moses, Aaron, and ultimately "against the LORD" Numbers 26:9. The word is also used to describe desolation, often as an act of divine judgment. God declares His intent to turn fortified cities into ruinous heaps Isaiah 37:26, and the prophet warns that cities "shall be laid waste" by a destroyer Jeremiah 4:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H5327 is used:

  • H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This word often describes the violent outcome of strife. In the account of two brothers who strove together, the conflict escalates when one smote the other, resulting in death 2 Samuel 14:6.
  • H7582 shâʼâh (to lay waste): This term is used in direct parallel with H5327 to describe divine judgment, where God's plan is to lay waste fenced cities and turn them into ruinous heaps 2 Kings 19:25.
  • H1530 gal (heap, ruins): This noun describes the physical result of the action of H5327. Fortified cities, once laid waste, become ruinous heaps Isaiah 37:26.
  • H5337 nâtsal (to deliver, rescue): This word highlights the need for intervention during strife. The tragic result of the conflict between two brothers is attributed to the fact that there was "none to part them" 2 Samuel 14:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H5327 is significant, highlighting themes of conflict, judgment, and consequence.

  • Consequences of Human Strife: The word is foundational to laws addressing personal injury that results when men strive Exodus 21:22. It demonstrates how conflict can escalate from a simple dispute to rebellion against God's appointed leaders and even "against the LORD" himself Numbers 26:9.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The use of H5327 in prophetic warnings reveals that the desolation of cities is not random. God declares that He has "formed it" and "brought it to pass" that cities should become ruinous heaps, illustrating His control over the fate of nations Isaiah 37:26.
  • The Danger of Unchecked Conflict: The narrative of the two brothers who strove shows that when there is no one to intervene or part them, the result can be death 2 Samuel 14:6. This serves as a powerful illustration of the destructive potential of unresolved disputes.

Summary

In summary, H5327 is a potent term that captures the destructive nature of conflict. Whether describing a personal quarrel between individuals or the divinely ordained ruin of a city, nâtsâh consistently points to a state of contention and desolation. Its usage in both legal and prophetic texts underscores its importance in understanding the biblical view on strife and its ultimate consequences.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Niphal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Feminine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Exodus (2 verses).

2
Exodus
1
Leviticus
1
Numbers
1
Deuteronomy
1
2 Samuel
1
2 Kings
1
Psalms
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah

Verse Explorer

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