Word Study for H5330 (נְצַח) | Strong's Concordance

nᵉtsach /nets-akh'/ Ask about this word

Root(Aramaic) corresponding to נָצַח

Meaningto become chief

KJV usagebe preferred.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of nᵉtsach — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word nᵉtsach, represented by H5330, means to become chief; be preferred. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a focused snapshot of being chosen for a superior position over others.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H5330 is in the book of Daniel. It describes Daniel's elevation within the Persian government under King Darius. The scripture states that "Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him" Daniel 6:3. This context clearly establishes the word's meaning as being promoted or set above one's peers in an official or administrative capacity.

Related Words & Concepts

One key related word helps illuminate the reason for Daniel's promotion:

H3493 yattîyr (preeminent; as an adverb, very; exceeding(-ly), excellent): This term is used to describe the "excellent" spirit found in Daniel, which was the direct cause for his being preferred Daniel 6:3. The word is also used elsewhere in Daniel to convey a sense of superiority or intensity, such as an "exceeding" dreadful beast Daniel 7:19 or the "excellent" brightness of an image Daniel 2:31.

Theological Significance

The conceptual significance of H5330 is tied directly to its context in Daniel's life.

Merit-Based Promotion: The word is not used to describe an arbitrary choice. Daniel was preferred specifically because of his "excellent spirit," linking his advancement directly to his character and capabilities Daniel 6:3.
Hierarchical Advancement: The term is used within a clear governmental structure. Daniel's preferment placed him "above the presidents and princes," highlighting its use in the context of administrative authority and leadership selection.
Result of Divine Gifting: The "excellent spirit" that led to Daniel being preferred is understood as a quality originating from God. Therefore, his preferment is a direct result of his divinely endowed nature being recognized by earthly authority.

Summary

In summary, H5330 is a rare Aramaic term whose meaning is precisely defined by its single use in scripture. It signifies being elevated to a chief position over others, not by chance, but as a result of possessing superior qualities. The word powerfully illustrates the principle of advancement based on recognized excellence, as seen in the life of Daniel.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

מִתְנַצַּח

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Daniel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.