probably identical with נֶצַח, through the idea of brilliancy of color; juice of the grape (as blood red); blood, strength.
Transliteration:Nêtsach
Pronunciation:nay'-tsakh
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נֵצַח (Nêtsach), Strong's number `{{H5332}}`, is a rare but potent word in the biblical lexicon. Its base definition suggests a close relationship, "probably identical with" נֶצַח (Netsach, `{{H5331}}`), yet it carries a distinct semantic nuance. While `{{H5331}}` primarily conveys concepts of "eternity," "perpetuity," "victory," or "glory," `{{H5332}}` branches off through the idea of "brilliancy of color." This visual aspect leads to its specific meanings: "juice of the grape (as blood red)," "blood," and by extension, "strength." The connection implies that the vividness or intensity of color, particularly red, signifies a powerful, vital, or decisive force. Thus, נֵצַח (Nêtsach) encapsulates both a tangible substance (grape juice, blood) and an abstract quality (strength, vitality) derived from its striking visual impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נֵצַח (Nêtsach, `{{H5332}}`) occurs only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its singular appearance profoundly significant. This solitary instance is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 63:3]]**: "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their blood (נֵצַצ) spattered on my garments, and I stained all my raiment."
In this powerful passage, the divine warrior describes His solitary act of judgment against the nations. The imagery is vivid and visceral: the treading of the winepress serves as a metaphor for crushing divine wrath. Here, נֵצַח (Nêtsach) is explicitly used to describe the "blood" of the enemies, which, like the juice from crushed grapes, stains the garments of the divine avenger. The context unequivocally supports the definition of "blood" as derived from the "juice of the grape (as blood red)," emphasizing the overwhelming and undeniable nature of this judgment. The "brilliancy of color" aspect is evident in the description of the garments being "spattered" and "stained," painting a graphic picture of the outcome of divine justice. This single usage powerfully anchors the word's meaning in the context of decisive, bloody judgment and the manifest display of divine power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is נֶצַח (Netsach, `{{H5331}}`), from which נֵצַח (Nêtsach, `{{H5332}}`) is considered a semantic offshoot. While `{{H5331}}` typically refers to "eternity," "perpetuity," "victory," "glory," or "strength" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 15:29]], [[Psalm 9:7]], [[Psalm 44:7]]), `{{H5332}}` isolates and amplifies the "brilliancy" or "intensity" aspect, applying it specifically to the vivid color of blood or grape juice.
Other related concepts include:
* **Blood (דָּם, *dam*, `{{H1818}}`)**: This is the most direct conceptual link, as נֵצַצ (Nêtsach) in [[Isaiah 63:3]] explicitly refers to blood. In the biblical worldview, blood signifies life (e.g., [[Leviticus 17:11]]), atonement, or, as in this context, the consequence of divine judgment and death.
* **Wine/Grape Juice (יַיִן, *yayin*, `{{H3196}}`; תִּירוֹשׁ, *tiyrosh*, `{{H8492}}`)**: The metaphor of the winepress is central to the usage of נֵצַצ (Nêtsach) in [[Isaiah 63:3]]. The juice of the grape, particularly its red color, provides the visual and conceptual bridge to the idea of blood.
* **Strength/Power (כֹּחַ, *koach*, `{{H3581}}`; עֹז, *oz*, `{{H5797}}`)**: While less explicit in the single occurrence, the definition of נֵצַצ (Nêtsach) includes "strength." The act of trampling in wrath, as depicted in [[Isaiah 63:3]], is an overwhelming demonstration of divine might and irresistible power. The "brilliancy" or intensity of the blood-red stain visually communicates the absolute force exerted.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of נֵצַח (Nêtsach, `{{H5332}}`) in [[Isaiah 63:3]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It is employed within the context of God's righteous wrath and ultimate judgment against those who oppose Him and His people. The "blood" (נֵצַח) that stains the divine warrior's garments is not merely a consequence of battle but a vivid, undeniable testimony to the decisive and complete nature of God's vengeance.
This passage contributes to the broader biblical motif of the "winepress of God's wrath" (e.g., [[Revelation 14:19-20]], [[Revelation 19:15]]), where divine judgment is depicted as a crushing, overwhelming act that yields a bloody outcome. The "brilliancy of color" aspect of נֵצַח (Nêtsach) suggests that this judgment is not hidden or subtle but openly and powerfully manifested for all to witness. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God in executing justice and the certainty of His victory over all evil. The word, though rare, thus serves as a powerful descriptor of the visible, undeniable, and decisive outworking of divine justice, reflecting both the intensity of God's anger and the thoroughness of His triumph.
### Summary
נֵצַח (Nêtsach, `{{H5332}}`) is a unique Hebrew term, semantically rooted in the idea of "brilliancy of color," which gives rise to its meanings of "juice of the grape (as blood red)," "blood," and "strength." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 63:3]] is highly impactful, where it vividly describes the "blood" of enemies staining the garments of the divine warrior during an act of crushing judgment. This usage aligns perfectly with the winepress metaphor, emphasizing the overwhelming and undeniable nature of God's wrath. While related to `{{H5331}}` (Netsach) in its root, `{{H5332}}` specifically highlights the intense visual manifestation of power and decisive outcome. Theologically, it underscores the visible, absolute, and righteous character of divine judgment, portraying God's ultimate and undeniable victory over all opposition.
TRV