from נָצַר; properly, conservative; but used passively, delivered; preserved.
Transliteration:nâtsîyr
Pronunciation:naw-tsere'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נָצִיר (nâtsîyr, `{{H5336}}`) is a passive participle derived from the root נָצַר (nâtsar, `{{H5341}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to watch, guard, keep, or preserve." As a passive form, נָצִיר therefore signifies that which *is watched, guarded, kept, or preserved*. Its semantic range encompasses the state of being divinely protected, delivered from danger, or maintained in existence. The term implies a deliberate act of safeguarding by a superior power, ensuring the continued well-being or existence of the object or person. While the base definition provided by Strong's includes "conservative" (likely from the active sense of "conserving" or "watching over"), its usage in the biblical text strongly emphasizes the passive sense of being "preserved" or "delivered."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נָצִיר (nâtsîyr, `{{H5336}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text.
* **[[Isaiah 49:6]]**: "And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
In this singular occurrence, נָצִיר appears in the plural form, נְצִירֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (nᵊtsîrêy yiśrāʾēl), translated as "the preserved of Israel." This phrase is found within the second of Isaiah's Servant Songs, a pivotal passage that outlines the mission of the Servant of the Lord. The context reveals God's declaration that the Servant's task is not merely to restore the scattered or exiled tribes of Jacob, but specifically those among Israel who have been divinely "preserved." This refers to a remnant, a portion of the people whom God has graciously kept safe through periods of judgment, exile, or apostasy. Their preservation is not due to their own merit but to God's steadfast faithfulness and sovereign purpose. The verse then expands the Servant's mission beyond Israel, making him a "light to the Gentiles," demonstrating that God's preservation of a remnant is intrinsically linked to His universal plan of salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for נָצִיר (`{{H5336}}`) is its root verb, נָצַר (nâtsar, `{{H5341}}`), which means "to watch, guard, keep, preserve." This root is foundational to understanding the concept of divine protection and vigilance throughout Scripture. Other related terms and concepts include:
* **נְצֹרֶת (nᵊtsōret, `{{H5337}}`)**: Another derivative from the same root, also conveying the idea of something "preserved" or "kept," though used in different contexts.
* **Remnant (e.g., שְׁאָר (shᵊʾār, `{{H7611}}`), יֶתֶר (yeter, `{{H3499}}`))**: The concept of the "preserved of Israel" directly correlates with the biblical doctrine of the remnant. This refers to a faithful or chosen portion of God's people whom He preserves through trials and judgments to carry forward His covenant purposes.
* **Divine Protection/Keeping**: The broader theological concept of God actively guarding and maintaining His people, seen in numerous passages describing God as a "keeper" or "guardian" (e.g., Psalm 121).
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: The preservation of Israel, even a remnant, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָצִיר (`{{H5336}}`) is profound, particularly in its singular occurrence within the Servant Songs of Isaiah.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**: The term powerfully asserts God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. Even when Israel experiences judgment or dispersion, God actively preserves a portion for His purposes, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted. This preservation is an act of divine will and grace, not human merit.
2. **The Doctrine of the Remnant**: נָצִיר encapsulates the crucial biblical doctrine of the remnant. It highlights that salvation and the continuation of God's redemptive plan often flow through a preserved minority. This remnant serves as a testament to God's election and His commitment to fulfill His promises through a chosen few.
3. **Hope Amidst Despair**: In a context where Israel faced exile and national decline, the promise of "the preserved of Israel" offered a beacon of hope. It assured the people that God had not utterly abandoned them but would gather and restore those whom He had graciously kept.
4. **The Servant's Redemptive Mission**: The Servant of the Lord is commissioned to "restore the preserved of Israel." This underscores the active, redemptive work required to bring back and heal those whom God has kept. The ultimate fulfillment of this mission is found in Jesus Christ, who gathers and restores God's elect from all nations.
5. **Grace and Election**: The "preserved" are not preserved by their own strength or righteousness, but by God's unmerited favor. This emphasizes the gracious nature of God's election and His initiative in salvation.
### Summary
נָצִיר (nâtsîyr, `{{H5336}}`), derived from the root נָצַר (`{{H5341}}`, "to watch, guard, preserve"), denotes that which is "preserved," "kept," or "delivered." Its sole appearance in [[Isaiah 49:6]] refers to the "preserved of Israel," signifying a divinely guarded remnant. This term is rich in theological meaning, underscoring God's sovereign faithfulness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His active preservation of a people for His redemptive purposes, even amidst judgment and apostasy. It highlights the hope inherent in God's plan, the gracious election of those He keeps, and the central role of the Servant of the Lord in gathering and restoring these divinely protected ones.
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