(Aramaic) corresponding to נָצַל; to extricate; deliver, rescue.
Transliteration:nᵉtsal
Pronunciation:nets-al'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb נְצַל (nᵉtsal), `{{H5338}}`, functions as the direct semantic equivalent to the Hebrew verb נָצַל (nāṣal), `{{H5337}}`. Its core meaning revolves around the concepts of "to extricate," "to deliver," and "to rescue." The nuance often implies a forceful or decisive act of pulling someone or something out of a dangerous, oppressive, or otherwise perilous situation. It speaks to a removal from harm, a snatching away from impending doom, or a setting free from bondage or threat. The semantic range therefore encompasses not merely a passive escape, but an active intervention that results in liberation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, נְצַל (nᵉtsal) is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel, always in contexts of profound danger and divine intervention.
* **[[Daniel 3:29]]**: King Nebuchadnezzar, in awe of the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, issues a decree praising their God "who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him." Here, נְצַל (nᵉtsal) explicitly attributes the deliverance from the fiery furnace to God's direct action, highlighting His power to save from certain death.
* **[[Daniel 6:14]]**: When Daniel is condemned to the lions' den, King Darius "set his mind to deliver Daniel; and he labored until sunset to rescue him." This verse uses נְצַל (nᵉtsal) to describe human effort to deliver, which ultimately proves futile in the face of a royal decree. It sets up a contrast with the subsequent divine deliverance.
* **[[Daniel 6:20]]**: After Daniel spends the night in the lions' den, Darius anxiously asks, "Has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" This query underscores the king's recognition of the unparalleled power required for such a rescue, anticipating a divine act.
* **[[Daniel 6:27]]**: Darius's final decree after Daniel's miraculous survival declares, "He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." This verse emphatically attributes the deliverance to God, using נְצַל (nᵉtsal) to confirm His active and powerful intervention.
Across these occurrences, נְצַל (nᵉtsal) consistently points to a powerful act of salvation, often miraculous, by which an individual is extricated from an impossible and life-threatening situation. The primary agent of this deliverance is God Himself, acting on behalf of His faithful servants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, נָצַל (nāṣal), `{{H5337}}`. Both verbs share the core meaning of "to deliver," "to rescue," or "to snatch away." The Aramaic נְצַל (nᵉtsal) functions identically in its limited biblical usage to the broader applications of נָצַל (nāṣal) in the Hebrew Bible, which describes deliverance from enemies, oppression, danger, and even death, frequently by divine intervention.
Other related concepts and Hebrew terms for deliverance include:
* יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ), `{{H3467}}`: "to save," "to deliver," often with a broader sense of salvation or victory.
* פָּדָה (pāḏâ), `{{H6299}}`: "to ransom," "to redeem," implying a price paid or an exchange.
* פָּלַט (pālaṭ), `{{H6403}}`: "to escape," "to deliver oneself," or "to cause to escape."
While these terms share the general idea of rescue, נְצַל (nᵉtsal) and its Hebrew twin often emphasize the act of being "pulled out" or "snatched away" from immediate peril, highlighting the direct and decisive nature of the intervention. The contexts in Daniel particularly emphasize the miraculous and overwhelming power of the Deliverer.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְצַל (nᵉtsal) is profound, especially within the narratives of Daniel. It serves as a powerful testament to:
1. **God as the Supreme Deliverer:** The consistent use of נְצַל (nᵉtsal) to describe God's actions in Daniel 3 and 6 unequivocally portrays Him as the ultimate rescuer. He is not merely a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over earthly powers, natural laws, and even death itself.
2. **The Efficacy of Faith:** The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel is directly linked to their unwavering trust and faithfulness in God, even when faced with certain death. The act of "delivering" becomes a divine response to human fidelity, reinforcing the biblical principle that God honors those who honor Him.
3. **Witness to the Nations:** The miraculous deliverances, articulated through נְצַל (nᵉtsal), serve as undeniable proof of Yahweh's unique power to the pagan kings and their empires. Nebuchadnezzar and Darius are compelled to acknowledge and even praise the God of Israel, illustrating God's use of extraordinary events to reveal Himself to the world.
4. **Hope in Persecution:** For the exiled Jewish community and for believers throughout history, the narratives of Daniel, with their emphasis on divine deliverance, offer immense hope. They assure that God is able to rescue His people from any adversary or impossible situation, providing a foundation for perseverance in the face of persecution.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb נְצַל (nᵉtsal), `{{H5338}}`, meaning "to extricate," "to deliver," or "to rescue," functions as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew נָצַל (nāṣal), `{{H5337}}`. Its occurrences are confined to the Book of Daniel, where it consistently describes God's powerful and often miraculous intervention to save His faithful servants from life-threatening situations, such as the fiery furnace and the lions' den. The use of נְצַל (nᵉtsal) underscores God's character as the supreme Deliverer, His responsiveness to unwavering faith, and His ability to manifest His power to the nations. It provides a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and offers enduring hope for those facing adversity.
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