a primitive root; to glare, i.e. be bright-colored; sparkle.
Transliteration:nâtsats
Pronunciation:naw-tsats'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5340 (נָצַץ, nâtsats) is a primitive verb denoting an intense visual quality. Its core meaning encompasses the ideas of "to glare," "to be bright-colored," and "to sparkle." This suggests a vivid, often sudden, emanation or reflection of light that catches the eye. The word implies a brilliant, unblemished, and perhaps even dazzling quality, distinguishing something from dullness or obscurity. It speaks to a striking visual impact, a radiant gleam that is both powerful and pure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H5340 (נָצַץ, nâtsats) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence highly significant.
* [[Ezekiel 1:7]]: "And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they `{{H5340}}` like the colour of burnished brass."
In this passage, the word describes the feet of the living creatures (cherubim) in Ezekiel's inaugural vision of God's glory. The context is one of overwhelming divine presence and majesty. The cherubim's feet are depicted as "sparkling" or "gleaming" with the intense, reflective quality of "burnished brass." This imagery contributes to the otherworldly and awe-inspiring nature of the vision. The polished metallic sheen suggests purity, strength, and an unapproachable brilliance, underscoring the divine essence of these heavenly beings. The single, potent use of `{{H5340}}` here emphasizes a specific, intense form of radiance, distinct from general brightness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by H5340 (nâtsats) resonates with several other Hebrew terms related to light, glory, and divine manifestation:
* `{{H216}}` (ôr): A general term for "light," often associated with creation and divine presence.
* `{{H3519}}` (kâbôd): "Glory," which frequently manifests as a brilliant light or fire, particularly in descriptions of God's presence (e.g., [[Exodus 24:17]]).
* `{{H215}}` (ûwr): "Fire" or "flame," another common metaphor for divine presence and judgment.
* `{{H3974}}` (ma'ôr): "Luminary" or "light-bearer," referring to sources of light.
* `{{H2650}}` (chashmal): A term also found in Ezekiel's vision ([[Ezekiel 1:27]], [[Ezekiel 8:2]]), translated as "amber" or "gleaming metal," describing a similar radiant, metallic appearance associated with the divine.
* The phrase "burnished brass" itself points to the concept of `{{H5178}}` (nᵉchosheth) "bronze/copper" and the act of polishing or refining, suggesting a perfected, pure state of brilliance.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H5340 (nâtsats) in [[Ezekiel 1:7]] carries profound theological weight. It describes an attribute of the cherubim, beings intimately connected to God's throne and glory. The "sparkling like burnished brass" imagery conveys several key theological insights:
1. **Divine Purity and Holiness**: The unblemished, polished gleam suggests absolute purity and holiness. There is no dullness or tarnish in the divine realm; everything reflects God's perfect nature.
2. **Majesty and Power**: The intense radiance communicates the overwhelming majesty and power inherent in God's presence and His attendants. It is a light that commands awe and reverence, indicating an unapproachable, transcendent glory.
3. **Otherworldliness**: The specific quality of "sparkling like burnished brass" sets apart the heavenly beings from earthly phenomena. It underscores the unique, supernatural reality of God's realm.
4. **Symbolism of Divine Movement**: That the feet are described as sparkling emphasizes that even the very foundation and movement of these divine beings are imbued with glory. Every aspect of their existence in God's presence is radiant.
This word contributes to the overall sense of awe and the overwhelming nature of God's glory as depicted in Ezekiel's vision, where divine presence is often manifested through intense light and fire.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5340 (נָצַץ, nâtsats) is a primitive root meaning "to glare," "to be bright-colored," or "to sparkle." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 1:7]] is highly significant, describing the feet of the cherubim as "sparkling like the colour of burnished brass." This singular usage powerfully conveys the intense, pure, and otherworldly radiance associated with divine beings in the immediate presence of God's glory. The word underscores themes of divine purity, majesty, and the awe-inspiring nature of God's manifestation, contributing to the overwhelming visual tapestry of Ezekiel's profound vision.
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