### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâtsats**, represented by `{{H5340}}`, is a primitive root defined as to glare, i.e. be bright-colored; sparkle. Its appearance in scripture is exceptionally rare, as it appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant for understanding its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{H5340}}` is found in the prophet Ezekiel's vision of the four living creatures. The verse describes their feet in vivid detail: "and they **sparkled** like the colour of burnished brass" [[Ezekiel 1:7]]. Here, the word conveys a dynamic quality of intense, glittering light, contributing to the awesome and otherworldly appearance of these celestial beings who serve in the presence of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The single occurrence of `{{H5340}}` is closely tied to several other descriptive words within the same verse:
* `{{H7272}}` **regel** (a foot): This is the subject of the description. The **feet** of the visionary beings are the source of the sparkling light, grounding the magnificent vision in a specific physical detail [[Ezekiel 1:7]].
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye... colour, outward appearance): Used in this context to mean **colour** or appearance, this word provides the basis for the comparison. The sparkle was like the "colour" of a specific material [[Ezekiel 1:7]].
* `{{H7044}}` **qâlâl** (brightened... burnished, polished): This adjective describes the state of the brass. The feet sparkled like **burnished** metal, emphasizing a radiance that comes from being highly polished and reflective [[Ezekiel 1:7]].
* `{{H5178}}` **nᵉchôsheth** (copper... brasen, brass): This is the material used for comparison. The sparkling effect is likened to the gleam of **brass**, a metal often associated in scripture with strength and judgment [[Ezekiel 1:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5340}}` is tied directly to its role in describing a divine vision.
* **Divine Radiance:** The word's meaning, "to sparkle," is used to illustrate the glorious and radiant nature of beings that stand in God's presence. It is a component of the divine majesty revealed to the prophet [[Ezekiel 1:7]].
* **Purity and Strength:** The comparison to "burnished brass" connects the sparkle to concepts of purity, refinement, and strength. Brass is used elsewhere to describe impenetrable defenses like "brasen walls" [[Jeremiah 15:20]]. The sparkling quality suggests a refined power appropriate for God's servants.
* **A Vision of Holiness:** `{{H5340}}` helps create a tangible image of the sacred and the holy. The brilliant, sparkling light serves as a visual marker of beings set apart from the mundane earthly realm, communicating their nature as part of a heavenly vision.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5340}}` is a highly specific term used to convey a sense of brilliant, glittering light. Its single use in the Bible is pivotal, adding a key detail to the description of the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision of God's glory. By describing their feet as something that **sparkled**, the text creates a powerful and memorable image of celestial purity, power, and the radiant holiness that surrounds the divine presence.
TRV