The Hebrew word nâsâʼ, represented by H5375, is a primitive root with a wide range of applications centered on the idea of lifting. It appears 654 times across 611 unique verses. Its meaning extends from the literal act of lifting or carrying to figurative concepts like bearing iniquity, forgiving sin, and exalting oneself or others.
Beyond the immediate sense of physical elevation, H5375 also captures the nuance of taking or receiving something into possession. This can range from the mundane act of taking a weapon or supplies, as when David "took" a lamb from the lion's mouth 1 Samuel 17:34 or when men "took" water for David 1 Chronicles 11:18, to the significant act of taking a wife, such as when Mordecai "took" Esther for his daughter Esther 2:15. This aspect highlights the volitional act of acquiring or accepting.
H5375 can signify the act of removing or carrying away something. This can be a physical removal, like when the Philistines "carried tidings" of Saul's defeat 1 Chronicles 10:9 or when King Asa's men "took away the stones of Ramah" 1 Kings 15:22. More ominously, it describes the removal or disappearance of people, as when the Spirit of the LORD might "carry thee whither I know not" 1 Kings 18:12, or the removal of a curse or a plague, as Pharaoh begs Moses to entreat God to "take away from me this death only" Exodus 10:17. This breadth illustrates H5375's capacity to denote both acquisition and dislodgment.
In the biblical narrative, H5375 is used in several key contexts. It denotes physical and spiritual elevation, as when Isaiah sees the Lord on a throne, "high and lifted up" Isaiah 6:1, or when the psalmist declares, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills" Psalms 121:1. The word also signifies the act of carrying or bearing a burden. God is depicted as carrying His people from the womb Isaiah 46:3 and as a shepherd carries lambs Isaiah 40:11. Figuratively, it describes bearing the weight of sin, as seen in the prophecy that the servant of the Lord would "bare the sin of many" Isaiah 53:12. Crucially, this concept of "lifting" or "taking away" extends to the forgiveness of sin, as when God is described as one who "pardoneth iniquity" Micah 7:18.
A frequent and specialized usage of H5375 is in the context of an armourbearer (נֹשֵׂא כֵלִים, nōśēʾ kēlîm). This role, signifying a close personal attendant who carried the weapons and shield of a warrior, is seen prominently with Saul and Jonathan. Jonathan's armourbearer accompanied him into battle 1 Samuel 14:1, demonstrating loyalty and shared risk. David himself served as Saul's armourbearer for a time 1 Samuel 16:21, illustrating a position of trust and proximity to power. This particular usage underscores H5375's capacity to describe not just the physical act of carrying, but also the social and military implications of such a task, often involving a subordinate bearing the implements of a superior.
The term also frequently describes the solemn and sacred act of carrying the Ark of the Covenant. This was a task reserved specifically for the Levites, as David declared, "None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God" 1 Chronicles 15:2. The Levites bore the Ark "upon their shoulders with the staves thereon" 1 Chronicles 15:15, a detailed description emphasizing the prescribed manner of handling this holy object. The narrative of the Ark's journey, its presence in battle, and its placement in the temple consistently employs H5375 to highlight the profound religious significance and the specific responsibilities associated with its transport.
H5375 is employed in idiomatic expressions concerning the lifting of the head. In the context of Pharaoh's dream, Joseph interprets the chief butler's dream to mean Pharaoh would "lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place" Genesis 40:13, signifying restoration to honor. Conversely, the chief baker's head would be "lift up from off thee" Genesis 40:19, indicating execution. This idiom clearly demonstrates H5375's use to convey changes in status, whether for exaltation and vindication or for judgment and condemnation. Similarly, the act of "lifting up the hand" often denotes an oath or a gesture of defiance or violence, as when God "lifted up mine hand" to scatter Israel Ezekiel 20:23, or when Sheba "lifted up his hand against the king" 2 Samuel 20:21.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of lifting, carrying, and bearing:
- H5445 çâbal (to carry, be a burden): This word often appears in parallel with H5375 to emphasize the act of carrying a heavy load, whether it be people or sorrows (Isaiah 46:4, Isaiah 53:4).
- H7311 rûwm (to be high, exalt, lift up): Frequently used alongside H5375, this term reinforces the theme of exaltation and loftiness, describing both God's throne and the status of His servant (Isaiah 6:1, Isaiah 52:13).
- H6006 ʻâmaç (to load, impose a burden): This word describes being borne from birth, highlighting God's role as the one who carries His people from the very beginning Isaiah 46:3.
- H5190 nâṭal (to lift, bear): This verb is used to describe God's tender care, as when He "bare them, and carried them all the days of old" Isaiah 63:9.
- H5376 nᵉsâʼ (to lift, carry): This Aramaic cognate directly parallels the Hebrew H5375, appearing in similar contexts of lifting and carrying, affirming the consistent semantic range across closely related Semitic languages.
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (prince, chief): Derived from H5375, this noun signifies one who is "lifted up" or "exalted" in position and authority, denoting a leader or dignitary within the community.
- H5379 nissêʼth (lifted up, carried): As a passive participle of H5375, this term emphasizes the state of being lifted or carried, highlighting the result or condition rather than the active verb, often in contexts of exaltation or being borne.
The theological weight of H5375 is profound, connecting God's majesty with His redemptive action.
- Divine Exaltation: The word establishes God's supreme and lofty position. He is the "high and lofty One" Isaiah 57:15 who sits on a throne that is "high and lifted up" Isaiah 6:1.
- Sustaining Grace: H5375 reveals God's tender and persistent care for His people. He is depicted as bearing them on eagles' wings Exodus 19:4, carrying them from the womb to old age Isaiah 46:4, and gently carrying them like a shepherd with his lambs Isaiah 40:11.
- Forgiveness of Sin: The concept of "lifting" is powerfully applied to sin and iniquity. God "pardoneth iniquity" Micah 7:18, and a person is blessed when their transgression is "forgiven" Psalms 32:1. This same action is prophesied of the Lord's servant, who "hath borne our griefs" Isaiah 53:4 and "bare the sin of many" Isaiah 53:12.
- Act of Worship: Humanity's response to God is also described using H5375. Worshippers are to "lift up" their souls to God Psalms 143:8, their eyes to the heavens Psalms 123:1, and their hands in prayer Lamentations 2:19.
- Bearing Responsibility/Accountability: H5375 is central to the concept of individuals or nations bearing the consequences of their own actions or iniquity. Prophets like Ezekiel repeatedly use the phrase "bear their iniquity" or "bear their shame" to describe the just recompense for sin and disobedience Ezekiel 4:4, Ezekiel 14:10, Ezekiel 32:24, Ezekiel 39:26. This highlights a divine principle of justice where transgressions are not merely observed but must be endured by the perpetrator.
- Warning Against Human Pride: While God's exaltation is a positive theme, H5375 also serves as a cautionary word against human self-exaltation and pride. Kings are warned against letting their "heart be lifted up" 2 Chronicles 25:19, lest it lead to their downfall. The implication is that true elevation comes from God, and any attempt to elevate oneself independently leads to ruin, as seen in the prophecy against the king whose "heart shall be lifted up" and cast down Daniel 11:12.
- Divine Oath and Covenant: The phrase "I lifted up mine hand" is a recurring idiom for God making a solemn oath or covenant. This powerful gesture signifies God's unchangeable commitment and the certainty of His promises or judgments. For instance, God declares, "I lifted up mine hand unto them. to bring them forth of the land of Egypt" Ezekiel 20:6, establishing the reliability of His redemptive acts and His covenant faithfulness, even when followed by subsequent judgments when Israel failed to uphold their end.
The Hebrew root nâsâʼ (H5375) is a profoundly versatile term, encapsulating a broad spectrum of meaning from the literal act of lifting to complex theological concepts. At its core, it speaks of elevation and movement, whether it is physically lifting an object like the Ark of the Covenant upon the shoulders of the Levites 1 Chronicles 15:15, or the simple act of a servant carrying items for his master, as with an armourbearer 1 Samuel 14:1. Beyond mere transport, H5375 signifies the taking or receiving of possessions, such as spoils of war or even a wife, illustrating a volitional act of acquisition or acceptance in various human interactions.
The semantic range of H5375 extends deeply into the realm of responsibility and consequence. It describes the burden of carrying a heavy load, both physically and metaphorically, as when Moses found himself unable to "bear your cumbrance, and your burden" alone Deuteronomy 1:12. Crucially, it speaks to the bearing of sin and iniquity, both in the redemptive sense of God or His servant taking away transgression, and in the judicial sense of individuals or nations bearing their own shame and accountability for their actions Ezekiel 4:4, Ezekiel 39:26. This duality underscores the intricate relationship between divine mercy and human justice within the biblical narrative.
H5375 is vital for understanding exaltation and status. It depicts God as supremely "lifted up" on His throne, establishing His majesty and sovereignty. This divine elevation stands in stark contrast to human attempts at self-exaltation, which are often condemned as pride leading to downfall Daniel 11:12. Conversely, the term also describes legitimate human elevation, such as a "nâsîyʼ" (H5387) or prince, one "lifted up" to a position of leadership. It encompasses acts of devotion, where worshippers "lift up" their eyes or hands in prayer and adoration, and even the powerful imagery of God "lifting up His hand" to swear an oath, signifying His unshakeable commitment and covenant faithfulness Ezekiel 20:5.
In essence, H5375 is a dynamic root that traverses the physical and spiritual landscapes of the Old Testament. It reveals a God who is both exalted in power and compassionate in His sustained carrying of His people, while simultaneously demanding accountability for sin and offering forgiveness. From the practicalities of daily life to the profound realities of divine promise and human destiny, nâsâʼ illuminates the multifaceted ways in which burdens are borne, status is defined, and divine-human relationships are articulated in the biblical text.
TRV