The Aramaic word nᵉsâʼ, represented by H5376, is an equivalent to the Hebrew נָשָׂא and fundamentally means to lift. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The definition extends to the concepts of carrying something away, taking an object, or making an insurrection.
In its biblical contexts, H5376 is used to describe distinct actions of lifting or taking. In Daniel's prophetic dream, the wind H7308 carried the fragments of the great image away so completely that no trace could be found Daniel 2:35. The word also has a political meaning, as when a city is described as having made insurrection against kings in its past Ezra 4:19. Lastly, it is used in a direct command to Take the sacred vessels and return them to the temple in Jerusalem Ezra 5:15.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of H5376:
- H5182 nᵉchath (to descend; carry, come down): This word appears alongside H5376 in Ezra 5:15, where the command is to "Take H5376 these vessels, go, carry H5182 them into the temple." This pairing shows H5376 as the initial act of taking, while H5182 describes the subsequent action of carrying and placing them.
- H7308 rûwach (wind; spirit, mind): This term identifies the agent of action in Daniel's vision. It is the wind H7308 that performs the action of carrying away H5376 the chaff, demonstrating a force that removes something entirely Daniel 2:35.
The conceptual weight of H5376 is demonstrated through its varied applications, highlighting themes of power, rebellion, and restoration.
- Irreversible Removal: In Daniel's vision, the act of being carried away by the wind symbolizes the absolute and final judgment upon the earthly kingdoms, which are scattered like chaff, leaving no remnant Daniel 2:35.
- Political Defiance: The use of H5376 to describe how a city has made insurrection frames rebellion as an act of "lifting up" against established authority, a direct challenge to kings Ezra 4:19.
- Sacred Restoration: The command to Take the temple vessels signifies a positive and deliberate action. It represents the reclaiming of what is holy and its restoration to its rightful place as part of God's plan Ezra 5:15.
In summary, H5376 is a versatile Aramaic term that conveys multiple forms of "lifting." It is used to describe the overwhelming force of divine judgment, the defiant act of human rebellion, and the commanded act of holy restoration. Whether depicting the wind scattering an empire or an official taking charge of sacred objects, nᵉsâʼ captures a range of powerful and definitive actions within scripture.
TRV