a primitive root (perhaps identical with נָשָׁא, through the idea of imposition); to lend on interest; by implication, to dun fordebt; [idiom] debt, exact, giver of usury.
Transliteration:nâshâʼ
Pronunciation:naw-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) primarily signifies the act of "lending on interest" or "taking interest," and by extension, "to dun for debt" or "to exact" payment. The base definition suggests a connection to the idea of "imposition," which aptly captures the nature of levying a charge on a loan or pressing for its repayment. This imposition can be seen as a burden laid upon the borrower. While this root is distinct from נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5377}}`), meaning "to beguile" or "deceive," and נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5379}}`), meaning "to forget," its phonetic similarity highlights the potential for misunderstanding or a subtle, perhaps even deceptive, imposition in the context of lending. The semantic range thus extends from the neutral act of lending to the more forceful or even oppressive act of exacting debt, especially when interest is involved.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) in the Hebrew Bible largely revolve around the themes of lending, debt, and the controversial practice of usury. A key context is found in the Mosaic Law concerning loans within the Israelite community. For instance, [[Deuteronomy 15:2]] states, "Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD's release." Here, the verb "exact" (תִּגֹּשׂ, from נָשָׁא `{{H5378}}`) is used in the context of the Sabbatical year (shemitah), where debts were to be remitted, highlighting God's command for economic mercy.
Another prominent context is the post-exilic period, particularly in the book of Nehemiah. The people of Judah were suffering under heavy taxation and famine, leading many to mortgage their fields and even sell their children into slavery to pay debts. Nehemiah confronts the nobles and rulers, stating, "We have exacted usury, every one of his brother" ([[Nehemiah 5:7]], [[Nehemiah 5:10]]). He then commands them to restore what they have exacted ([[Nehemiah 5:11]]), condemning the practice of charging interest to fellow Israelites as a grave social injustice that violated covenant principles.
In [[2 Kings 4:7]], the prophet Elisha instructs the widow to sell the oil provided by a miracle to "pay thy debt" (וְשַׁלְּמִי אֶת־נִשְׁיֵךְ, from נָשָׁא `{{H5378}}`), demonstrating the practical reality of debt and its repayment. This instance, while not explicitly about interest, underscores the societal understanding of financial obligation. The use of נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) consistently points to the transaction of debt, often with an emphasis on the creditor's action of demanding or imposing terms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) is closely intertwined with other Hebrew terms related to finance, debt, and economic justice.
* נָשָׁה (nâshâh, `{{H5383}}`): This root is often considered a variant or closely related to נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`), also meaning "to lend" or "to exact." The two are frequently used interchangeably in discussions of debt.
* נֶשֶׁךְ (neshek, `{{H5391}}`): This noun specifically refers to "usury" or "interest," derived from the root נָשַׁךְ (nashak, `{{H5390}}`), "to bite," conveying the idea of interest "biting" or eroding the borrower's resources. The act of נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) often involves נֶשֶׁךְ (neshek, `{{H5391}}`).
* מַשָּׁא (massha, `{{H4853}}`): This noun can mean "loan" or "debt," related to the act of lending.
* עָשַׁק (ʿāshaq, `{{H6231}}`): "To oppress," "to defraud." This word describes the outcome or consequence of unjust economic practices, including excessive exacting of debt or usury, which נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) can imply.
* רָבָה (râbâh, `{{H7235}}`): "To be great," "to multiply," but in economic contexts, it can refer to the increase of interest or profits from lending.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of Israel's economic landscape, highlighting the challenges of maintaining justice and compassion in financial dealings, particularly within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) is profound, reflecting God's character as a God of justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. The Mosaic Law's regulations concerning lending and debt, especially the prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites ([[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36-37]], [[Deuteronomy 23:19-20]]), underscore a distinct covenantal ethic. Unlike surrounding nations where usury was common, Israel was called to cultivate a society based on mutual support and compassion, particularly for the poor and vulnerable. Lending to a fellow Israelite was to be an act of charity, not a means of exploitation.
The act of "exacting" (from נָשָׁא `{{H5378}}`) was permitted for foreigners, but strictly forbidden for covenant members, demonstrating a unique communal responsibility. Violations, as seen in Nehemiah's time, were not merely economic infractions but spiritual failures, revealing a lack of love for neighbor and a disregard for God's righteous standards. The prophets, too, frequently condemned the oppression of the poor, which often involved exploitative lending practices. Thus, נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) serves as a theological marker for how economic transactions reflect one's commitment to God's covenant and the principles of social righteousness. It highlights God's concern for equity and the well-being of all members of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew root נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) encapsulates the complex biblical understanding of lending, debt, and the exacting of payment, often with an implication of interest or imposition. From the legal framework of the Pentateuch to the social critiques of the prophets and historical accounts like Nehemiah, this word consistently draws attention to the ethical dimensions of financial interactions. Its usage underscores God's deep concern for justice and compassion within the covenant community, particularly regarding the vulnerable. The prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites, and the call for debt remission, highlight a divine design for an economy rooted in mutual care rather than exploitation. Thus, נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ, `{{H5378}}`) is more than a mere economic term; it is a lens through which to understand the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness and the pursuit of righteousness in daily life.
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