The Hebrew word nissêʼth, represented by H5379, translates to gift. It is defined as "something taken, i.e. a present" and is derived from the passive participle feminine of נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ). This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible, making its specific context crucial to its meaning.
The sole appearance of H5379 is in 2 Samuel 19:42, during a heated dispute between the men of Israel H3478 and the men of Judah H3063. The men of Judah answer the angry H2734 men of Israel by defending their allegiance to the king H4428, stating their loyalty is based on kinship. To prove their motives are pure, they rhetorically ask, "...or hath he given us any gift?" This question uses H5379 to imply they have not been bribed or received any special payment for their support.
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the context surrounding this unique term:
- H5375 nâsâʼ (give, lift, take): This is the primitive root from which nissêʼth is derived. Its broad meaning encompasses everything from lifting up one's soul Psalms 143:8 to pardoning iniquity Micah 7:18, illustrating the concept of something being "taken" or "lifted," whether a burden, an object, or a sin.
- H4428 melek (king): This word identifies the king as the source of the potential gift. The entire conflict revolves around allegiance to this royal figure, who is the central authority in the narrative 2 Samuel 19:42. The LORD himself is also referred to as the King of Israel Isaiah 44:6.
- H7138 qârôwb (near of kin): This term establishes the motive that the men of Judah claim in place of receiving a gift. Their justification is not material gain but their relational proximity to the king. The word is also used to describe the LORD being nigh unto those who call upon him Psalms 145:18.
The theological and ethical weight of H5379 is found entirely within its singular context.
- Integrity of Motive: The use of gift in this passage serves as a test of integrity. The men of Judah deny receiving a H5379 to affirm that their actions are driven by relational loyalty (H7138), not by a desire for reward from the king H4428.
- The Nature of Favor: The word, meaning "something taken," frames the gift as a form of payment or royal favor that could compromise one's allegiance. The accusation hanging in the air is that Judah has "taken" something for their support, creating a political advantage.
- Conflict and Kinship: The argument over a potential gift H5379 becomes the flashpoint in a conflict between the houses of Israel H3478 and Judah H3063. This highlights how suspicions of material gain can strain and fracture even the closest of kinship bonds.
In summary, H5379 nissêʼth is a highly specific term for gift whose meaning is entirely shaped by its single appearance. Used in 2 Samuel 19:42, it is central to a political and tribal dispute, where the denial of receiving such a gift is a declaration of pure motives. It stands in direct contrast to loyalty based on kinship H7138 and underscores how the perception of favoritism from a king H4428 can create deep division.
TRV