passive participle feminine of נָשָׂא; something taken, i.e. a present; gift.
Transliteration:nissêʼth
Pronunciation:nis-sayth'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5379}}` (נִשֵּׂאת / *nissêʼth*) is a feminine passive participle derived from the root verb `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא / *nāśāʼ*), which fundamentally means "to lift, carry, bear, or take." As a passive participle, `{{H5379}}` literally signifies "that which has been lifted," "that which has been carried," or "that which has been taken." In its specific application, as defined, it refers to "something taken, i.e. a present; gift." This semantic extension implies an object that is not merely lifted or carried, but specifically *taken up* or *set apart* for the purpose of being given, thereby denoting a gift of particular significance or value. The passive voice highlights that the object is the recipient of the action of being taken or lifted, underscoring its status as a designated offering or provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5379}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible only once, in [[2 Chronicles 21:3]].
In this sole occurrence, the verse reads: "And their father gave them great *gifts* of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn." Here, `{{H5379}}` (נִשֵּׂאת / *nissêʼth*) functions as an adjective modifying the plural feminine noun מַתָּנוֹת (*mattanot*), meaning "gifts." The phrase is וּמַתָּנוֹת נִשֵּׂאת (*u-mattanot nissêʼth*), which can be translated as "and gifts that were lifted up/taken" or "and significant gifts."
The context is King Jehoshaphat distributing his wealth among his sons. While Jehoram, the firstborn, receives the kingdom, his brothers are compensated with substantial provisions: silver, gold, precious things, and even fortified cities. The use of `{{H5379}}` in conjunction with מַתָּנוֹת emphasizes that these were not mere tokens, but substantial, deliberately chosen, and valuable provisions. They were "lifted up" or "taken out" from the king's treasury as significant endowments, reflecting the weight and importance of the father's provision for his other sons, even though they did not inherit the throne.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H5379}}` is its root verb, `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא / *nāśāʼ*), which is a highly versatile and frequently used verb in the Hebrew Bible. `{{H5375}}` encompasses a wide range of meanings including "to lift, to carry, to bear (a burden, a sin), to take away, to forgive, to exalt, to support." This broad semantic field enriches the understanding of `{{H5379}}` by suggesting that the "gift" is something that has been *taken up* or *borne* by the giver for the recipient.
Other related nouns derived from `{{H5375}}` include:
* `{{H4864}}` (מַשְׂאֵת / *mas'êth*): This noun also means "a lifting up," "a burden," "a tribute," "a portion," or "a present." It often refers to a portion of food given as a special favor or a tribute paid. The semantic overlap with `{{H5379}}` is evident, both conveying something set apart or given.
* `{{H5378}}` (נִשָּׂא / *nissāʼ*): The Niphal participle of `{{H5375}}`, meaning "lifted up," "exalted," or "eminent." While not directly a "gift," it speaks to the elevation or significance that can be associated with something "lifted up."
The more common Hebrew word for "gift" is `{{H4976}}` (מַתָּנָה / *mattanah*), which is the very word modified by `{{H5379}}` in [[2 Chronicles 21:3]]. The combination suggests that these were not just any gifts, but gifts that were specifically "lifted up" or "designated" for the recipients, highlighting their quality or the deliberate nature of their provision.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H5379}}` itself is rare, its singular use in [[2 Chronicles 21:3]] carries theological weight within the broader biblical narrative of divine and human provision. The act of a father giving "great gifts" to his sons, even when they do not inherit the primary legacy, speaks to a principle of equitable and generous care. It reflects a form of stewardship and responsible distribution of resources.
The nuance of nissêʼth—"that which is lifted" or "taken"—suggests a gift that is not casually given but is deliberately chosen, perhaps even consecrated or set apart. This resonates with the concept of offerings or sacrifices in the Old Testament, which were "lifted up" (often in the sense of being presented or offered to God). Though here applied to human giving, it imbues the gifts with a sense of intentionality and value.
Theological implications can also be drawn from the root `{{H5375}}` (*nāśāʼ*), which is profoundly significant in biblical theology. It is used to describe God's bearing of the sins of His people ([[Exodus 34:7]], [[Numbers 14:18]]), the High Priest bearing the iniquity of the holy things ([[Exodus 28:38]]), and the lifting up of hands in prayer or blessing. In this context, the "gifts" are something "borne" or "taken up" by the giver to bless the recipient, mirroring a divine pattern of provision and grace, where God "bears" or "takes up" what is needed for His people.
### Summary
`{{H5379}}` (נִשֵּׂאת / *nissêʼth*) is a unique Hebrew term, a feminine passive participle of `{{H5375}}` (נָשָׂא / *nāśāʼ*), meaning "that which is lifted" or "that which is taken." Its singular occurrence in [[2 Chronicles 21:3]] describes "great gifts" (מַתָּנוֹת נִשֵּׂאת) given by King Jehoshaphat to his sons. This specific usage indicates gifts that are not merely handed over, but are substantial, deliberately selected, and held in high regard, emphasizing their value and the intentionality of the giver. While rare, its connection to the fundamental concept of "lifting" or "bearing" from its root `{{H5375}}` imbues `{{H5379}}` with a sense of significant provision, reflecting both human generosity and, by extension, the divine pattern of purposeful and weighty giving.
TRV