a primitive root; to blow; by implication, to disperse; (cause to) blow, drive away.
Transliteration:nâshab
Pronunciation:naw-shab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָשַׁב (nâshab, `{{H5380}}`) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to blow." This fundamental sense extends semantically to actions that are consequences of blowing, primarily "to disperse" or "to drive away." The act of blowing implies a forceful movement of air, whether by natural wind, human breath, or, significantly in biblical contexts, divine agency. It can describe both the active process of causing air to move and the resultant effect of that movement on objects or entities. The causative aspect, "to cause to blow," further emphasizes the intentionality behind the action. The word often carries an implication of swiftness and decisiveness, suggesting an action that quickly brings about a change in state or location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָשַׁב (nâshab) in the Hebrew Bible consistently illustrate its core meaning of forceful movement by air, frequently in relation to divine power.
In [[Exodus 15:10]], during the Song of the Sea, it describes God's action against the pursuing Egyptians: "You blew with your wind; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters." Here, נָשַׁב (nâshab) powerfully depicts the divine breath or wind as an instrument of judgment and destruction, causing the waters to return and engulf the enemy.
The prophet Isaiah employs נָשַׁב (nâshab) to underscore the transience of human life and power in contrast to God's enduring word. In [[Isaiah 40:7]], it states, "The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass." And again in [[Isaiah 40:24]], speaking of rulers, "Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, when he blows on them and they wither, and the whirlwind carries them away like stubble." These passages highlight the ephemeral nature of all human strength and glory when confronted by the divine "breath" (רוּחַ, ruach, `{{H7307}}`), which acts as a swift agent of demise.
In [[Psalm 147:18]], the word is used in the context of God's control over creation: "He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters flow." This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over natural phenomena, where His command is immediately followed by the action of the wind, leading to the thawing of ice.
Job 4:9 presents a stark picture of divine wrath: "By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed." While the specific form here is related, it emphasizes the destructive power of God's "blast." More directly, in [[Job 21:18]], the fate of the wicked is likened to "straw before the wind, or like chaff that the storm carries away" (נָשַׁב, nâshab, used in the sense of being driven away by the wind). This imagery vividly portrays the utter helplessness and dispersal of those who oppose God.
Across these contexts, נָשַׁב (nâshab) consistently denotes a forceful, often decisive, action of "blowing" that results in significant change, often removal or destruction, frequently attributed to divine agency.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָשַׁב (nâshab) intersects with several key biblical concepts and related Hebrew terms. The most prominent is רוּחַ (ruach, `{{H7307}}`), which can mean "wind," "spirit," or "breath." When נָשַׁב (nâshab) is used with רוּחַ (ruach), it emphasizes the dynamic and active aspect of wind or divine breath. Other related verbs that convey a sense of movement or dispersal include זָרָה (zarah, `{{H2219}}`), "to scatter" or "to winnow," and פּוּחַ (puach, `{{H6327}}`), "to blow" or "to puff," though נָשַׁב (nâshab) often carries a stronger connotation of forceful, directed action. The concept of divine judgment and the transience of human life are deeply connected to the usage of נָשַׁב (nâshab), as God's "blowing" often signifies the end of human endeavors or the swift removal of opposition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָשַׁב (nâshab) lies primarily in its portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. When God "blows," whether with His wind or breath, the effect is immediate, decisive, and overwhelming. This word underscores several profound theological truths:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God is in ultimate control of creation, including natural forces like wind, and He uses them as instruments of His will ([[Psalm 147:18]]).
2. **Divine Judgment:** The "blowing" often serves as a metaphor or direct description of divine judgment. Just as a strong wind disperses chaff, God's breath can sweep away the wicked or bring an end to human pride and rebellion ([[Exodus 15:10]], [[Isaiah 40:24]]).
3. **Human Transience:** In stark contrast to God's eternal power, human life and accomplishments are depicted as fleeting and fragile, like grass or flowers that wither when God's breath blows upon them ([[Isaiah 40:7]]). This highlights the ephemeral nature of all earthly glory.
4. **Irresistible Power:** The action implied by נָשַׁב (nâshab) is one that cannot be resisted. When God acts, there is no counterforce sufficient to withstand His will.
Thus, נָשַׁב (nâshab) serves as a potent reminder of God's majestic power, His righteous judgment, and the humble position of humanity before Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָשַׁב (nâshab, `{{H5380}}`) fundamentally means "to blow," extending to "to disperse" or "to drive away." Its biblical occurrences consistently depict a forceful and decisive action, most notably when attributed to God. Whether describing the divine wind that engulfs Pharaoh's army, the breath that withers human glory, or the power that controls the elements, נָשַׁב (nâshab) powerfully conveys God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible might. Theologically, it emphasizes divine judgment, the transient nature of all human endeavors, and the ultimate supremacy of God's will. It is a word that vividly portrays the swift and unchallengeable impact of God's intervention in the world.
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