The Hebrew word nâshâh, represented by H5382, is a primitive root meaning to forget. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends beyond simple memory loss, figuratively meaning to neglect, and causatively to remit, remove, deprive, or exact.
In the biblical narrative, H5382 is used to convey a range of powerful actions, often initiated by God. In a positive sense, God causes Joseph to forget his past suffering, leading him to name his firstborn Manasseh Genesis 41:51. In a punitive context, God warns that he will utterly forget and forsake his people as a form of judgment Jeremiah 23:39. The word also carries the meaning of deprivation, as when God deprived the ostrich of wisdom Job 39:17, and of remission, where God exacteth less punishment than is deserved Job 11:6. It can also describe a state of human loss, as when the soul in lament forgat prosperity Lamentations 3:17.
Several related words help clarify the active and consequential nature of forgetting:
- H2142 zâkar (to remember): As the direct opposite of nâshâh, this word means to mark or mention. It is used in God's promise to Israel, "thou shalt not be forgotten of me" Isaiah 44:21, highlighting the covenantal importance of being remembered by God.
- H2186 zânach (to push aside, reject): This term is used in parallel with nâshâh, describing how a soul is removed from peace before it forgets prosperity, linking the act of forgetting to a prior state of rejection Lamentations 3:17.
- H5203 nâṭash (to forsake, leave): This word is paired with nâshâh to describe the result of being forgotten by God. God's warning to forget his people is immediately followed by his declaration that he will forsake them Jeremiah 23:39.
- H5377 nâshâʼ (to lead astray, deceive): This word is used as an intensifier in Jeremiah, where God declares he will utterly forget his people, underscoring the severity of the action Jeremiah 23:39.
The theological weight of H5382 is significant, demonstrating God's sovereign power over memory and circumstance.
- Forgetting as Divine Grace: The word can signify a merciful act from God. He can make someone forget their toil and hardship as a form of relief and blessing Genesis 41:51. It is also used when God exacteth less punishment than deserved, a form of gracious remission Job 11:6.
- Forgetting as Divine Judgment: Conversely, being forgotten by God is a severe punishment. It is an active choice by God to remove his presence and favor, paired with the consequence of being forsaken Jeremiah 23:39.
- A Promise of Divine Faithfulness: God's promise not to forget his people is a cornerstone of his covenant relationship, contrasting with the fear of abandonment and serving as a great comfort Isaiah 44:21.
In summary, H5382 is a dynamic term that portrays forgetting not as a passive lapse but as a decisive action with profound consequences. It is used to describe God's power to grant relief from suffering, enact judgment upon a nation, and withhold certain qualities. From the personal deliverance of Joseph to the national threat against Judah, nâshâh reveals that in scripture, being remembered or forgotten by God is a matter of the utmost importance.
TRV