### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉsûwʼâh**, represented by `{{H5385}}`, means **something borne**, a **load**, or **carriage**. This feminine passive participle is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance, however, delivers a potent and memorable image.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H5385}}` is found in [[Isaiah 46:1]], in a prophecy against the gods of Babylon. The verse describes the idols of Bel `{{H1078}}` and Nebo `{{H5015}}` being carried away on beasts `{{H2416}}` and cattle `{{H929}}`. Here, the idols themselves are referred to as your **carriages** `{{H5385}}`, highlighting their helplessness. They are not divine powers but are reduced to mere objects, a heavy load that is a burden `{{H4853}}` to the weary `{{H5889}}` animals forced to transport them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Isaiah 46:1]] illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (a burden): This noun is used in parallel with `{{H5385}}` to emphasize the weight and trouble of the idols. It often refers to a heavy physical load [[Jeremiah 17:27]] or, figuratively, a prophetic utterance of doom [[Isaiah 13:1]].
* `{{H6006}}` **ʻâmaç** (to load, i.e. impose a burden): This root describes the state of the **carriages** as being "heavy loaden" [[Isaiah 46:1]]. In the same chapter, it is used to draw a contrast, describing how God has **borne** Israel from its beginning [[Isaiah 46:3]].
* `{{H1078}}` **Bêl** (Bel, the Baal of the Babylonians): This is the name of one of the chief Babylonian gods, who in this passage is reduced from a worshipped deity to an inert **carriage** `{{H5385}}`. Other prophecies declare that Bel will be confounded and punished [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5385}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **The Impotence of Idols:** The word is central to a depiction of the powerlessness of false gods. They cannot act on their own but must be carried like any other **load**. They **bow down** `{{H3766}}` and **stoop** `{{H7164}}`, not in worship, but in defeat [[Isaiah 46:1-2]].
* **Idols as a Burden:** Instead of providing deliverance, the idols are a **burden** `{{H4853}}` that must be carried. This directly contrasts with the God of Israel, who carries His people rather than being carried by them [[Isaiah 46:3]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The image of gods becoming mere **carriages** `{{H5385}}` is a declaration of the LORD's absolute authority. The deities of a world empire are shown to be nothing more than baggage when faced with the judgment of the one true God.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H5385}}` is one of the rarest words in the biblical text, its contribution is significant. Through the term **carriage**, it transforms the revered gods of Babylon into helpless freight. This single word encapsulates a core theological argument: idols are a lifeless burden, while the LORD is the living God who lovingly bears His people. It is a stark illustration of the difference between false gods who must be carried and the true God who carries.
TRV