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.
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.
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.
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.
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