or rather, נְשֻׂאָה; feminine. passive participle of נָשָׂא; something borne, i.e. a load; carriage.
Transliteration:nᵉsûwʼâh
Pronunciation:nes-oo-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נְשׂוּאָה (nᵉsûwʼâh), Strong's number `{{H5385}}`, is a feminine passive participle derived from the verb נָשָׂא (nāśāʼ) `{{H5375}}`, meaning "to lift, carry, bear." As a passive participle, נְשׂוּאָה signifies "that which is carried," "something borne," or a "load." Its core semantic range thus revolves around the concept of a physical burden or an item transported. The term denotes the *object* or *contents* of what is carried, rather than the act of carrying itself or the carrier. It implies weight, cargo, or anything that must be transported from one place to another, often with effort.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נְשׂוּאָה (nᵉsûwʼâh) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both in the book of Isaiah, and each instance carries significant contextual weight:
1. **[[Isaiah 30:6]]**: "The burden of the beasts of the South: Through the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people that shall not profit them."
Here, נְשׂוּאָה is translated as "burden" or "carriage." The context describes Judah's misguided reliance on Egypt for help against Assyria. The "burden of the beasts of the South" refers to the heavy tribute or gifts that Judah's envoys are transporting through a dangerous desert region to secure an alliance. The word underscores the physical weight and the perilous nature of the journey, symbolizing the futility and hardship of seeking help from unreliable sources rather than trusting in the Lord. The "load" represents misplaced hope and wasted resources.
2. **[[Isaiah 46:1]]**: "Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavy laden; they are a burden to the weary beast."
In this powerful prophetic indictment against Babylon, נְשׂוּאָה is again translated as "carriages" or "loads." The passage depicts the idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, being carried away as spoils by the conquering Persians. The irony is profound: these supposed gods, meant to bear their worshippers and save them, are themselves reduced to mere inanimate objects, a heavy "load" for the animals, signifying their utter powerlessness and ultimate demise. They are not only unable to deliver their devotees but become a physical burden to the very beasts transporting them into captivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb נָשָׂא (nāśāʼ) `{{H5375}}`, from which נְשׂוּאָה is derived. This verb has a vast semantic range, encompassing:
* **Physical carrying**: Bearing a load, lifting, taking away (e.g., [[Genesis 44:1]]).
* **Bearing responsibility/sin**: Carrying iniquity, guilt, or punishment (e.g., [[Exodus 28:38]], [[Leviticus 16:22]]).
* **Bearing a name/title**: To be named or honored (e.g., [[Exodus 28:12]]).
* **Enduring/tolerating**: To bear with something (e.g., [[Numbers 11:14]]).
* **Forgiving**: To lift away sin (e.g., [[Psalm 32:5]]).
Other significant derivatives include:
* מַשָּׂא (maśśāʼ) `{{H4853}}`: Often translated as "burden," "load," or "oracle." This noun, also from `{{H5375}}`, frequently refers to prophetic pronouncements, particularly those containing a heavy message of judgment or woe (e.g., "the burden of Babylon" in [[Isaiah 13:1]]). While נְשׂוּאָה focuses on the physical object being carried, מַשָּׂא can extend to abstract burdens or divinely imposed messages.
* נָשִׂיא (nāśîʼ) `{{H5387}}`: "Prince," "leader," or "chief." This term refers to one who is "lifted up" or "exalted," carrying authority and responsibility.
The concept of a "burden" or "load" is a recurring motif in Scripture, often symbolizing hardship, responsibility, sin, or the consequences of human choices.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of נְשׂוּאָה (nᵉsûwʼâh) highlights profound theological truths:
1. **The Futility of Misplaced Trust**: In [[Isaiah 30:6]], the "burden" represents the heavy cost and ultimate emptiness of relying on human alliances rather than divine providence. The journey with the "load" through a dangerous land symbolizes the perilous path chosen by those who forsake the Lord. It underscores the principle that seeking help apart from God often leads to greater burdens and no true profit.
2. **The Impotence of Idolatry**: [[Isaiah 46:1]] presents a stark contrast between the true God and false gods. The idols, which are supposed to be worshipped and relied upon, are ironically reduced to a mere "load" (נְשׂוּאָה) that must be carried by weary animals. This powerfully illustrates the absolute powerlessness and worthlessness of man-made deities. They cannot save themselves, let alone their worshippers. This stands in stark opposition to the God of Israel, who declares, "Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save" ([[Isaiah 46:4]]). While the pagan gods *are* a burden, the God of Israel *bears* His people.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The "load" of the idols in Isaiah 46 signifies God's sovereign judgment over false worship. The very objects of veneration become symbols of defeat and humiliation, carried away as spoils, demonstrating that no created thing can withstand the power of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נְשׂוּאָה (nᵉsûwʼâh) `{{H5385}}`, meaning "something borne," "a load," or "carriage," is a feminine passive participle of the verb "to carry" (נָשָׂא `{{H5375}}`). Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its occurrences in Isaiah are highly significant. In [[Isaiah 30:6]], it depicts the burdensome consequences of Judah's reliance on Egypt, symbolizing misplaced trust and futile human effort. In [[Isaiah 46:1]], it powerfully illustrates the impotence of Babylon's idols, which, instead of bearing their worshippers, become a heavy "load" to be carried into captivity, underscoring the stark contrast between the true God who carries His people and the false gods who are themselves burdens. Thus, נְשׂוּאָה serves as a poignant reminder of the weight of human folly and the ultimate emptiness of anything that rivals the sovereign power and faithful care of the Lord.
TRV