### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) is defined by Strong's as a noun meaning "a debt" or "that which is owed." It is presented as being derived from the root verb nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), which carries a primary meaning of "to lend on interest," "to exact interest," or "to be a creditor." Thus, nᵉshîy conceptually represents the financial or material obligation incurred by a borrower to a lender. Its semantic scope is quite focused on the realm of economic transactions and liabilities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
According to the Strong's Concordance, nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) is derived from nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`). However, a careful examination of the Masoretic Text reveals that the noun nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) itself does not appear as a distinct word in the Hebrew Bible. The related verbal form of the root nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`) does occur, notably in [[Job 11:6]]. In this verse, Zophar declares to Job: "And that He would show you the secrets of wisdom, for sound wisdom has two sides! Know then that God has forgotten for you some of your iniquity" (NASB). The phrase "has forgotten for you" (יַשֶּׁה לְךָ) utilizes the Hiphil imperfect form of nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), which can mean "to cause to forget" or "to exact" (as in exacting a debt). Therefore, while the *concept* of debt and exacting what is due is present through the verb nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), the specific noun nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) as listed by Strong's is not found as an independent occurrence in the biblical text. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between a listed lemma and its actual textual manifestation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), which forms the conceptual basis for nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`). nāshāh encompasses the actions of lending, exacting debt, and being a creditor. It also holds a distinct meaning of "to forget," which adds a layer of complexity to its interpretation in passages like [[Job 11:6]].
Other Hebrew terms crucial to understanding the biblical perspective on debt include:
* neshekh (`{{H5391}}`): Refers specifically to "interest" or "usury," often prohibited among Israelites ([[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36-37]], [[Deuteronomy 23:19-20]]).
* mashshah (`{{H4854}}`): A noun meaning "loan" or "debt" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 15:2]]), particularly in the context of the Sabbatical year debt release.
* chob (`{{H2254}}`): A more general term for "debt" or "obligation" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 18:7]]).
* nōsheh (derived from nāshāh, `{{H5378}}`): Denotes a "creditor" or "one who exacts" a debt (e.g., [[2 Kings 4:7]], [[Isaiah 50:1]]).
The biblical framework surrounding these terms emphasizes social justice, compassion for the poor, and the importance of preventing perpetual indebtedness within the community.
### Theological Significance
Although nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) itself is not found in the biblical text, the underlying concept of "debt" and "exacting what is due," derived from nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Justice and Forgiveness:** The use of nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`) in [[Job 11:6]] by Zophar, in reference to God's dealings with Job's iniquity, points to the divine reckoning of human sin. Whether interpreted as God "forgetting" or "exacting less" than due, it touches upon God's sovereign interaction with human moral obligations. This Old Testament understanding of "debt" for wrongdoing finds its ultimate theological fulfillment in the New Testament, where sin is often depicted as a "debt" owed to God (e.g., the petition "forgive us our debts" in [[Matthew 6:12]]), a debt that only divine grace can fully remit through Christ's sacrifice.
* **Social Ethics and Compassion:** The broader biblical laws concerning debt, usury, and debt release (such as the Sabbatical year in [[Deuteronomy 15:1-2]]) demonstrate God's character as just and compassionate. These regulations aim to protect the vulnerable, prevent exploitation, and ensure economic equity within the covenant community. While nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) is not directly mentioned, the principles derived from its root nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`) are foundational to these ethical mandates. The ideal is a society where no one is perpetually burdened by debt, reflecting God's desire for human flourishing.
* **Human Accountability to God:** The concept of debt underscores humanity's inherent obligation to God as Creator and Lawgiver. Sin is a failure to meet this obligation, creating a spiritual debt that human effort alone cannot repay. This theological truth highlights the necessity of divine mercy and the redemptive work of God in forgiving what is owed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) is defined by Strong's as "a debt" and is listed as derived from nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`), meaning "to lend on interest" or "to exact." However, the noun nᵉshîy (`{{H5386}}`) itself does not appear in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Rather, the verbal root nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`) is found, notably in [[Job 11:6]], where it relates to God's dealings with iniquity, implying either a forgetting of or a lesser exacting of sin. The broader biblical concept of debt, informed by nāshāh (`{{H5378}}`) and related terms like neshekh (`{{H5391}}`) and mashshah (`{{H4854}}`), is deeply significant. It illuminates God's commitment to social justice, the ethical implications of financial practices, and the profound theological parallel between earthly financial obligations and humanity's spiritual debt of sin before a holy God, ultimately pointing to the divine provision of forgiveness.
TRV