The Hebrew word nᵉshîy, represented by H5386, refers to a debt. This term is derived from the root נָשָׁה and appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, making its sole usage particularly significant for understanding its application. Its singular appearance focuses on a literal, financial obligation.
The single instance of H5386 is found in the narrative of a woman seeking help from a man of God. Following a miraculous provision of oil, she is instructed, "Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest" 2 Kings 4:7. In this context, the word is used in a straightforward manner to describe a financial liability that requires settlement. The resolution of this debt is the central point of the instruction and the key to the family's survival and future.
The context of paying the debt is illuminated by several related words found in its only verse:
- H7999 shâlam (to pay): This root word for "pay" also means to be safe, to make completed, or to restore. Its use signifies that settling the debt is an act of making things whole and bringing about peace. It is also used in contexts of rendering what is due, such as paying vows to God Psalms 50:14.
- H4376 mâkar (to sell): This is the action required to acquire the funds to pay the debt. The term means to sell or surrender something. It is used in scripture to describe transactions ranging from selling Joseph into slavery Genesis 37:28 to God figuratively selling Israel into the hands of their enemies Judges 2:14.
- H5046 nâgad (to tell): The woman first had to tell the man of God about her situation 2 Kings 4:7. This word means to announce, declare, or shew, indicating an act of revealing a matter, much like God declares the end from the beginning Isaiah 46:10.
- H935 bôwʼ (to come): The narrative begins with the woman's action to come to the prophet. This common verb for "to go or come" is often used to describe approaching God or His designated places, such as bringing tithes into the storehouse Malachi 3:10.
While appearing only once, the context of H5386 carries significant weight. It illustrates key principles through the narrative:
- Divine Provision for Obligation: The story demonstrates God's intervention in a tangible, financial crisis. The means to pay the debt is miraculously provided, showing that God's care extends to practical and temporal needs 2 Kings 4:7.
- Restoration through Payment: The command to "pay" (shâlam) the debt points toward a state of completeness and peace. Settling the obligation is not merely a financial act but a path to being made whole and secure, allowing the family to "live" 2 Kings 4:7.
- Obedience and Action: The resolution required the woman to act in faith on the prophet's instructions. She had to come H935, tell H5046 her need, and then "Go, sell" H4376 and "pay" H7999, linking divine help to human obedience.
In summary, nᵉshîy H5386 is a narrowly defined term for debt. Its solitary appearance in scripture embeds it within a powerful narrative of divine deliverance. While the word itself is practical, its context in 2 Kings 4:7 elevates it as a catalyst for a story about faith, obedience, and God's miraculous provision to restore a family by settling their obligations.
TRV