### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâshak**, represented by `{{H5391}}`, is a primitive root that means to **bite** or to strike with a sting, like a serpent. Figuratively, it is used to describe oppression through interest on a loan, translated as to **lend upon usury**. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H5391}}` is most frequently used to describe the deadly attack of a serpent. When the Israelites complained, the LORD sent fiery serpents that **bit** the people [[Numbers 21:6]]. The word also illustrates a general principle of caution, as in "whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall **bite** him" [[Ecclesiastes 10:8]]. Figuratively, the word is used to describe the oppressive practice of charging interest. The law explicitly states, "Thou shalt not **lend upon usury** to thy brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]. It is also used metaphorically for a sudden attack from enemies [[Habakkuk 2:7]] or the deceptive words of false prophets who **bite** with their teeth [[Micah 3:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the dangers associated with the act of biting:
* `{{H5175}}` **nâchâsh** (serpent): from נָחַשׁ; a snake (from its hiss). This is the creature most often described as performing the action of `{{H5391}}`, as seen in God’s judgment in the wilderness [[Numbers 21:6]] and in Jacob's prophecy concerning Dan [[Genesis 49:17]].
* `{{H6567}}` **pârâsh** (sting): a primitive root; to separate, literally (to disperse) or figuratively (to specify); also (by implication) to wound. This word is used in parallel with `{{H5391}}` in the warning against wine, which at the last "biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder" [[Proverbs 23:32]].
* `{{H6848}}` **tsephaʻ** (adder, cockatrice): from an unused root meaning to extrude; a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e. hissing). This venomous snake is linked with a dangerous bite in both warnings about alcohol [[Proverbs 23:32]] and prophecies of judgment [[Jeremiah 8:17]].
* `{{H8207}}` **shᵉphîyphôn** (adder): from an unused root meaning the same as שׁוּף; a kind of serpent (as snapping), probably the cerastes or horned adder. It is this creature that **biteth** the horse heels in the prophecy about the tribe of Dan [[Genesis 49:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5391}}` is demonstrated through its use in several key themes:
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The act of biting is frequently an agent of divine punishment. God sent serpents to **bite** the people of Israel as a consequence of their sin [[Numbers 21:6]]. He also promised to send serpents and cockatrices that would **bite** the people of Judah [[Jeremiah 8:17]], and declared that even those hiding in the sea could be commanded a serpent to **bite** them [[Amos 9:3]].
* **Sudden Peril and Deception:** The word illustrates a sudden, painful, and often unexpected danger. This is seen in the literal warning that a serpent will **bite** one who breaks down a wall [[Ecclesiastes 10:8]], and metaphorically in the prophecy of Dan, who as a serpent **biteth** the horse's heels [[Genesis 49:17]]. It also describes the inevitable consequence of indulgence in wine, which in the end **biteth** like a serpent [[Proverbs 23:32]].
* **Financial Oppression:** In its figurative sense, `{{H5391}}` is central to the biblical ethic of loans and interest. To **lend upon usury** to a fellow Israelite is framed as a harmful "bite" and is forbidden by the Law [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]. This prohibition against oppressing a "brother" is contrasted with the allowance to **lend upon usury** to a stranger [[Deuteronomy 23:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5391}}` carries a significant dual meaning of both literal and figurative harm. It is the venomous **bite** of a serpent, used to depict sudden danger, deception, and divine judgment ([[Numbers 21:6]], [[Proverbs 23:32]]). Concurrently, it is the oppressive **bite** of usury, establishing a core ethical principle within the Law of Moses that forbids the financial exploitation of one's countrymen [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]. The word effectively demonstrates how a single, simple action can convey concepts ranging from a physical attack to an act of economic injustice.
TRV