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.
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.
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.
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.
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