a primitive root; to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan; bite, lend upon usury.
Transliteration:nâshak
Pronunciation:naw-shak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָשַׁךְ (nâshak, `{{H5391}}`) is a primitive root with a significant dual semantic range. Its primary and most literal meaning is "to bite," specifically referring to the strike of a serpent or other venomous creature. This sense conveys an action that is sudden, often painful, and potentially harmful or even fatal due to the injection of venom.
Figuratively, נָשַׁךְ extends to the concept of "to oppress with interest on a loan" or "to practice usury." This metaphorical extension draws a direct parallel between the harmful, draining effect of exorbitant interest and the insidious bite of a snake. Just as a serpent's bite slowly poisons its victim, so too does usury gradually consume the resources and well-being of the borrower, leading to economic hardship and oppression. Both senses imply a destructive impact, whether physical or financial, highlighting the insidious nature of the action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָשַׁךְ in the Hebrew Bible clearly delineate its literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal "Bite" (Serpents):**
* In the wilderness narrative, God sends "fiery serpents" (נְחָשִׁים הַשְּׂרָפִים) that *nâshak* the people of Israel as judgment for their grumbling ([[Numbers 21:6]], [[Numbers 21:8]], [[Numbers 21:9]]). Here, the bite is a direct, physical manifestation of divine displeasure and a means of discipline.
* Proverbs uses the literal sense metaphorically to describe the insidious harm of wine: "At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder" ([[Proverbs 23:32]]). This highlights the deceptive nature of sin, where initial pleasure gives way to painful, destructive consequences.
* Ecclesiastes observes the danger of the natural world, noting that "a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall" ([[Ecclesiastes 10:8]]) and that "there is no profit for the charmer" if "the serpent bites before it is charmed" ([[Ecclesiastes 10:11]]). These passages reflect on the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of wisdom and timing.
* **Figurative "Bite" (Usury/Interest):**
* The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites, using *nâshak* to describe this forbidden practice: "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a moneylender, nor shall you lay on him interest [נֶשֶׁךְ, a noun derived from *nâshak*]" ([[Exodus 22:25]]). Similar prohibitions are found in [[Leviticus 25:36]] and [[Deuteronomy 23:19]], [[Deuteronomy 23:20]]. These laws underscore God's concern for the vulnerable and the ethical basis of Israelite society.
* In the post-exilic period, Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials for exacting usury from their impoverished brethren, stating, "You are exacting usury, each from his brother!" ([[Nehemiah 5:7]], [[Nehemiah 5:10]]). This demonstrates the practical violation of the law and the oppressive nature of such economic practices.
* Ezekiel repeatedly lists the practice of taking usury as a grievous sin that leads to death, contrasting it with righteous living ([[Ezekiel 18:8]], [[Ezekiel 18:13]], [[Ezekiel 18:17]], [[Ezekiel 22:12]]). It is a violation of covenantal faithfulness.
* Psalm 15 describes the righteous person who "does not put out his money at interest" ([[Psalm 15:5]]) as one who may dwell on God's holy hill, emphasizing this ethical stance as a mark of integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of *nâshak* is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms and concepts:
* **Literal Context:**
* `{{H5175}}` (nâchash, "serpent"): The primary agent associated with the literal meaning of *nâshak*. The "fiery serpents" (`{{H8313}}`, sârâph) in Numbers are a specific type.
* Concepts of divine judgment, danger, poison, and the destructive power of creation when used as an instrument of God's will.
* **Figurative Context:**
* `{{H5383}}` (neshekh, "usury," "interest"): This noun is directly derived from the root *nâshak* and is the primary term for the forbidden practice of exacting interest, specifically connoting a "biting" or oppressive charge.
* `{{H8539}}` (târbîth, "increase," "gain," "interest"): Another term for interest, often used alongside *neshekh*, though *neshekh* carries the stronger negative connotation of exploitation.
* Concepts of social justice, economic ethics, poverty, oppression, and the covenantal obligation to care for the vulnerable within the community. It stands in stark contrast to generosity, charity, and mutual support.
### Theological Significance
The dual meaning of *nâshak* carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Redemption:** The literal "bite" of the serpent in Numbers 21 serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. Yet, in the same narrative, God provides a means of healing through the bronze serpent, demonstrating His sovereign power over judgment and His provision for redemption. This foreshadows the ultimate remedy for sin's "bite" found in Christ.
* **Ethical Imperative and Social Justice:** The prohibition against usury is a cornerstone of Israelite social ethics, reflecting God's deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. Lending to a fellow Israelite, particularly the needy, was to be an act of mercy and solidarity, not a means of profit or exploitation. The "bite" of usury violated the covenant ideal of brotherhood, undermined economic stability, and created cycles of debt and poverty, which God abhorred. It was seen as a direct affront to the divine command to love one's neighbor.
* **The Insidious Nature of Sin:** Both the literal and figurative applications of *nâshak* powerfully illustrate the insidious and destructive nature of sin. Just as a serpent's bite injects venom that slowly poisons, so too does usury "inject" economic hardship and social injustice into the community. Sin, whether manifesting as rebellion against God or exploitation of one's neighbor, may appear to offer immediate gain or satisfaction, but its ultimate "bite" leads to pain, destruction, and spiritual death.
* **Wisdom and Consequences:** The use of *nâshak* in wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) emphasizes the principle of consequences for ungodly choices (e.g., drunkenness) and the unpredictable dangers of life. It underscores the vital need for wisdom and discernment to avoid the "bites" of destructive behaviors and circumstances.
### Summary
The Hebrew root *nâshak* (`{{H5391}}`) is a potent word, encompassing both the literal "bite" of a serpent and the figurative "bite" of usurious interest. In its literal sense, it appears in narratives of divine judgment and wisdom literature, vividly portraying sudden danger and the insidious harm of destructive choices. The figurative sense, prevalent in legal and prophetic texts, strictly forbids the practice of charging interest to fellow Israelites. This prohibition is a cornerstone of biblical social ethics, reflecting God's profound concern for the poor and vulnerable and His desire for a just society built on mutual support rather than exploitation. The "bite" of *nâshak*, whether physical or economic, consistently signifies a harmful, destructive, and often insidious action. Theologically, it underscores divine judgment, the ethical imperative for social justice, the insidious nature of sin, and the importance of wisdom in avoiding destructive consequences.
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