a primitive root; to pluck off, i.e. divest, eject or drop; cast (out), drive, loose, put off (out), slip.
Transliteration:nâshal
Pronunciation:naw-shal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָשַׁל (nâshal, `{{H5394}}`) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the action of forceful or deliberate removal. Its core meaning can be understood as "to pluck off" or "to detach." From this foundational sense, a rich semantic range unfolds:
* **Divestment/Removal:** This is the most prominent meaning, referring to the stripping away of something, often clothing or possessions. It implies a complete separation.
* **Ejection/Expulsion:** The root can denote the act of casting out, driving away, or dispossessing. This often carries a connotation of authority or power in the act of removal.
* **Dropping/Loosening/Slipping:** In some contexts, it can imply something falling off, becoming loose, or failing/slipping away, suggesting a loss of grip or stability.
The common thread throughout these nuances is a decisive act of separation or detachment, often with significant implications for the subject or object involved.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of נָשַׁל (nâshal, `{{H5394}}`) in the Hebrew Bible illuminate its various facets:
* **Removing Sandals in Holy Presence:** Perhaps the most iconic usage is the divine command to "put off" or "loose" one's shoes when standing on holy ground.
* In [[Exodus 3:5]], God commands Moses at the burning bush: "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
* Similarly, in [[Joshua 5:15]], the Commander of the Lord's army instructs Joshua: "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy."
In these contexts, the act of removing shoes signifies reverence, humility, and the recognition of sacred space. It is a physical act of divesting oneself of the common or defiling to approach the divine.
* **Divine Dispossession of Nations:** The verb is frequently employed to describe God's action of "driving out" or "casting out" the inhabitants of Canaan before Israel.
* [[Deuteronomy 7:22]]: "And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little..."
* [[Deuteronomy 19:1]]: "When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee..." (Here, "cut off" or "drive out" translates נָשַׁל).
This usage highlights God's sovereign power and faithfulness in clearing the land for His covenant people, often as an act of judgment against the iniquity of the existing inhabitants.
* **Figurative "Slipping Away" or Failing:** Less common, but present, is the sense of something failing or slipping away.
* [[Isaiah 32:10]]: "Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come." Here, "fail" implies the harvest slipping away or not materializing, often due to divine judgment or consequence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of נָשַׁל (nâshal, `{{H5394}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **Words for "Remove" or "Take Off":**
* `{{H5493}}` (sûr): A broader term meaning "to turn aside," "depart," or "remove." While similar in outcome, נָשַׁל often implies a more direct, forceful, or deliberate plucking off.
* `{{H1986}}` (halats): Can mean "to draw out" or "take off," often in the context of removing garments or armor.
* **Words for "Drive Out" or "Expel":**
* `{{H1644}}` (garash): "To drive out," "cast out," often with a stronger sense of expulsion or divorce.
* `{{H3423}}` (yarash): "To inherit" or "to possess," but also "to dispossess," referring to the act of taking possession by driving out others.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The act of removing shoes is deeply intertwined with the concept of God's absolute holiness and the human need for consecration and reverence in His presence.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** God's action of "casting out" nations demonstrates His supreme authority over the earth and His righteous judgment against sin.
* **Covenant Fulfillment:** The dispossession of nations is integral to God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָשַׁל (nâshal, `{{H5394}}`) is profound, touching upon core aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **The Awe of Divine Presence:** The command to "put off" shoes before God's holy presence (e.g., [[Exodus 3:5]]) is a powerful theological statement. It signifies that human beings, in their common, earthly state, cannot stand unadorned before the transcendent holiness of God. This act of divestment is a gesture of humility, submission, and a recognition of the sacred space, preparing the individual for a consecrated encounter with the Almighty. It teaches that proximity to God demands a stripping away of the profane and a readiness for transformation.
* **God's Sovereign Justice and Redemptive Purpose:** When God "casts out" nations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 7:22]]), נָשַׁל underscores His absolute sovereignty over history and nations. This is not arbitrary power but a righteous act of judgment against the deep-seated iniquity of those nations, clearing the way for His redemptive plan to establish His covenant people, Israel, in the Promised Land. It highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His role as the just disposer of all peoples.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The less frequent usage of "slipping away" or "failing" (e.g., [[Isaiah 32:10]]) can serve as a warning. It suggests that blessings or expected outcomes can be removed or withheld as a consequence of spiritual negligence or disobedience, reflecting the dynamic nature of God's covenant relationship with His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew root נָשַׁל (nâshal, `{{H5394}}`) is a potent verb centered on the action of forceful and deliberate removal or detachment. Its primary meanings include "to pluck off," "to divest," "to eject," and "to cause to slip away." Biblically, its most striking applications are seen in the divine command to "put off" shoes in the presence of holiness, signifying reverence and consecration before God's sacredness ([[Exodus 3:5]]; [[Joshua 5:15]]). Equally significant is its use to describe God's powerful act of "driving out" or "casting out" the nations from Canaan, demonstrating His sovereign justice, judgment, and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel ([[Deuteronomy 7:22]]; [[Deuteronomy 19:1]]). In some contexts, it can also convey the idea of something "failing" or "slipping away," often as a consequence. In essence, נָשַׁל speaks to decisive acts of separation and detachment, frequently initiated by divine authority, for purposes of sanctification, judgment, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout salvation history.
TRV