### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâsham**, represented by `{{H5395}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to blow away** or **destroy**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing just **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, marking it as a word of highly specific and forceful meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5395}}` is in [[Isaiah 42:14]], where God describes a dramatic shift from a long period of restraint to sudden, powerful action. After stating, "I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself," the Lord declares, "now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will **destroy** and devour at once." In this context, `{{H5395}}` is part of a rapid, overwhelming display of divine power, emphasizing a decisive end to a period of divine silence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H5395}}` is amplified by the words used alongside it in its single biblical context:
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm** (devastate): This word is paired directly with `{{H5395}}` in [[Isaiah 42:14]] to describe a dual action of ruin. It means to devastate, stun, or make desolate, highlighting the shocking and complete nature of the judgment.
* `{{H7602}}` **shâʼaph** (devour, swallow up): Immediately following `{{H5395}}` and `{{H8074}}`, this term completes a triad of destructive actions. It conveys an aggressive, consuming force, as God will "devour at once" [[Isaiah 42:14]].
* `{{H2814}}` **châshâh** (to hush or keep quiet): This word provides a critical contrast. God's use of `{{H5395}}` comes only after He has "holden my peace" `{{H2814}}` for a long time, showing that the intense action follows a period of deliberate patience and silence [[Isaiah 42:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5395}}` is significant despite its rarity, revealing key aspects of God's character and timing.
* **The End of Divine Patience:** The word's usage in [[Isaiah 42:14]] marks a deliberate turning point. It demonstrates that God's period of being still `{{H2790}}` and holding peace `{{H2814}}` is not permanent and will give way to decisive, forceful intervention.
* **Sudden and Overwhelming Action:** By appearing with terms for devastating `{{H8074}}` and devouring `{{H7602}}` "at once" `{{H3162}}`, `{{H5395}}` contributes to a picture of sudden, comprehensive, and unstoppable divine power being unleashed.
* **Judgment as Travail:** The context links this destructive outburst to the cry of a "travailing woman" `{{H3205}}`. This powerful imagery suggests that God's judgment is not detached or arbitrary but is a painful, forceful act that brings forth a new reality.
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{H5395}}` **nâsham** provides a potent and vivid image of divine action. Its use in [[Isaiah 42:14]] captures the moment when God's prolonged silence ends and is replaced by an immediate, all-consuming power. It illustrates that divine patience can give way to a sudden, overwhelming force that simultaneously destroys and creates, much like the pains of childbirth.
TRV