נָשַׁם

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.