a primitive root; to breeze, i.e. blow up fresh (as the wind); blow.
Transliteration:nâshaph
Pronunciation:naw-shaf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָשַׁף (nâshaph, `{{H5398}}`) is a primitive root, indicating a fundamental action related to air movement. Its core meaning is "to blow," specifically as a breeze or wind. The nuance "to blow up fresh" suggests an invigorating or perhaps a sudden, decisive burst of air. It implies a dynamic, often pervasive, movement of air, whether for dispersal, invigoration, or the exertion of force. While "fresh" might imply a positive or restorative quality in some contexts, the broader semantic range allows for a powerful, even destructive, application of blowing, depending on the agent and object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָשַׁף (nâshaph, `{{H5398}}`) appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence highly significant for understanding its theological weight.
* **[[Isaiah 40:24]]**: "Scarcely are they planted, scarcely are they sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them away like stubble."
In this sole instance, נָשַׁף describes the action of God. The context is a powerful declaration of God's incomparable might and sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, who are depicted as utterly insignificant before Him. God's "blowing" (נָשַׁף) is not a gentle breeze but a potent, destructive breath that causes even the most seemingly established entities (likened to planted and rooted things) to wither instantly and be swept away like stubble. This passage emphasizes:
1. **Divine Effortlessness**: God's action is depicted as effortless; a mere "blow" is sufficient to dismantle human power.
2. **Suddenness and Finality**: The withering and carrying away are immediate and complete, highlighting the swiftness and decisiveness of divine action.
3. **Contrast with Human Fragility**: The verse starkly contrasts the ephemeral nature of human power and existence with the eternal, unchallengeable power of Yahweh. The "fresh" aspect of the root's definition here takes on a grim irony; God's blowing, while a fresh act from Him, brings about the end for those He judges.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding נָשַׁף (nâshaph, `{{H5398}}`) is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **רוּחַ** (ruach, `{{H7307}}`): This is the most crucial related term, meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." נָשַׁף describes an action of רוּחַ. God's רוּחַ is often associated with power, life, and judgment. The destructive "blowing" in [[Isaiah 40:24]] underscores the immense power of the divine רוּחַ.
* **נָפַח** (nâphach, `{{H5301}}`): To breathe, blow, puff. This verb is semantically very close to נָשַׁף, also describing the act of blowing. While נָפַח can be used for blowing fire or breath into nostrils (e.g., [[Genesis 2:7]]), נָשַׁף in its single occurrence conveys a more sweeping, all-encompassing force.
* **יָבֵשׁ** (yâbêsh, `{{H3001}}`): To wither, dry up. This is the consequence of God's blowing in [[Isaiah 40:24]], highlighting the destructive power of נָשַׁף.
* **Concepts of Divine Sovereignty**: The use of נָשַׁף in Isaiah highlights God's absolute control over creation and history, demonstrating His ability to bring down the mighty with effortless ease.
* **Transience of Humanity**: The image of "withering" and being "carried away like stubble" underscores the fleeting and fragile nature of human life and power in comparison to God's eternal might.
* **Divine Judgment**: The "blowing" serves as an instrument of divine judgment against those who are insignificant or oppose God's will.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of נָשַׁף (nâshaph, `{{H5398}}`) in [[Isaiah 40:24]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It serves as a potent descriptor of God's absolute, unchallengeable power and sovereignty. This "blowing" is not a gentle act but a demonstration of divine might that effortlessly dismantles human strength and pride.
Theologically, נָשַׁף illustrates several key truths:
1. **God's Transcendence**: It underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and creation. Human might, no matter how formidable it appears, is utterly insignificant before the merest breath of God.
2. **The Fragility of All Earthly Power**: Kings, nations, and their achievements are like tender plants or stubble, easily withered and swept away by God's command. This serves as a warning against placing trust in human institutions or one's own strength.
3. **Divine Judgment and Discipline**: While the primary context is God's power over nations, the destructive nature of the "blowing" implies a form of judgment or consequence for those who stand against or are simply inconsequential to God's purposes.
4. **The Active Nature of God's Spirit/Breath**: Though the word itself is נָשַׁף (to blow), it implicitly connects to the active force of God's רוּחַ (Spirit/Wind/Breath), which is capable of both giving life and bringing about destruction.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָשַׁף (nâshaph, `{{H5398}}`), meaning "to blow" or "to breeze," holds a unique and powerful theological significance due to its single appearance in the biblical text. In [[Isaiah 40:24]], it describes God's effortless yet devastating act of "blowing" upon the nations and their rulers, causing them to wither and be carried away like stubble. This solitary usage transforms the seemingly simple act of blowing into a profound declaration of divine sovereignty, highlighting God's absolute power to establish or dismantle all earthly might with a mere breath. נָשַׁף thus serves as a stark reminder of the transience of human existence and the incomparable, unchallengeable authority of Yahweh, whose very breath is sufficient to bring about both life and ultimate judgment.
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