a primitive root; properly, to eliminate, i.e. (intransitively) to dry up; fail.
Transliteration:nâshath
Pronunciation:naw-shath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H5405}}` *nâshath* is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of cessation through depletion. Its primary semantic range encompasses "to eliminate," "to dry up," and "to fail." The imagery most readily associated with *nâshath* is that of water sources diminishing and vanishing, leading to a state of desiccation or emptiness. This literal "drying up" extends metaphorically to the concept of strength, hope, or vitality ceasing to exist, thus resulting in "failure" or collapse. Unlike some broader terms for ending or finishing, *nâshath* specifically implies a process of gradual or sudden depletion that culminates in a complete absence or inability to function. It suggests a loss of substance, power, or efficacy, often with irreversible consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H5405}}` *nâshath* appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, which lends particular weight to its few occurrences, primarily in prophetic and wisdom literature:
* **[[Isaiah 19:5]]**: "And the waters of the Nile will be dried up, and the river will be parched and dry." Here, *nâshath* (וְנָשְׁתוּ) is used in parallel with the verb "to be parched" (וְחָרְבָה), describing the catastrophic drying up of the Nile River. This prophecy signifies a profound judgment upon Egypt, as the Nile was the lifeblood of the nation, sustaining its agriculture, economy, and very existence. The drying up represents a complete collapse of their natural and economic foundations, demonstrating God's sovereign power over even the most vital resources of a mighty empire.
* **[[Jeremiah 51:30]]**: "The mighty men of Babylon have ceased to fight; they remain in their strongholds; their strength has failed; they have become like women. Their dwellings are set on fire; her bars are broken." In this context, *nâshath* (נָשְׁתָה) is applied metaphorically to the "strength" (כֹּחָם) of Babylon's warriors. It speaks not of physical desiccation but of a complete loss of courage, resolve, and ability to resist. The "failure" of their strength signifies a profound demoralization and an inability to defend their city, leading to their eventual defeat. This illustrates the spiritual and psychological dimension of "drying up" or "failing."
* **[[Job 14:11]]**: "As waters vanish from the sea, and a river dries up and is dry..." Here, *nâshath* (וְיֶחֱרָב) is used in a simile, comparing the irreversible nature of human death to the drying up of a river or the vanishing of sea waters. The verse emphasizes the finality of life's cessation and the lack of renewal for a human being once life departs, in contrast to a tree that might sprout again. The use of *nâshath* here powerfully conveys the absolute and often tragic end of existence, highlighting human transience and mortality.
Across these contexts, a consistent theme emerges: *nâshath* describes a definitive and often devastating cessation, whether of a vital water source, military power, or human life itself. It points to a profound depletion that leads to an end.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by `{{H5405}}` *nâshath* resonates with several other Hebrew terms that describe various forms of depletion, desolation, or cessation:
* **`{{H3001}}` *yabesh***: "to dry up," "to wither." This is a very common term for physical drying, often applied to land, plants, or bodies of water. While similar in outcome to *nâshath*, *yabesh* often describes a more general state of dryness, whereas *nâshath* can imply a more active process of vanishing or depletion.
* **`{{H2717}}` *charab***: "to be desolate," "to dry up," "to lay waste." This term often carries the connotation of ruin and desolation, particularly for land or cities. In [[Isaiah 19:5]], *nâshath* is used in parallel with *charab*, emphasizing the complete desiccation and resulting desolation of the Nile.
* **`{{H3615}}` *kalah***: "to complete," "to cease," "to fail," "to perish." This is a broader term for bringing something to an end or reaching a conclusion. While *kalah* can signify failure, *nâshath* specifically points to the *process of depletion* leading to that failure.
* **`{{H2356}}` *chashach***: "to be dark," "to be dim," "to fail." Sometimes used metaphorically for the failure of eyes or light, similar to the metaphorical "failing" of strength in `{{H5405}}`.
Conversely, the concepts that stand in stark contrast to *nâshath* include:
* **Life and abundance**: Words like `{{H2416}}` *chay* ("life") or `{{H7230}}` *rabah* ("to be much, many, great").
* **Renewal and flourishing**: Terms associated with growth, restoration, and continuous flow.
The distinctiveness of *nâshath* lies in its emphasis on the vanishing or depletion of a vital element, leading to a state of nullity or powerlessness.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of `{{H5405}}` *nâshath* carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**: The drying up of the Nile in Isaiah and the failing strength of Babylon in Jeremiah are direct manifestations of God's judgment against nations. These acts demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs. He is capable of withdrawing life-sustaining resources or the very strength of human power, bringing the proud to naught. This underscores that all human endeavors and natural systems are ultimately dependent on His will.
* **Human Frailty and Mortality**: In Job, *nâshath* highlights the transient and fragile nature of human life. Just as water irrevocably vanishes, so too does a person's life, emphasizing the brevity of existence and the finality of death in this earthly realm. This serves as a sober reminder of human limitations and the need to seek a hope beyond this temporal life.
* **Consequences of Rebellion**: While not always explicitly stated as a direct consequence, the "drying up" or "failing" can be implicitly linked to a nation's or individual's turning away from God. When spiritual vitality is lost, or when a people reject divine wisdom, the natural and social structures that sustain them can likewise "dry up," leading to desolation and weakness.
* **Contrast with God's Enduring Nature**: The impermanence conveyed by *nâshath* stands in stark contrast to the eternal, unchanging, and ever-sustaining nature of God. While human strength, natural resources, and even life itself can "dry up" and "fail," God remains the inexhaustible source of all being, power, and life. This word implicitly points to the necessity of trusting in the One who does not fail.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H5405}}` *nâshath* signifies a profound and often irreversible cessation through depletion. Its core meaning encompasses "to eliminate," "to dry up," and "to fail." Biblically, it is used to describe the literal drying up of vital water sources, the metaphorical failure of military strength, and the ultimate vanishing of human life. Each occurrence underscores themes of divine judgment, the transient nature of human existence, and the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and human endeavors. *Nâshath* serves as a powerful reminder that all things apart from God are subject to depletion and ultimate failure, contrasting sharply with the enduring and life-giving nature of the Creator.
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