נָסַךְ
to interweave, i.e. (figuratively) to overspread
Definition
The Hebrew verb נָסַךְ (nāsak) primarily means 'to pour out' or 'to pour a libation,' often in a ritual context. In its single biblical occurrence in Isaiah 25:7, it is used in a figurative sense, describing how God 'will destroy the covering (הַלּוֹט) that is spread (הַנָּסוּךְ) over all peoples.' Here, the imagery shifts from a literal pouring to a metaphorical 'overspreading' or 'veiling' that envelops the nations. This unique usage connects the idea of a poured-out liquid to a state of being covered or shrouded, likely drawing on the concept of a liquid spreading out to cover a surface.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 25:7. It appears in a prophetic context within a song of praise, describing God's future victory. The word is used passively (הַנָּסוּךְ—'that is spread') to depict a metaphorical veil or shroud of death and mourning that covers humanity, which God promises to swallow up forever. There are no other usage patterns, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).
Etymology
נָסַךְ (nāsak) is a primitive root. It is probably identical with the more common verb נָסַךְ (H5258), which means 'to pour out, to offer a drink offering.' The core idea is fusion or pouring, leading to the sense of something being spread out or interwoven, as a poured liquid spreads. The development in Isaiah 25:7 extends this from a literal act of pouring to a figurative state of being overspread.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures a central promise of redemption in Isaiah. The 'covering that is spread' represents the universal human condition of mortality, grief, and separation from God (Isaiah 25:8 clarifies this as 'the veil that is veiling all peoples'). Understanding this Hebrew metaphor enriches the reading of this messianic prophecy, highlighting God's ultimate victory over death and the comprehensive nature of His salvation, which will remove the shroud from all nations.
In its primary sense (H5258), pouring a libation (nesek) was a common ritual act in the ancient Near East, involving offering wine or oil to a deity. This cultural background informs the metaphorical use in Isaiah 25:7. The 'spread' covering may evoke the image of a liquid libation being poured out over something, thereby consecrating or, in this negative context, engulfing it. The metaphor would resonate with an audience familiar with ritual pouring.
כָּסָה (kāsâ, H3680) — to cover, hide, conceal; a more general term for covering. פָּרַשׂ (pāraś, H6566) — to spread out, stretch out; often used for spreading cloths or wings, less tied to the imagery of pouring.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →