נָשָׁא

to lend on interest; by implication, to dun fordebt

Definition

The Hebrew verb נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ) primarily means to lend money or goods, specifically with the expectation of interest or profit. In its three biblical occurrences, it carries the sense of imposing a financial burden, either through lending at interest or aggressively collecting on a debt. For example, in 1 Samuel 22:2, it describes those in debt who gathered with David. In a metaphorical extension, Psalm 89:22 uses the word to depict an enemy who will not 'exact' or oppress the king, shifting from a financial to a general sense of imposition. Isaiah 24:2 uses it in a series of parallels about social reversal, where the creditor and debtor relationship is overturned.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only three times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative (1 Samuel), poetry (Psalms), and prophetic (Isaiah) books. Its usage consistently revolves around economic relationships of debt and credit. In 1 Samuel 22:2, it describes people who are debtors ('everyone who was in debt'). Psalm 89:22 (verse 23 in English) uses it figuratively, stating an enemy shall not 'exact upon him' (i.e., oppress or demand from him). Isaiah 24:2 employs it in a prophetic list of societal inversions: 'as with the creditor, so with the debtor.'

Etymology

נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ) is a primitive root. It is often considered identical to or derived from the more common root נָשָׁא (H5377), which means 'to lift, carry, take.' The semantic connection likely comes from the idea of 'lifting' or 'imposing' a burden—in this case, the burden of a debt or financial obligation. This links the act of lending or exacting to the concept of placing a weight upon someone.

Semantic Range

This word touches on biblical economic ethics and God's view of justice within community relationships. Laws in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy strictly regulated lending and interest, especially toward the poor, to prevent exploitation. נָשָׁא, by involving debt and exacting, highlights the potential for oppression and the fragility of economic stability. Its use in Isaiah 24:2 as part of God's judgment shows how the perversion of just economic relationships contributes to societal collapse. Understanding this term enriches reading by revealing how financial dealings were not merely practical but deeply spiritual matters of covenant faithfulness.

In ancient Israelite society, lending was a necessary part of the economy, but charging interest to fellow Israelites was generally forbidden (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36-37). Loans were often a response to poverty or misfortune. The act denoted by נָשָׁא could therefore easily lead to the oppression of the poor, creating a cycle of debt and potential indentured servitude. The word implies a power dynamic where the lender holds significant social and economic leverage over the borrower, a context far more personally and communally destructive than modern impersonal banking.

לָוָה (lāvâ, H3867) — to borrow or lend, but without the inherent connotation of charging interest. עָשַׁק (ʿāshaq, H6231) — to oppress or defraud, a broader term for injustice that could include financial exploitation. נָשַׁךְ (nāshak, H5391) — to bite or charge interest, used specifically for exacting interest like a snakebite.

Word Details

Scripture References