נִשֵּׂאת
something taken, i.e. a present
Definition
נִשֵּׂאת is a feminine passive participle meaning 'something taken up' or 'something lifted,' which in context refers to a gift or present. It specifically denotes something that is taken or received, often in the sense of a voluntary offering or contribution. The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 19:42, where it describes a gift or tribute offered by the people of Judah to King David. As a participle, it carries the nuance of an action—something that has been taken up to be given—rather than just a static object.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in 2 Samuel 19:42, in a political context following David's return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. The men of Judah tell the men of Israel that they have a greater claim to David because they are his kin, and they ask, 'Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift (נִשֵּׂאת)?' Here, it refers to a gift or tribute, highlighting a gesture of loyalty or support in a tense, post-conflict situation. No other biblical occurrences exist, making its usage highly specific.
Etymology
נִשֵּׂאת derives from the root נָשָׂא (nasa, H5375), meaning 'to lift, carry, or take.' It is the feminine singular passive participle form, literally 'she is taken' or 'that which is lifted.' The root is common in Hebrew, appearing over 650 times, with meanings ranging from physical lifting (e.g., lifting hands in prayer) to metaphorical senses like bearing sin or accepting responsibility. As a participle, נִשֵּׂאת emphasizes the passive action of being taken up, which evolved to signify a gift—something taken up to be presented.
Semantic Range
While נִשֵּׂאת itself is not a theologically loaded term, its root נָשָׂא is significant in theology, often used for God 'bearing' sin (e.g., Isaiah 53:12) or people 'lifting' prayers. Understanding נִשֵּׂאת as a gift tied to this root enriches reading by connecting it to themes of offering and reception, echoing broader biblical ideas of giving and covenant loyalty. In 2 Samuel 19:42, the gift symbolizes reconciliation and allegiance, reflecting God's relational dynamics with His people.
In ancient Israelite culture, gifts like נִשֵּׂאת were not merely material items but carried social and political weight, often used to affirm relationships, show loyalty, or smooth tensions. In 2 Samuel 19:42, the gift likely functioned as a tribute to reestablish David's kingship, common in Near Eastern societies where gifts reinforced alliances or subservience. This differs from modern casual gift-giving, as it was embedded in formal, covenantal contexts, emphasizing duty and community bonds over personal generosity.
מַתָּנָה (mattanah, H4979) — a general term for gift or offering, used more broadly (e.g., Proverbs 18:16). שַׁי (shay, H7862) — a gift or present, often in contexts of tribute or homage (e.g., Psalm 68:29). תְּשׁוּרָה (t'shurah, H8670) — a gift, especially one brought on a journey (e.g., Genesis 43:11).
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.
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