נָשָׂא

נָשָׂא

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

Definition

The verb נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ) is a versatile Hebrew word meaning 'to lift, carry, or bear.' Its literal sense involves physically lifting or carrying objects, such as the ark being 'lifted up' in Genesis 7:17. Figuratively, it extends to bearing responsibility, guilt, or sin, as in 'bearing iniquity' (e.g., Exodus 28:38). It also encompasses emotional and relational actions like lifting one's face (showing favor, Genesis 32:20), lifting one's voice (weeping or shouting), and lifting one's soul (to desire or trust, Psalm 25:1). In a causative sense, it can mean to take away or forgive, as in 'take away your sin' (2 Samuel 12:13).

Biblical Usage

נָשָׂא appears over 600 times across all genres of the Old Testament. In narrative, it often describes physical lifting or carrying (e.g., carrying the tabernacle items in Numbers). In poetic and prophetic books, it is used metaphorically for bearing guilt (Isaiah 53:12), exalting God (Psalm 30:1), and forgiveness (Psalm 32:5). A key pattern is its use in priestly contexts for 'bearing' sin or iniquity (Leviticus 10:17) and in divine promises of forgiveness (Micah 7:18).

Etymology

Derived from a primitive Semitic root meaning 'to lift.' It is cognate with other Semitic languages like Akkadian (našû) and Ugaritic (nš'), also meaning 'to lift' or 'carry.' The root conveys a fundamental sense of upward movement or support, from which its wide range of literal and figurative meanings developed.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, especially in concepts of atonement and forgiveness. The idea of 'bearing' sin is central to the sacrificial system (Leviticus 10:17) and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Suffering Servant who 'bore the sin of many' (Isaiah 53:12). It also describes God's character in 'lifting' or 'taking away' human guilt (Psalm 32:5, Micah 7:18). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the biblical portrayal of substitutionary sacrifice and divine grace. In ancient Israelite culture, lifting or carrying was a daily reality, from transporting goods to raising hands in prayer. The concept of 'bearing' guilt was tied to the tangible ritual system where priests and sacrifices physically represented the removal of sin. 'Lifting the face' was a gesture of honor and personal attention in a hierarchical society, differing from modern, more egalitarian interactions. רָמַם (râmam, H7311) — to be high or exalted, often for self-exaltation or raising structures, less about carrying. סָבַל (sâval, H5445) — to bear a heavy load or burden, emphasizing weight and labor, often used for forced service. נָשָׂא עָוֹן (nâsâʼ ʿāvôn) — a specific phrase for bearing iniquity, distinct from general lifting.

Word Details