נָשָׁא

נָשָׁא

to lead astray, i.e. (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce

Definition

The Hebrew verb נָשָׁא (nâshâʼ) fundamentally means to lead astray or deceive, encompassing both intellectual delusion and moral seduction. In its primary sense, it describes causing someone to believe what is false, as seen when the serpent is said to have 'deceived' Eve (Genesis 3:13). It also carries a strong connotation of treacherous betrayal, particularly in the context of broken covenants or intimate friendships, such as in the lament over a close companion's deceit in Psalm 55:15. In prophetic literature, it is used to describe the misleading counsel of political and spiritual leaders who lead nations into error, as illustrated by the 'deceived' and 'deceiving' princes of Egypt in Isaiah 19:13.

Biblical Usage

נָשָׁא is used 15 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and prophetic books. It appears in key stories of deception, like the Fall in Genesis, and is frequently employed in the political rhetoric of the Assyrian Rabshakeh's speeches in 2 Kings 18:29 and Isaiah 36:14, where he attempts to demoralize Judah by claiming Hezekiah has 'deceived' the people. The word is also used in poetic contexts, such as the Psalms, to describe personal betrayal. Its usage consistently implies a serious, often devastating, act of leading someone into error or away from truth and safety.

Etymology

נָשָׁא is a primitive root. While its exact origin is debated, it is distinct from the more common verb for bearing or carrying (נָשָׂא, H5375). Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian, support the core meaning of 'to deceive' or 'to lead astray.' The development of its meaning focuses on the causative aspect of making someone err, whether in mind, faith, or loyalty.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to the biblical narrative of sin's origin, directly naming the serpent's act in Genesis 3:13. It highlights the serious nature of deception as a destructive force that breaks trust with God and others, corrupting relationships and leading to covenant unfaithfulness. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing the deep link between deception, betrayal, and the breakdown of divine and human community, contrasting sharply with God's character as truth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, deception in political treaties or oracular guidance was a grave matter with national consequences. The use of נָשָׁא in the speeches of the Assyrian envoys (2 Kings 18-19) reflects a common warfare tactic of psychological manipulation, aiming to break the people's trust in their king and their God. This cultural backdrop shows that the word conveyed not just a personal lie, but an act of subversion against established order and divine protection. כָּזַב (kāzab, H3576) — to lie or prove false; often used for false prophecy or speech. רָמָה (rāmâ, H7411) — to deceive or betray; emphasizes treachery, often in contexts of interpersonal deceit. תָּעָה (tāʿâ, H8582) — to wander or go astray; focuses on the state of being misled or errant, rather than the act of leading astray.

Word Details