נָסַח
𐤍𐤎𐤇
nâçach
H5255 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To remove forcibly or uproot, often in the sense of tearing away from a place or state; also to dispossess, expel, or destroy. The verb conveys the idea of separation with emphasis on force, often with the nuance of removal from property, land, or status. Depending on context, it can indicate destruction or plucking up, especially of peoples, objects, or rights.
Semantic Range
to tear away, to uproot, to pluck out, to destroy, to expel, to dispossess (esp. from land or status); to separate by force
Root / Etymology
Root is נסח (nun-samekh-chet), carrying the sense of forcibly pulling or tearing away. The root's core meaning suggests an action of removal with an implication of force, rather than a simple or gentle separation. The verb יִסַּח (yissaḥ) is the qal imperfect, and other stems (hiphil, etc.) are attested in biblical texts, always with the sense of violent or decisive removal. There are no certain cognates in other Semitic languages, suggesting a specifically Hebrew development.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, נָסַח is relatively rare, primarily occurring in contexts of dispossession, especially in reference to the removal of groups (such as nations from territory, e.g., Deuteronomy 28:63). In the Deuteronomic history, it is typically Yahweh or other divine agency who 'removes' or 'uproots' populations as an act of judgment or fulfillment of covenantal promises. Occasionally, it refers to material objects being torn, destroyed, or uprooted (e.g., fences or structures), but its primary usage is dispossession of land or rights. Modern translations often use 'destroy,' 'pluck out,' or 'uproot,' though these may oversimplify the sense of forcible displacement or complete removal inherent in the term. Notably, different from verbs such as שָׁרַשׁ (to root out, with agricultural connotation), נָסַח often lacks direct agricultural nuance, focusing more on forced expulsion or severance. The development of meaning persists into late biblical language but is largely superseded by other roots in post-biblical literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to tear away; destroy, pluck, root.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נסח (n-s-ḥ) — forcibly remove, tear away, uproot, expel
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5255-03 |
יִסַּ֥ח | yisach | HVqi3ms |
will tear down | he will forcibly uproot | 1 |
H5255-02 |
וְ/יִסָּחֲ/ךָ֣ | veyisachakha | HC/Vqi3ms/Sp2ms |
and will uproot you | and he will forcibly uproot you | 1 |
H5255-04 |
יִסְּח֥וּ | yisechu | HVqi3mp |
will be uprooted | they will forcibly uproot | 1 |
H5255-01 |
וְ/נִסַּחְתֶּם֙ | venisachetem | HC/VNq2mp |
and you will be plucked up | and you will be forcibly uprooted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5255-01 |
Deuteronomy 28:63 | וְ/נִסַּחְתֶּם֙ | venisachetem | HC/VNq2mp |
and you will be plucked up | and you will be forcibly uprooted |
H5255-02 |
Psalms 52:7 | וְ/יִסָּחֲ/ךָ֣ | veyisachakha | HC/Vqi3ms/Sp2ms |
and will uproot you | and he will forcibly uproot you |
H5255-04 |
Proverbs 2:22 | יִסְּח֥וּ | yisechu | HVqi3mp |
will be uprooted | they will forcibly uproot |
H5255-03 |
Proverbs 15:25 | יִסַּ֥ח | yisach | HVqi3ms |
will tear down | he will forcibly uproot |