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נֶשֶׁר

𐤍𐤔𐤓

nesher

H5404 noun

SILEX Entry

Root נשר to tear away, to pluck, to fall away (by extension)

Definition

A large bird of prey, most commonly identified with the eagle, but in some contexts may refer to large vultures or raptors native to the ancient Near East. Used both literally for the animal and metaphorically to convey swiftness, strength, or loftiness. The term does not always correspond to a specific taxonomic species by modern standards.

Semantic Range

eagle, vulture, large scavenging or predatory bird, metaphor for swiftness or soaring, symbol of power or loftiness

Root / Etymology

From root נשר (n-sh-r), likely with the core sense 'to tear away' or 'to pluck,' referencing the bird's predatory action. However, the root's exact meaning is not directly attested in biblical usage. The noun נֶשֶׁר is a primary term for a large bird of prey.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical Hebrew, נֶשֶׁר usually designates a prominent bird of prey, traditionally rendered 'eagle' in most translations. However, ornithological studies suggest that it more likely refers to a large vulture, such as the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), which was common in the Levant and fits scriptural descriptions of carrion-eating. Contexts emphasize the bird's speed, power, ability to soar, and longevity (e.g., Psalm 103:5), as well as its association with high places (e.g., Job 39:27-30). Metaphorical uses illustrate rapid movement, protection, or lofty status (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:11; Exodus 19:4). In prophetic and poetic literature, the נֶשֶׁר images kingdoms or individuals with impressive might or swift destruction. The standard English translation 'eagle' sometimes narrows the likely historical reference; the distinction with other Hebrew birds of prey, like עָזְנִיָּה ('azuwniyyāh' or 'buzzard/vulture'), can be context-dependent. The term is stable throughout the periods of the Hebrew Bible and post-biblical sources, though rabbinic tradition often debates specific identification.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other large bird of prey); eagle.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

נשר (n-š-r) — to tear away, to pluck, to fall away

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H5403 נְשַׁר like eagles

Word Forms

11 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5404-04 כַּ/נֶּ֨שֶׁר֙ kanesher HRd/Ncmsa like an eagle like a great raptor 5
H5404-02 הַ/נֶּ֨שֶׁר֙ hanesher HTd/Ncmsa the eagle the tearing raptor 4
H5404-05 כְּ/נֶ֨שֶׁר֙ kenesher HR/Ncmsa like an eagle like a great raptor 4
H5404-09 נָֽשֶׁר nasher HNcmsa an eagle tearing raptor 3
H5404-07 מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים minesharim HR/Ncmpa than eagles from tearing raptors 2
H5404-11 נֶ֖שֶׁר nesher HNcmsa eagle great raptor 2
H5404-06 כַ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר khanesher HRd/Ncmsa like an eagle like a tearing raptor 2
H5404-08 מִ/נִּשְׁרֵ֖י minisherey HR/Ncmpc than the eagles from raptors 1
H5404-10 נְשָׁרִ֔ים nesharim HNcmpa of eagles tearing raptors 1
H5404-01 הַ/נָּ֑שֶׁר hanasher HTd/Ncmsa the eagle the great bird of prey 1

Occurrences in Scripture

26 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5404-10 Exodus 19:4 נְשָׁרִ֔ים nesharim HNcmpa of eagles tearing raptors
H5404-02 Leviticus 11:13 הַ/נֶּ֨שֶׁר֙ hanesher HTd/Ncmsa the eagle the tearing raptor
H5404-02 Deuteronomy 14:12 הַ/נֶּ֥שֶׁר hanesher HTd/Ncmsa the eagle the tearing raptor
H5404-01 Deuteronomy 28:49 הַ/נָּ֑שֶׁר hanasher HTd/Ncmsa the eagle the great bird of prey
H5404-05 Deuteronomy 32:11 כְּ/נֶ֨שֶׁר֙ kenesher HR/Ncmsa like an eagle like a great raptor
H5404-07 2 Samuel 1:23 מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים minesharim HR/Ncmpa than eagles from tearing raptors
H5404-03 Isaiah 40:31 כַּ/נְּשָׁרִ֑ים kanesharim HRd/Ncmpa like eagles like raptors
H5404-07 Jeremiah 4:13 מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֖ים minesharim HR/Ncmpa than eagles from tearing raptors
H5404-06 Jeremiah 48:40 כַ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר khanesher HRd/Ncmsa like an eagle like a tearing raptor
H5404-04 Jeremiah 49:16 כַּ/נֶּ֨שֶׁר֙ kanesher HRd/Ncmsa as the eagle like a great raptor
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