נוּס (nus)
nus
to flee
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 136 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nus describes the act of fleeing or escaping, appearing frequently in narratives of conflict and survival. It covers a wide range of movement, from soldiers scattering in battle to individuals running for their lives. In the historical books like Judges and Samuel, it often depicts the chaos of war where armies break ranks and run (Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 17:24). The word captures both the physical act of retreating and the desperate need to escape danger.
Beyond human action, nus is applied to inanimate things that vanish or recede. The sources note its use for shadows lengthening and fading into the evening (Song of Solomon 2:17) or grief departing from a people (Isaiah 35:10). This poetic usage suggests that fleeing is not just about running away, but about something disappearing from view entirely. It can also describe swift movement, such as waves subsiding or wind driving forward.
A key theological point emerges in its causative forms, where God is the one who puts enemies to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30) or drives them away. This shifts the focus from human fear to divine intervention. The word emphasizes that safety is found not in strength, but in being delivered by God. Translators typically render it as "flee" or "put to flight," keeping the sense of urgent movement clear.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When danger feels overwhelming, the instinct is often to run. The Hebrew word nus captures this urgent movement, whether it is a soldier escaping battle or an individual seeking safety from harm. It reminds us that survival sometimes requires leaving a situation behind to preserve life and integrity.
Beyond physical escape, this word points to a deeper reliance on God. In moments of fear, the Bible shows that true refuge is found not in hiding places, but in divine protection. Even when enemies pursue, believers can trust that God provides a way out and establishes safety for those who seek Him.
This concept offers comfort during anxious times. It invites you to bring your fears to God, knowing He is both a shield and a sanctuary. You are not alone in your struggles; His presence remains constant, offering peace when the world feels chaotic.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 136 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they fled30×
- and/ he fled16×
- to/ flee13×
- he will flee7×
- they will flee6×
- and/ it fled5×
- they fled4×
- he fled4×
- flee4×
- and/ you will flee4×
- and/ they will flee4×
- and/ he will flee4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יָּנֻ֖סוּ7×
- נָ֣ס5×
- נָ֖סוּ5×
- לָ/נ֖וּס5×
- וַ/יָּ֥נָס5×
- וַ/יָּ֣נָס5×
- וַ/יָּ֖נָס4×
- נָ֥ס3×
- לָ/נ֥וּס3×
- יָנ֥וּס3×
- וַ/יָּנֻֽסוּ\׃3×
- וַ/יָּנֻ֙סוּ֙3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:25
He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, “Let’s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!”
This verse highlights the shift from human panic to divine victory, as the Egyptians flee because Yahweh fights for Israel.
-
Numbers 35:11
then you shall appoint for yourselves cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the man slayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.
It establishes the legal framework of cities of refuge, showing God's provision for justice and mercy in cases of accidental harm.
-
Leviticus 26:17
I will set my face against you, and you will be struck before your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you; and you will flee when no one pursues you.
This occurrence illustrates the consequence of turning away from God, where fear becomes so paralyzing that people flee even without pursuers.
-
Genesis 39:12
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
Joseph’s flight demonstrates moral courage and integrity, choosing to escape temptation rather than compromise his faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nus mean?
How is nus used in the context of cities of refuge?
Does nus always imply fear or cowardice?
Who is the subject when nus describes enemies fleeing?
Every Occurrence (136 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and some fell there. Those who…
Genesis 19:20See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my…
Genesis 39:12She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
Genesis 39:13When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside,
Genesis 39:15When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”
Genesis 39:18and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”