נִיצוֹץ (ni.tsots)
ni.tsots
spark
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word niṣṣôṣ means a spark, specifically one that flies or glows briefly before fading. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 1:31. In this verse, the prophet uses the image to describe the fate of those who reject God’s guidance. Just as a spark is consumed by the dry brush it ignites, so too will these individuals be destroyed by their own choices.
While the term literally refers to a small fragment of fire, its usage here is figurative. It conveys fragility and transience. A spark has no power on its own; it depends entirely on fuel. Isaiah contrasts this fleeting light with the enduring nature of God’s covenant. The word reminds readers that human efforts apart from divine support are as short-lived as a single glowing particle in the night air.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word niṣṣôṣ describes a tiny spark that flies briefly before fading away. Isaiah uses this image to show how fragile human efforts can be when they are not rooted in God. Just as a spark needs dry brush to burn, our actions need divine support to last. Without it, even strong intentions turn to ash quickly.
This verse reminds us that true strength comes from aligning with God’s guidance rather than relying on our own power. It is an invitation to look beyond temporary successes and seek the enduring light of His presence. In seasons where you feel your efforts are burning out, remember that lasting change requires more than just your own energy.
May this reminder bring peace as you trust in a foundation that does not fade. Let go of the need to control every outcome and rest in the knowledge that God’s ways are steady and sure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <into>/ a spark1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/נִיצ֑וֹץ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 1:31
The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them.”
This verse uses the word to illustrate how human strength becomes as fleeting and self-consuming as a spark when separated from God's guidance.