נָסַג (na.sag)
na.sag
to remove
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nasag describes a movement away from a fixed position or standard. It appears nine times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Proverbs and prophetic books like Isaiah and Micah. The core sense is not merely physical motion but a departure from an established order, often implying a failure to remain steadfast.
In its most common form, the Qal stem conveys the idea of backsliding or proving recreant. This suggests a voluntary turning away from duty or loyalty, as seen when leaders fail in their responsibilities (Proverbs 25:26). The Hiphil stem shifts the focus to active displacement, where someone is removed or driven back from their place (Micah 1:14). This usage highlights the consequence of such deviation: being cast out from one’s intended position.
The word carries theological weight by illustrating the instability of those who abandon their commitments. Translators often render it as "remove" or "backslide," capturing both the action and its moral implications. The imagery is concrete, painting a picture of someone stepping away from what they should have held fast to, whether that be justice, loyalty, or divine instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nasag describes a deliberate movement away from a fixed point, whether it is a physical boundary stone or a spiritual standard. In ancient Israel, landmarks defined property and protected the vulnerable from exploitation. To remove one was to steal not just land, but justice and trust. This action reveals a heart that values personal gain over covenant loyalty.
When we face this word in Scripture, it challenges our own commitments. Are we holding fast to what is right, or are we shifting standards when they become inconvenient? God’s concern for these boundaries shows He cares deeply about fairness and integrity. We are invited to examine where we might be drifting from our duties to others.
Staying rooted in truth provides stability. When we refuse to move the lines God has set, we honor Him and protect our neighbors. This steadfastness is a quiet witness to a world that often values flexibility over faithfulness. May we find strength to remain where we are called to stand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you displace2×
- you will displace1×
- like/ [those who] displace1×
- it will be turned back1×
- and/ you will carry away1×
- and/ we have turned back1×
- and/ it has been driven back1×
- [one who] displaces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּ֭סֵּג2×
- תַסִּיג֙1×
- מַסִּ֖יג1×
- כְּ/מַסִּיגֵ֖י1×
- יִסַּ֖ג1×
- וְ/תַסֵּג֙1×
- וְ/נָס֖וֹג1×
- וְ/הֻסַּ֤ג1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 19:14
You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God gives you to possess.
This verse establishes the legal prohibition against moving landmarks, grounding the word in the protection of inheritance and social order.
-
Hosea 5:10
The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark. I will pour out my wrath on them like water.
The prophet uses this term to condemn Judah's leaders for undermining justice, showing how political corruption mirrors spiritual backsliding.
-
Isaiah 59:14
Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has fallen in the street, and uprightness can’t enter.
In this context, the word describes justice being pushed backward, highlighting the societal collapse that results when truth is abandoned.