נָסָה (na.sah)
na.sah
to test
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nasa means to test, prove, or attempt something by putting it through a trial. In the Old Testament, this word often describes God testing people to reveal their loyalty, as when He tested Abraham’s faith in Genesis 22:1 or provided manna to see if Israel would follow His instructions in Exodus 16:4. It can also describe humans testing God, such as when the Israelites doubted His presence at Massah in Exodus 17:7.
A key distinction noted by lexicons is that nasa differs from bchan, which implies testing by touch or examination like a stonecutter checking a rock. Nasa carries a sense of smelling or probing through experience. The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon’s wisdom with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1), illustrating this active probing. Translators sometimes use "tempt," but in biblical context, it usually means proving character rather than enticing to sin.
This word appears frequently in Deuteronomy and the Psalms, highlighting its importance in understanding Israel’s relationship with God. The noun massah, derived from nasa, refers to the place of testing itself. Recognizing this root helps readers see that biblical testing is not arbitrary but intended to strengthen faith and reveal true devotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nasa describes a process of testing that seeks to reveal what is already inside a person. In Scripture, this often appears as God allowing trials in our lives not to cause harm, but to show whether our trust in Him is steady. When Abraham faced the difficult command in Genesis 22:1, the test was meant to bring his loyalty into clear view. It shows us that God knows our hearts fully and uses these moments to deepen our reliance on His promises.
Yet this word also warns against the human tendency to challenge God out of doubt. In Exodus 17:2, the Israelites quarreled over water and asked if God was truly with them. This kind of testing is different; it is a demand for proof rather than a posture of trust. We are invited instead to approach God with honesty, asking Him to examine our motives as David did in Psalm 26:2. When we face uncertainty, we can rest in the knowledge that our trials have purpose.
Ultimately, biblical testing is about alignment with God’s will. It strips away superficial faith and leaves only what is real. Whether you are walking through a season of hardship or facing a moral choice, remember that God’s goal is your good. He uses these experiences to refine your character and draw you closer to Him. This word reminds us that our faith is not static but grows stronger through the fire of experience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they put to [the] test4×
- to/ put to [the] test3×
- to/ put to [the] test/ him2×
- to put to [the] test2×
- I have put to [the] test2×
- ¿/ has it attempted1×
- ¿/ did someone attempt1×
- you will put to [the] test1×
- you put to [the] test/ him1×
- you put [him] to [the] test1×
- to/ put to [the] test/ you1×
- to put to [the] test/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְנַסּ֣וּ3×
- לְ/נַסּ֥וֹת2×
- וַ/יְנַסּוּ\־2×
- תְּנַסּ֖וּ/ן1×
- תְנַסּ֔וּ1×
- נַסֹּתָ֤/ם1×
- נַסֹּתֶ֔/ךָ1×
- נַסּ֥וֹת1×
- נַסּ֣וֹת1×
- נַס\־1×
- נִסָּה֒1×
- נִסָּֽ/הוּ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:1
After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”
This verse establishes God as the initiator of testing, using the event to reveal Abraham's deep-seated loyalty rather than to surprise Him with unknown information.
-
Exodus 17:2
Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”
Here the word highlights human doubt, showing how pressing God for immediate proof can turn into a challenge against His presence and care.
-
Deuteronomy 8:2
You shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.
This passage clarifies that God’s testing in the wilderness was designed to humble Israel and expose the true condition of their hearts regarding obedience.
-
Psalms 26:2
Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.
David uses this verb to invite God into his inner life, seeking divine examination to ensure his motives are pure and aligned with truth.