נָסִיךְ (ne.sikh)
ne.sikh
libation; prince
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nesikh carries a striking dual meaning that hinges on the root concept of pouring out. Primarily, it refers to a libation or drink-offering, typically wine poured out as part of ritual worship. This usage appears in legal texts such as Deuteronomy 32:38 and Numbers 15:4, where it describes the liquid accompanying grain offerings.
Less commonly, the term extends metaphorically to describe a molten image, suggesting something cast or poured into a mold. This sense is found in Daniel 3:1, 6, and 7, referring to the statue Nebuchadnezzar erected. The connection between liquid offering and cast metal highlights how the word captures the physical act of shaping or releasing material.
While some sources link this form to a title for a "prince" or leader, the biblical occurrences provided focus on the ritual and idolatrous contexts. The word serves as a linguistic bridge between sacred worship through pouring and the creation of idols through casting, illustrating how physical substances were central to ancient religious practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nesikh reminds us that worship involves both what we give and how we shape our devotion. In ancient Israel, it described the wine poured out alongside grain offerings, a tangible act of surrendering the fruit of the land to God. This pouring was not merely ritualistic but a sign of dependence on the Creator who provides the harvest.
Yet the same root appears in contexts of idolatry, where molten images were cast from metal. This contrast highlights a profound spiritual truth: the materials we use can point toward true worship or lead us into empty substitutes. When we offer our time, resources, and attention, we are effectively 'pouring out' something precious. The question is whether those offerings honor the living God or become static idols that cannot respond.
Reflecting on this duality invites us to examine the posture of our hearts. Are we giving freely in gratitude, or are we clinging to things that have taken God's place? This word calls us to intentional worship, ensuring that our sacrifices reflect genuine love rather than empty routine.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- molten images/ their1×
- drink-offering/ their1×
- [the] princes of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְסִיכָ֑/ם1×
- נְסִיכֵ֣י1×
- נְסִֽכֵי/הֶם֩1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:38
which ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you! Let them be your protection.
This verse contrasts the true God with idols by highlighting that only Yahweh receives the wine of the drink offering, emphasizing exclusive devotion.
-
Daniel 11:8
He will also carry their gods with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, captive into Egypt. He will refrain some years from the king of the north.
Here the term refers to molten images carried captive, illustrating how physical objects meant for worship can become symbols of defeat when disconnected from God.
-
Joshua 13:21
all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.
Although this verse uses a related form for 'chiefs', it provides context for the political landscape where such ritual and idolatrous practices were prevalent.