נָסַס (na.sas)
na.sas
to faint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nasas appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 10:18. In this context, it describes a state of being sick or fainting, specifically referring to the destruction of Assyria’s forest and fruitful field. The imagery suggests that the enemy’s military might will be consumed so thoroughly that it leaves them weak, exhausted, and unable to stand.
Lexical sources consistently define this rare word as "to be sick" or "to faint." Its singular occurrence highlights a specific moment of divine judgment where strength is drained away. Rather than describing a chronic illness, the term conveys the sudden collapse of power, leaving the oppressor in a state of physical and spiritual weakness before God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nasas appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 10:18. It describes a sudden collapse, like a soldier who has carried his banner too far and finally faints from exhaustion. This image reminds us that human power is fragile. Even the strongest armies can be reduced to weakness when God intervenes.
When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond your control, this verse offers comfort. It shows that no force against God’s people will stand forever. Your strength may falter, but His purposes do not. You are held by a God who sees the end from the beginning.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [one who] is sick1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֹסֵֽס\׃1×
Key Verses
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Isaiah 10:18
He will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, both soul and body. It will be as when a standard bearer faints.
This verse uses the word to illustrate how Assyria’s military might will suddenly collapse, leaving them weak and unable to continue their oppression.