נָסַע (na.sa)
na.sa
to set out
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 138 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nasaa describes the physical act of breaking camp to begin a journey. Its core meaning is "to pull out" or "to pull up," specifically referring to the removal of tent pegs and stakes. This concrete image grounds the word’s broader sense of departure, capturing the decisive moment when a nomadic group prepares to move from one location to another.
In Scripture, this term appears frequently in Genesis and Numbers to track the movements of patriarchs and the Israelite tribes. It is used for the physical journey itself, as seen when Abraham travels through the land (Genesis 12:9), or when the Israelites march out of Egypt (Exodus 14:10). The word also applies to non-human movement, such as the wind setting forth in Numbers 11:31 or the pillar of cloud leading the way.
The connection between pulling up stakes and traveling is significant. It suggests that in the ancient Near Eastern context, a journey was not merely a change of scenery but a structured relocation of community and shelter. The verb emphasizes the transition from a settled encampment to the open road, marking a distinct phase in the biblical narrative of migration and divine guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nasaa captures the decisive moment when tent pegs are pulled up and a journey begins. It is not just about moving feet, but about leaving behind what was familiar to follow a new direction. In the ancient world, this act required intention and trust, as families packed their lives into portable shelters and stepped onto unknown roads.
For believers today, this image reminds us that faith often involves movement. Like Abraham or the Israelites, we are called to respond when God leads us forward, even when the path is unclear. The text shows that these journeys were guided by divine presence, such as the pillar of cloud, suggesting that we do not travel alone. This word invites us to view our own transitions not as random changes, but as purposeful steps in a larger story of guidance and provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 138 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they set out65×
- they set out16×
- and/ he set out6×
- they will set out5×
- and/ it set out5×
- and/ set out3×
- when/ sets out2×
- when/ set out/ they2×
- when/ set out2×
- it set out2×
- he had departed2×
- and/ we set out2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּסְע֖וּ43×
- וַ/יִּסְעוּ֙7×
- נָסַ֖ע3×
- יִסָּֽעוּ\׃\ \ס3×
- יִסָּֽעוּ\׃3×
- יִסְע֖וּ3×
- וַ/יִּסַּ֣ע3×
- וַ/יִּסַּ֞ע3×
- וַ/יִּסְע֣וּ3×
- וְ/נָסַ֗ע3×
- נֹסֵ֣עַ2×
- נָסְע֥וּ2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 12:9
Abram traveled, still going on toward the South.
This verse marks Abram’s ongoing obedience as he continues moving deeper into the promised land, showing that faith is a continuous journey rather than a single event.
-
Exodus 14:15
Yahweh said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.
Here God commands Israel to move forward despite the approaching Egyptian army, highlighting that nasaa often involves stepping out in trust during moments of fear.
-
Exodus 40:36
When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys;
This passage establishes the rhythm of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, where movement was strictly tied to the presence of God’s cloud, making nasaa an act of spiritual obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nasaa mean in the Bible?
How is nasaa different from other words for traveling?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (138 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 11 verses
As they traveled east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they lived there.
Genesis 12:9Abram traveled, still going on toward the South.
Genesis 13:11So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves from one another.
Genesis 20:1Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in…
Genesis 33:12Esau said, “Let’s take our journey, and let’s go, and I will go before you.”
Genesis 33:17Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place…
Genesis 35:5They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.
Genesis 35:16They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.
Genesis 35:21Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
Genesis 37:17The man said, “They have left here, for I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” Joseph went after his brothers, and…
Genesis 46:1Israel traveled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.