נִצָּב (nits.tsav)
nits.tsav
hilt
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nitsab refers specifically to the haft or hilt of a sword. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 3:22, where it describes the part of Eglon’s dagger that remained embedded in the king’s belly after the assassin Shammuel thrust it in.
This single occurrence highlights the word’s concrete, physical nature. The narrative focuses on the handle sticking out, emphasizing the finality and brutality of the act rather than the blade itself. By naming the hilt, the text draws attention to the weapon as a whole tool of violence, grounding the historical event in tangible detail.
Though rare in Scripture, nitsab serves as a precise lexical marker for ancient weaponry. Its isolated usage reminds readers that biblical authors often selected specific terms to convey exact imagery, ensuring that even minor details contribute to the gravity of the scene.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nitsab refers to the hilt or handle of a sword. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 3:22. This verse describes the dagger of Eglon, where the handle went in after the blade, and the fat closed over it. The text notes that the assassin did not draw the sword out.
This specific detail highlights the finality of the act. By focusing on the hilt remaining inside, the narrative emphasizes the weight and permanence of the violence. It is a stark reminder that biblical stories often include precise physical details to convey gravity. These details ground historical events in tangible reality, showing that even small words carry significant meaning.
While this word is rare, it reminds us that Scripture cares about concrete truth. We can trust that the Bible records history with accuracy and care. This attention to detail invites us to read more closely, finding depth in every part of the text. May you feel encouraged by the precision of God’s Word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ hilt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נִּצָּ֜ב1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:22
The handle also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn’t draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind.
This verse uses nitsab to describe the handle that remained embedded, emphasizing the finality of the assassination.