נָשִׂיא (na.si)
na.si
leader; mist
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 83 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nasi denotes a person who is elevated or lifted up, functioning as a leader, chief, or prince. With over eighty occurrences in the Old Testament, it appears frequently in historical and legal texts such as Numbers and Joshua to describe tribal heads and community officials. The term captures the social reality of someone raised above others in status or authority, serving as a standard word for governance in ancient Israel.
Less commonly, the same root carries a poetic meaning related to "rising mist" or vapor. This secondary sense relies on the visual image of something appearing suddenly and then fading away. While the political usage is dominant in narrative contexts, this atmospheric definition adds a layer of metaphorical depth, suggesting that human authority, like mist, is visible yet transient.
The etymological link between leadership and vapor offers a striking theological contrast. A nasi holds significant power in the community, yet the word’s root reminds readers that such positions are temporary. This duality allows the text to honor the office of the leader while implicitly acknowledging the fleeting nature of earthly power compared to enduring divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nasi describes someone lifted up to lead a community. In ancient Israel, these leaders were responsible for their tribes and families. They stood before God and people as representatives. This role carried weight and responsibility, reminding us that authority is a trust given by God.
Yet the same root also means mist or vapor. A leader’s power is visible but temporary. Unlike God’s enduring reign, human influence fades like morning fog. This contrast helps us respect those in office while keeping our hope fixed on eternal sovereignty.
When we read about princes and rulers, we see both the structure of community life and the humility required of all who lead. Every position is fleeting, but God’s faithfulness remains constant through every generation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 83 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a leader14×
- the/ leaders13×
- and/ [the] leader12×
- [the] leaders of12×
- [the] leader10×
- clouds4×
- and/ [the] leaders of4×
- and/ [the] leader of4×
- [the] leader of3×
- princes2×
- and/ the/ leaders2×
- the/ prince1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָשִׂ֖יא12×
- וְ/נָשִׂיא֙12×
- נָשִׂ֑יא7×
- נְשִׂיאֵ֣י7×
- נָשִׂ֥יא3×
- נְשִׂיאֵ֥י3×
- נָשִׂ֨יא2×
- נָשִׂ֤יא2×
- נְשִׂיאֵ֖י2×
- נְשִׂאִ֖ים2×
- נְשִׂ֖יא2×
- וּ/נְשִׂיאֵ֥י2×
Key Verses
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Genesis 23:6
“Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb. Bury your dead.”
Abraham is called a prince of God, showing that honor comes from divine recognition rather than human status alone.
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Numbers 1:16
These are those who were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
These leaders were specifically chosen by the congregation to represent their tribes, highlighting the communal nature of authority in Israel.
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Leviticus 4:22
“‘When a ruler sins, and unwittingly does any one of all the things which Yahweh his God has commanded not to be done, and is guilty,
The law holds rulers accountable for sin, demonstrating that leadership does not grant immunity from moral responsibility before God.
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Numbers 3:32
Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the requirements of the sanctuary.
Eleazar is named prince of the princes, illustrating a hierarchy where oversight of sacred duties requires careful stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nasi mean in the Old Testament?
Is there another meaning for this word?
How are leaders held accountable in these texts?
Why is this word important for understanding Israel’s structure?
Every Occurrence (83 verses across 12 books)
Genesis 4 verses
As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him…
Genesis 23:6“Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold…
Genesis 25:16These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes,…
Genesis 34:2Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her. He took her, lay with her, and humbled her.