נִשְׁמָא (nish.ma)
nish.ma
breath
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic word nish.ma denotes breath or spirit, serving as the direct cognate of the Hebrew ne.sha.mah. It appears only once in the canonical Scriptures, specifically within the book of Daniel where the language shifts to Aramaic for its imperial narratives.
In Daniel 5:23, Belshazzar uses this term when accusing his guests of dishonoring the "God in whose hand is your breath." Here, the word captures the fragile, dependent nature of human life. It underscores that every moment of existence is sustained by divine will rather than human power.
Though rare, its usage highlights a theological continuity between Hebrew and Aramaic biblical texts. The term reminds readers that life itself is a gift held in trust, pointing to the sovereignty of God over even the simplest act of breathing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life feels fragile sometimes, doesn't it? We plan our weeks and worry about tomorrow, yet this Aramaic word reminds us that every single breath is held in God’s hand. It is not a force we control, but a gift we receive. This truth strips away the illusion of self-sufficiency. You do not keep yourself alive; He does.
When anxiety rises or plans fall apart, remember that your existence is sustained by divine will. This dependence is not a weakness to hide, but a comfort to hold onto. The same power that keeps your heart beating is the same power that cares for your soul. Rest in that steady care today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- breath/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִשְׁמְתָ֥/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:23
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
This verse contrasts human arrogance with divine sovereignty by stating that God holds the very breath of life, emphasizing total human dependence on Him.