נָשַׁק (na.shaq)
na.shaq
to kiss; to handle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nashaq primarily denotes the act of kissing, appearing in thirty-one verses across the Old Testament. It captures a physical gesture of affection, greeting, or reconciliation. Readers encounter it in intimate family moments, such as Jacob kissing his father Isaac (Genesis 27:26), and in royal contexts, like Absalom kissing the king to feign loyalty (2 Samuel 15:5). The word conveys warmth and personal connection rather than a formal or distant interaction.
Lexical sources note that its exact etymological root is uncertain, with some scholars suggesting an original meaning of "to handle" or "be equipped." This potential link to physical contact helps explain its usage in the Hiphil stem, where it describes cherubim touching their wings together gently (1 Kings 6:24). Here, the term bridges human affection and divine imagery, emphasizing close, careful proximity.
In Song of Solomon, nashaq appears in descriptions of romantic love, highlighting the physical expression of desire and intimacy. Translators consistently render it as "kiss," preserving the sense of direct, tender contact. The word’s range moves from familial greetings to royal politics and erotic poetry, always centered on the idea of joining or touching closely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nashaq describes a kiss, but it carries more weight than a simple greeting. It signals deep affection, reconciliation, or respect. When Jacob kissed Rachel, he wept with joy. When Esau kissed his brother, tears flowed as they made peace. This physical act bridges the gap between two people, showing that love is not just felt but demonstrated through touch.
In Scripture, this gesture marks significant moments of connection. It appears in family reunions, royal courts, and even poetic songs of love. It reminds us that God values personal relationship. Whether it is a father blessing a son or friends parting ways, the kiss affirms bond and care. It turns abstract feelings into tangible reality.
For your faith life, this word invites you to value close relationships. It encourages warmth in how we treat family and friends. Let your actions show the love you hold inside. May your interactions reflect the same genuine connection found in these ancient texts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he kissed10×
- to/ kiss2×
- and/ she kissed2×
- and/ he kissed/ him2×
- they will kiss/ !1×
- let him kiss/ me1×
- kiss1×
- it will kiss1×
- it has kissed1×
- he kisses1×
- and/ they kissed1×
- and/ she kisses1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּשַּׁק\־4×
- וַ/יִּשַּׁ֥ק3×
- נוֹשְׁקֵ֥י1×
- נֹֽשְׁקֵי\־1×
- נֹ֣שְׁקֵי1×
- נָשַׁ֖ק1×
- נַשְּׁקוּ\־1×
- לִ/נְשָׁק\־1×
- לְ/נַשֵּׁ֥ק1×
- יִשָּׁקֽוּ/ן\׃1×
- יִשָּׁקֵ֙/נִי֙1×
- יִשָּׁ֑ק1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 33:4
Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Esau runs to meet Jacob, embraces him, and kisses him, marking a profound moment of reconciliation after years of estrangement.
-
I Samuel 20:41
As soon as the boy was gone, David arose out of the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times. They kissed one another and wept with one another, and David wept the most.
David and Jonathan kiss one another and weep, highlighting the deep emotional bond and loyalty between them before parting.
-
Ruth 1:14
They lifted up their voices and wept again; then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth stayed with her.
Orpah kisses her mother-in-law Naomi goodbye, illustrating the cultural norm of farewell while contrasting with Ruth's decision to stay.
-
Genesis 29:11
Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
Jacob kisses Rachel and weeps immediately upon meeting her, showing his overwhelming joy at finally arriving in his homeland and seeing his wife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nashaq mean in the Old Testament?
Is nashaq used in a negative context?
How is nashaq different from other words for love?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 10 verses
His father Isaac said to him, “Come near now, and kiss me, my son.”
Genesis 27:27He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my…
Genesis 29:11Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
Genesis 29:13When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and…
Genesis 31:28and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now you have done foolishly.
Genesis 33:4Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 41:40You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater…
Genesis 45:15He kissed all his brothers, and wept on them. After that his brothers talked with him.
Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed…
Genesis 50:1Joseph fell on his father’s face, wept on him, and kissed him.