נֶשֶׁר (ne.sher)
ne.sher
eagle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nesher refers to a large bird of prey, encompassing eagles and vultures. Its etymology suggests a root meaning "to lacerate," highlighting its nature as a scavenger or hunter. This dual identity appears in the law, where it is listed among unclean birds (Leviticus 11:13), yet also in poetry that celebrates its strength and longevity (Psalm 103:5).
Scripture frequently uses nesher to symbolize swift power or sudden judgment. In Exodus 19:4, God describes carrying Israel on eagle wings, an image of protective care. Conversely, prophets like Jeremiah and Habakkuk use the bird to depict invading armies that move with terrifying speed (Jeremiah 4:13; Habakkuk 1:8). The word captures both the majesty of creation and the awe-inspiring force of divine action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nesher appears in Scripture with two distinct voices. In the law and prophecy, it often signals swift judgment or unclean scavenging. Yet in Exodus and Psalms, it becomes a symbol of God’s tender care. He lifts His people on wings that do not falter. This duality reminds us that the same Creator who commands the storm also offers shelter within it.
When life feels overwhelming, remember that strength is not always about your own endurance. Isaiah 40:31 promises renewal for those who wait on the Lord. His power sustains you when your own resources run dry. You are held by a love that flies higher than any threat.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like <the>/ eagle7×
- like/ an eagle4×
- the/ eagle3×
- more than/ eagles2×
- an eagle2×
- more than/ [the] eagles of1×
- like <the>/ eagles1×
- eagles1×
- <the>/ eagle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/נֶּ֔שֶׁר2×
- כְּ֝/נֶ֗שֶׁר2×
- נָֽשֶׁר\׃\ \פ1×
- נָ֑שֶׁר1×
- נְשָׁרִ֔ים1×
- מִ/נִּשְׁרֵ֖י1×
- מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֣ים1×
- מִ/נְּשָׁרִ֖ים1×
- כַּ/נֶּ֣שֶׁר1×
- כַּ/נֶּ֙שֶׁר֙1×
- כַּ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר1×
- כַּ/נְּשָׁרִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 19:4
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.
This verse uses nesher to describe God’s personal act of bearing Israel out of Egypt, framing deliverance as an intimate, protective gesture rather than mere military rescue.
-
Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Here the image shifts from judgment to hope, promising that waiting on God results in renewed strength and the ability to rise above weariness.
-
Deuteronomy 28:49
Yahweh will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies: a nation whose language you will not understand,
The eagle’s speed here illustrates the suddenness of divine judgment through invading armies, emphasizing how quickly consequences can arrive when covenant faithfulness fails.