נָסַס
𐤍𐤎𐤎
nâçaç
H5264 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To lift up or display a conspicuous signal, often in the form of a banner or standard, typically used to guide, gather, or alert a group from a distance. The verb carries the sense of making something visible or prominent, often as a rallying point or warning. In poetic texts, it can refer metaphorically to elevating something to prominence.
Semantic Range
to lift up (a signal/banner), to display (a standard), to make conspicuous, to raise as an ensign, to set up a signal, metaphorically to make prominent
Root / Etymology
The word derives from the root נֵס (nes, 'signal, banner, standard'), probably as a denominative verb. The root idea concerns something elevated or prominent for the purpose of visibility. The actual lexical meaning of נָסַס ('to lift up [a standard], to display [a banner]') focuses on the act of raising or displaying rather than the object itself. There is some overlap and possible identity with the verb נָסַס in the sense of 'to be conspicuous, to display.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, נָסַס appears rarely and is almost always connected to the imagery of banners or signals used for assembling troops, guiding people, or marking out territory. The object raised is usually a נס (nes), a standard, banner, or ensign elevated for visibility. During the monarchic period, such signals played roles in military or cultic contexts. In poetic texts (e.g., Psalms, Isaiah), the imagery of lifting a banner is often symbolic, representing rallying, divine action, or heightened prominence. The act of raising a נס is distinct from other roots meaning 'to lift' (such as נשא, 'to lift, carry') or 'to wave' (e.g., brandishing a weapon). Standard English translations such as 'raise a banner' or 'set up an ensign' generally capture the core sense, though poetically the term may also convey themes of visibility or being set apart. There are no clear examples after the First Temple period. In later periods, related forms of נס take on further symbolic meaning, but the denominative verb itself remains tied to the act of physical display in biblical texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to gleam from afar, i.e. to be conspicuous as a signal; or rather perhaps a denominative from נֵס (and identical with נָסַס, through the idea of a flag as fluttering in the wind); to raise a beacon; lift up as an ensign.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נסס (n-s-s) — prominence, signaling, conspicuous display
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3071 | יְהֹוָה נִסִּי | my banner |
| H5251 | נֵס | the raised standard |
| H5263 | נָסַס | the one growing weak |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5264-01 |
מִֽתְנוֹסְס֖וֹת | mitenosesot | HVrrfpa |
glittering | those displaying themselves conspicuously | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5264-01 |
Zechariah 9:16 | מִֽתְנוֹסְס֖וֹת | mitenosesot | HVrrfpa |
glittering | those displaying themselves conspicuously |