Lexical Summary nitstsah: Spark, glimmer Original Word: נִצָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flower Feminine of nets; a blossom; --flower. see HEBREW nets NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom natsats Definition a blossom NASB Translation flower (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs נִצָּה noun feminine blossom (perhaps from above √, blossom, flower, as shining amid leaves); — absolute ׳נ of vine Isaiah 18:5 ("" מֶּרַח; = berry-cluster according to Di Kit CheHpt compare J. DerenbZAW v (1885), 301 f.; vi (1886), 98 f.); suffix נִצָּתוֺ Job 15:33 (of olive); read also נִצָּתָהּ Genesis 40:10 (of vine) for ᵑ0 נִצָּהּ, compare Di Holz. Topical Lexicon נִצָּה (Strong’s Hebrew 5328)Botanical Setting נִצָּה denotes the tender blossom or bud that appears on a vine, olive, or any fruit‐bearing tree in the brief interval between flowering and the formation of a mature grape or olive. In the hot, semi-arid climate of the Ancient Near East, this stage was highly vulnerable; a single sirocco wind, sudden frost, or ill-timed pruning could strip the promise of fruit for an entire season. Farmers therefore watched the נִצָּה with almost anxious attention, knowing that a healthy bud meant eventual harvest, whereas a prematurely shed bud signaled loss and hunger. Biblical Usage 1. Job 15:33 exposes the fate of the wicked: “He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms”. The picture is of a life that shows initial promise but never ripens into lasting fruit. Imagery of Ephemerality and Judgment Because the נִצָּה is fleeting and easily lost, Scripture employs it to underline the transitory nature of human plans that are divorced from the fear of the Lord. Just as a blossom can be shaken off overnight, so success, wealth, or armies can vanish when God opposes them (Psalm 37:2; James 1:10-11). The figure also illustrates the suddenness of judgment: the tree still stands, the branches remain green, yet the harvest is already forfeited. Thematic Links to Fruitfulness Wisdom literature stresses that legitimate fruit follows righteous roots (Proverbs 12:12; Psalm 1:3). In that light, נִצָּה reminds believers that early signs of life—initial zeal, outward profession, religious activity—must progress to mature obedience. Our Lord warned, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). The blossom is only the pledge; enduring harvest is the proof. Messianic and New Testament Echoes Isaiah’s pruning imagery foreshadows John 15, where the Father “cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit.” The temporary נִצָּה presses the church toward abiding in Christ, the true Vine, whose indwelling Spirit alone carries a believer from budding faith to a harvest that glorifies God (John 15:8; Galatians 5:22-23). Historical and Ministry Significance Early Jewish interpreters linked the loss of blossom in Job and Isaiah to national calamity—the wayward vine of Israel forfeiting covenant blessings. In pastoral application, prophets and apostles alike appeal to this emblem when calling congregations to repentance before outward promise gives way to inward barrenness (Hosea 10:1-2; Revelation 2:5). For contemporary ministry, נִצָּה offers at least three exhortations: Summary נִצָּה captures the delicate interval between promise and fulfillment. Scripture employs the word to warn that a life, a nation, or a ministry may display early vitality yet fall short of harvest if severed from God. By attending to root, vine, and abiding connection to Christ, believers move beyond transient blossom to the “fruit that will last” (John 15:16). Forms and Transliterations נִצָּ֑ה נִצָּתֽוֹ׃ נצה נצתו׃ niṣ·ṣā·ṯōw niṣ·ṣāh niṣṣāh niṣṣāṯōw nitzTzah nitztzaToLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 15:33 HEB: וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ כַּ֝זַּ֗יִת נִצָּתֽוֹ׃ NAS: And will cast off his flower like the olive tree. KJV: and shall cast off his flower as the olive. INT: and will cast the olive his flower Isaiah 18:5 2 Occurrences |
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