5330. netsach
Lexical Summary
netsach: Forever, eternity, splendor, enduring

Original Word: נְצַח
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ntsach
Pronunciation: NAY-tsakh
Phonetic Spelling: (nets-akh')
KJV: be preferred
NASB: distinguishing
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H5329 (נָצַח - oversee)]

1. to become chief

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be preferred

(Aramaic) corresponding to natsach; to become chief -- be preferred.

see HEBREW natsach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to natsach
Definition
to distinguish oneself
NASB Translation
distinguishing (1).

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Nuance

נְצַח pictures surpassing excellence, conspicuous superiority, or pre-eminence. In Daniel 6:3 it describes the stature Daniel attained in the Persian court—a level of distinction so evident that even a pagan monarch planned to entrust him with the whole kingdom.

Biblical Occurrence

Daniel 6:3: “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because an extraordinary spirit was in him, and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”

Historical Setting

Daniel, taken captive as a youth, now serves under Darius the Mede (approximately 539–537 B.C.). The empire is reorganizing after Babylon’s fall, and political intrigue is rife. Into this volatile environment steps a Hebrew exile whose unwavering fidelity to God and unimpeachable integrity elevate him above native officials. נְצַח captures the court’s recognition that Daniel’s competence and character are in a league of their own.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Favor and Human Responsibility
• Scripture repeatedly records God exalting those who walk uprightly (Psalm 75:6 – 7; Proverbs 22:29).
• Daniel’s rise is not mere fortune; it is the fruit of disciplined holiness joined to God-given wisdom (Daniel 1:17, 20).

2. The Witness of Excellence
• Daniel’s נְצַח functions evangelistically. His credibility before Darius sets the stage for royal acknowledgment of Israel’s God (Daniel 6:26–27).
• Excellence, when rooted in godliness, draws attention away from self and toward the Lord who empowers it (Matthew 5:16).

3. Spiritual Warfare in the Workplace
• Daniel’s promotion incites jealousy (Daniel 6:4). נְצַח may invite opposition, yet God vindicates His servants, as seen when Daniel is delivered from the lions (Daniel 6:22).

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Cultivate a Spirit-Filled Competence: Believers are summoned to pursue work that is “worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). נְצַח encourages ministries and laypersons alike to model reliability and skill as part of their witness.
• Expect Resistance: Integrity that outshines common standards often provokes hostility; pastors can prepare congregations for such realities (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Lead for the Common Good: Daniel leveraged his position for the welfare of an entire empire, illustrating how Christian influence can bless secular structures (Jeremiah 29:7).

Christological and Eschatological Dimensions

Daniel’s supremacy foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Servant in whom dwells the Spirit without measure (Isaiah 11:2; John 3:34). Just as Daniel’s excellence led to the salvation of his life and the proclamation of God’s greatness, Christ’s flawless obedience secures eternal deliverance and universal confession of His lordship (Philippians 2:9–11). Moreover, the temporary kingdom entrusted to Daniel anticipates the everlasting dominion of the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13–14.

Related Concepts in Scripture

• “Excellent spirit” (Daniel 5:12) – similar commendation in the prior regime.
• “Approved workers” (2 Timothy 2:15) – New Testament call to demonstrated competence.
• “Blameless and pure… shining like stars” (Philippians 2:15) – the corporate form of נְצַח in the church.

Illustrative Applications

• Leadership Training: Use Daniel 6:3 to emphasize integrity and diligence in Christian leadership courses.
• Workplace Sermons: Preach on נְצַח as a mandate for believers to strive for outstanding performance empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Youth Discipleship: Encourage students that academic and vocational excellence can magnify Christ.

In its single biblical appearance, נְצַח encapsulates the power of godly excellence to transform personal destiny, influence nations, and point a watching world to the one true God.

Forms and Transliterations
מִתְנַצַּ֔ח מתנצח miṯ·naṣ·ṣaḥ miṯnaṣṣaḥ mitnatzTzach
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Daniel 6:3
HEB: דְּנָ֔ה הֲוָ֣א מִתְנַצַּ֔ח עַל־ סָרְכַיָּ֖א
NAS: Daniel began distinguishing himself among
KJV: was preferred above
INT: this was distinguishing among the commissioners

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 5330
1 Occurrence


miṯ·naṣ·ṣaḥ — 1 Occ.

5329
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