Lexical Summary netsach: Forever, eternity, splendor, enduring Original Word: נְצַח 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 2. The Witness of Excellence 3. Spiritual Warfare in the Workplace 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. 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. Illustrative Applications • Leadership Training: Use Daniel 6:3 to emphasize integrity and diligence in Christian leadership courses. 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 mitnatzTzachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman'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 |
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