5398. nashaph

Lexical Summary

nashaph: To blow, to breathe, to pant

Original Word: נָשַׁף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: nashaph
Pronunciation: naw-shaf'
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-shaf')
KJV: blow
NASB: blew, blows
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to breeze, i.e. blow up fresh (as the wind)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

blow

A primitive root; to breeze, i.e. Blow up fresh (as the wind) -- blow.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to blow
NASB Translation
blew (1), blows (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

נָשַׁף verb blow (Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Christian-Palestinian Aramaic Schw^{Idioticon 58}; Arabic (vulgar) id. (Dozy^{ii. 667}; on usual meaning compare Wetzst^{ZPV xiv. 7}); "" form of נשׁב, compare Jen^{ZA iv (1889), 268}); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular בָּהֶם ׳נ Isaiah 40:24 he hath blow upon them (of ׳י under figure of wind); 2 masculine singular נָשַׁפְתָּ בְרוּחֲךָ Exodus 15:10 (song).

Topical Lexicon

The Breath That Overthrows

The verb נָשַׁף appears on decisive, salvation–history stages where the mere exhalation of the Almighty alters the destiny of nations. In Exodus 15:10 His breath collapses the watery walls that had moments earlier been Israel’s pathway, while in Isaiah 40:24 the same breath instantly withers the proud rulers of the earth. Both scenes portray one unchanging truth: God need only “blow” to rescue His people or to humble the arrogant.

“ ‘But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.’ ” (Exodus 15:10)

“ ‘Scarcely are they planted… when He blows on them, and they wither.’ ” (Isaiah 40:24)

Redemptive Themes

1. Deliverance through Judgment

The verb functions as a hinge between mercy and wrath. The same exhalation that destroys Egypt is Israel’s deliverance. Likewise, the breath that withers world powers in Isaiah paves the way for Zion’s comfort (Isaiah 40:1-5). The pattern anticipates the final victory when “the Lord Jesus will slay [the lawless one] with the breath of His mouth” (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

2. Sovereign Effortlessness

No struggle is depicted; a simple breath suffices. Scripture intentionally contrasts divine ease with human futility, reinforcing the Creator/creature divide (compare Psalm 33:6; Job 4:9).

3. Transience of Earthly Power

Plants that are “scarcely planted” (Isaiah 40:24) symbolize empires whose apparent stability evaporates under a single puff from God. Ministry application: believers need not fear cultural dominance that seems entrenched; it is only “scarcely” rooted.

Literary Connections

• Creation and Re-Creation: While Genesis 2:7 uses a different verb for “breathed,” the imagery overlaps—life comes by His breath; judgment and renewal come by His breath as well (Psalm 104:30).
• Exodus Motif: The verb brackets the Exodus narrative—Yahweh’s wind parts the sea (Exodus 14:21, “a strong east wind”), then His breath closes it (Exodus 15:10). The first movement opens salvation’s door; the second seals it against pursuing evil.

Historical Context

Exodus 15 commemorates a historical rescue circa the fifteenth century B.C. Isaiah 40 speaks to Judah in exile anticipation (eighth–seventh century B.C.). Across centuries the same vocabulary secures continuity: the God who once breathed down Egypt will yet breathe down Babylon—and any future oppressor.

Theological Significance

• Omnipotence: נָשַׁף underscores that divine omnipotence is not merely greater force but unchallengeable authority.
• Immutability: God’s methods reflect His consistent character; His breath remains a sure instrument from the Red Sea to eschaton.
• Eschatology: The motif culminates in Revelation 19:15 where the Messiah’s mouth strikes the nations, echoing the ancient verb.

Pastoral and Homiletical Insights

1. Encourage faith: Congregations facing formidable opposition may rest in the assurance that deliverance can arrive as swiftly as a breath.
2. Promote humility: Leaders and nations must remember their “scarcely planted” status.
3. Inspire worship: As Miriam led Israel in song after the Red Sea, so the church should celebrate present victories flowing from that same breath.

Practical Application

• Prayer: Intercession can invoke God’s breath against spiritual strongholds, aligning with His revealed pattern of effortless overthrow.
• Counseling: Individual crises, like national ones, can turn on a moment of divine exhalation; believers are urged to wait expectantly (Isaiah 30:18).

Summary

נָשַׁף is employed sparingly yet strategically to depict the instantaneous, irresistible effect of God’s breath. Whether collapsing seas upon enemy chariots or reducing imperial pride to withered stubble, the verb magnifies a Lord whose slightest breath secures redemption and executes judgment—a timeless assurance for all who trust in Him.

Forms and Transliterations

נָשַׁ֤ף נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ נשף נשפת nā·šap̄ nā·šap̄·tā nāšap̄ nāšap̄tā naShaf naShafta

Englishman's Concordance

Exodus 15:10
HEB: נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ בְרוּחֲךָ֖ כִּסָּ֣מוֹ
NAS: You blew with Your wind, the sea
KJV: Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea
INT: blew your wind covered

Isaiah 40:24
HEB: גִּזְעָ֑ם וְגַם־ נָשַׁ֤ף בָּהֶם֙ וַיִּבָ֔שׁוּ
NAS: But He merely blows on them, and they wither,
KJV: in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither,
INT: has their stock merely blows wither and the storm

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5398
2 Occurrences

nā·šap̄ — 1 Occ.
nā·šap̄·tā — 1 Occ.