Lexical Summary nasaq: To kiss Original Word: נָשַׂק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance burn, kindle A primitive root; to catch fire -- burn, kindle. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as salaq, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs [שָׂלִק] verb kindle, burn (Ecclus 43:4 margin הִסִּיק, Nehemiah 7:21; Nehemiah 7:23 הִשִּׂיק, burn; Aramaic (also BA) סְלַק ascend, Aph`el cause to go up (in flame), offer sacrifice;  , Palmyrene סלק ascend); — Niph`al Perfect3feminine singular אֵשׁ נִשְּׂקָה בְיַעֲקֹב Psalm 78:21 a fire was kindled against Jacob. Hiph`il make a fire burn: Perfect3plural consecutive וְהִשִּׂיקוּ, with ב of thing; Imperfect3masculine singular absolute יְשִּׂיק Isaiah 44:15 (both "" בִּעֵר). Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Semantic Rangeנָשַׂק (nasak) evokes the intentional act of igniting, the conscious choice to set something ablaze so that its heat, light, or consuming power may accomplish a purpose. Rather than the spontaneous outbreak of fire, the term points to deliberate kindling—wood arranged, a spark applied, and flames tended until they achieve their appointed end. This nuance makes נָשַׂק a potent metaphor wherever Scripture speaks of divine judgment, idolatrous folly, or purifying removal of hostile forces. Occurrences in Scripture Psalm 78:21 presents the verb in the context of covenant infidelity: “Therefore the LORD heard and was furious; so fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel”. Here נָשַׂק frames the Lord’s wrath not as a temperamental outburst, but as a morally calibrated response, lit with precision against persistent unbelief. Isaiah 44:15 uses the same imagery to expose the absurdity of idolatry: the craftsman “also kindles it and bakes bread; he even fashions a god and worships it.” The irony is sharp: the same log that warms the body is carved into a powerless deity. נָשַׂק therefore highlights the contrast between genuine warmth provided by the Creator’s gifts and the cold futility of human-made gods. Ezekiel 39:9 depicts Israel’s eschatological vindication: “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and burn the weapons”. The act of kindling enemy armaments becomes a victory liturgy—an outward sign that the Lord Himself has disarmed the nations and provided fuel for His people. Theological Themes 1. Divine Wrath as Justly Kindled In Psalm 78 the flames rise only after repeated rebellion. נָשַׂק underscores that the Lord’s anger is ignited by persistent covenant violation, never by caprice. The image guards believers from picturing God as arbitrary while warning against presuming on His patience. 2. Idolatry Exposed by Everyday Fires Isaiah’s satire lays bare the foolish exchange of glory. The same wood that answers practical needs is promoted as a savior. נָשַׂק therefore becomes a literary torch that illuminates idolatry’s irrationality and calls readers to exclusive devotion. 3. Final Triumph and Purging Ezekiel positions נָשַׂק within end-time hope. What once threatened Israel is now fuel for their hearths. The weapons that symbolized violence are converted into warmth, portraying a peace so complete that instruments of war become resources for life. Historical and Cultural Setting Ancient Near Eastern households relied on small clay or stone hearths where kindling was carefully arranged to maximize limited fuel. Nomads guarded ember-filled pottery when traveling; urbanites stored season-dried wood. In such contexts נָשַׂק signified both routine survival and decisive action—lighting ovens for bread or burning cities in warfare. The biblical writers tap these everyday visuals to communicate truths about covenant fidelity, divine judgment, and eschatological renewal. Ministry Implications • Preaching on Psalm 78 can press the pastoral point that repeated unbelief eventually “kindles” consequences. God’s patience is real, but so is His holiness. • Isaiah 44 invites congregations to examine modern idols—possessions, technology, reputation—asking whether what warms the body has quietly become the object of ultimate trust. • Ezekiel 39 encourages believers facing opposition: weapons arrayed against God’s people will one day provide warmth, not wounds. This promise fuels perseverance and missions confidence. Christocentric Reflection At the cross the holy anger rightly kindled against sin was poured out upon the Son, who “loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Christ bore the fiery judgment so that those united to Him might receive the Spirit’s flame without being consumed. Thus נָשַׂק finds its climactic resolution: wrath satisfied, idolatry exposed, enemies disarmed. Devotional Meditation Believers may pray: “Lord, where embers of compromise smolder, extinguish them; where zeal for Your glory has cooled, kindly kindle anew.” In personal holiness, corporate worship, and global mission, may the fire be lit by God’s hand and sustained for His purposes alone. Forms and Transliterations וְ֠הִשִּׂיקוּ והשיקו יַשִּׂ֖יק ישיק נִשְּׂקָ֣ה נשקה niś·śə·qāh nisseKah niśśəqāh Vehissiku wə·hiś·śî·qū wəhiśśîqū yaś·śîq yasSik yaśśîqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 78:21 HEB: וַֽיִּתְעַבָּ֥ר וְ֭אֵשׁ נִשְּׂקָ֣ה בְיַעֲקֹ֑ב וְגַם־ KJV: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, INT: was full fire was kindled Jacob also Isaiah 44:15 Ezekiel 39:9 3 Occurrences |
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