The Hebrew verb nazah means to sprinkle, to spatter, or to cause liquid to scatter in drops. It is a key priestly term describing the ritual application of blood or water for purification and atonement. The sprinkling was performed by the priest using his finger or a hyssop branch.
This verb is central to the sacrificial system, particularly on the Day of Atonement when the high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat. The act of sprinkling symbolized the application of atoning blood to the place where God's holiness met human sin. Isaiah 52:15 prophetically declares that the Suffering Servant will sprinkle many nations — a profound picture of Messiah's atoning work extending purification to all peoples.