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H5262 · Hebrew · Old Testament
נֶסֶךְ
Nesek
Noun, masculine
Drink offering, libation

Definition

The Hebrew noun nesek (from nasak, H5258, to pour out) refers to a drink offering — a liquid libation poured out before the LORD as part of the sacrificial system. Wine was the primary liquid used. The nesek accompanied burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, completing the sacrificial meal.

Usage & Theological Significance

The drink offering was the final act in the sacrificial sequence, representing complete self-offering to God. Its pouring out is irreversible — wine once poured cannot be reclaimed. Paul seized on this imagery to describe his ministry and death: "poured out like a drink offering" (Philippians 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:6). This is the theology of total surrender — life held back nothing, offered entirely to God. Jesus Himself, in Gethsemane, poured out His soul to God (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 22:44) before the cross — the ultimate nesek, completing all offerings.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 15:7 With the third of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Offer it as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.
Exodus 29:40 Together with the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering.
Numbers 28:7 The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the LORD at the sanctuary.
Hosea 9:4 They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, nor will their sacrifices please him.
Isaiah 57:6 The smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; indeed, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings.

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External Resources

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