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H5324 · Hebrew · Old Testament
נָצַב
natsab
Verb
To stand, take one's stand, be stationed

Definition

A Hebrew verb meaning to stand, take one's stand, station oneself, be set, be established, be fixed. In the Niphal it describes taking a firm, resolved position. In the Hiphil it means to station or set up. It conveys deliberate, resolved standing — not casual or accidental, but purposeful positioning.

Usage & Theological Significance

This word captures the idea of resolute, intentional positioning before God. When Israel stands at the Red Sea and Moses says 'Stand firm' (Exodus 14:13), the related concept calls for resolved trust. The LORD stationed Himself on the ladder in Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:13) — God deliberately positioned Himself to communicate with His servant. The 'pillar' (matstsebah, from the same root) Jacob set up marked a place of encounter. In the Psalms, God's word is 'established in heaven' (Psalm 119:89) — permanently stationed, immovable. This word teaches that spiritual life requires deliberate positioning — choosing where to stand, and standing firm.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 28:13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, 'I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father.'
Exodus 34:2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself (stand) there to me on the top of the mountain.
1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!'
Psalm 119:89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Numbers 22:23 And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand.

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