Nasi designates an elevated leader — a prince, chief, or tribal head. From the root nasa (to lift up), the word literally means 'one who is lifted up.' It appears over 130 times and is used for tribal leaders in the wilderness (Numbers), the future messianic prince in Ezekiel, and Israel's rulers.
In Numbers, each tribal leader is called a nasi, responsible for the census, offerings, and leading their tribe before God. The most theologically significant use is in Ezekiel's vision of the restored Israel (chs. 44–48), where a nasi — not a king — presides over the new community in a humble priestly role. Scholars see this as a deliberate downgrade from royal language, pointing toward servant leadership. In Ezekiel 34, God rebukes the false shepherds/princes and promises a coming true Shepherd-Prince — anticipating the Messiah.