נוּס

From the study of Proverbs 28:1

Range of meaning

Nus means to flee, escape, run for one's life, typically from battle or an attacker. 'Ein rodeph means 'there is no pursuer.' Together they form a set phrase.

Against the English

"Flee when no one pursues" is accurate in every major version. What English readers miss is that the phrase is borrowed.

Used elsewhere in the period

Leviticus 26:17: 'you will flee when no one pursues you' (wənastem wə'ên-rōdēp 'etkem); Leviticus 26:36–37: 'the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight… they will fall when no one pursues.' Compare Deuteronomy 28:25 and 28:65–67 ('a trembling heart… you will fear night and day'). These are covenant curses on an unfaithful Israel.

From the study of Proverbs 28:17

Range of meaning

To flee, run away, escape, take refuge. It is used for fleeing battle, fleeing danger, and especially fleeing to safety.

Against the English

Most versions say 'flee' or 'be a fugitive'. NIV's 'seek refuge' brings out the refuge idea. NLT ('drive him into the grave') loses the image of flight.

Used elsewhere in the period

This is the technical verb in the laws of refuge: cities are set apart 'that the manslayer may flee there' (Numbers 35:6, 11, 15, 25–26, 32; Deuteronomy 4:42; 19:3–5, 11; Joshua 20:3–4). The cities protected only someone who killed without intent. A deliberate murderer was to be handed to the avenger of blood, and 'your eye shall not pity him' (Deuteronomy 19:11–13).

From the study of Isaiah 59:19

Range of meaning

Root nûs: 'to flee, escape, rush'. The form here (Polel, an intensive or causative pattern) means 'drive on, put to rapid motion'. Some have traced it to a different root, nss, linked to nēs, 'banner, signal pole', which gives 'raise a banner'.

Against the English

KJV: 'shall lift up a standard'. Modern versions: 'drives (along)'. YLT: 'hath raised an ensign'.

How it drifted

Reading the word as connected to nēs ('standard, ensign') produced the military picture of a rallying flag. Most modern lexicons (BDB, HALOT) put the form under nûs, 'drive along'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah often uses nēs, 'banner': 5:26, 11:10–12, 49:22, 62:10. That made the 'standard' reading attractive. The Vulgate's cogit ('drives') and the Septuagint's picture of a rushing river point to motion, not a banner.