נָצַב

From the study of Psalm 39:5

Range of meaning

In this form it means 'stationed, posted, standing upright, set firm'. It is used of people standing in position (Exod 5:20; 33:8), of officers 'stationed' over districts (1 Kgs 4:5, 7, where nitsavim means 'governors'), and of something fixed in place (Gen 28:12, the ladder 'set up').

Against the English

KJV 'at his best state' and BSB/NASB 'at his best' read it as 'standing firm, well established'. NIV 'even those who seem secure' does the same. WEB and ESV 'stands' keep the plain verb. YLT 'set up' is very literal. The Septuagint 'living' takes it as 'existing'.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Niphal participle is common in narrative for someone standing in a set position. Psalm 82:1 uses it of God 'standing' in the divine council. The sense 'firmly established' is well supported.

From the study of Genesis 18:2

Range of meaning

In this form the verb natsav means 'to stand firm, to be stationed, to take one's stand.' It often describes a set or official posture. The preposition ʿal means 'upon, over, above, beside, by.' With a verb of standing next to someone who is seated or lying down, it means 'standing over / near.'

Against the English

KJV and YLT say 'stood by him' / 'standing by him'; ESV 'in front of him'; NASB 'opposite him'; BSB, NIV and WEB 'nearby' / 'near him.' 'Nearby' is accurate, but it loses the picture of figures standing above a seated man, already close when he first notices them.

Used elsewhere in the period

The same phrase, nitsav ʿalav, is used of the LORD standing above or beside the sleeping Jacob (Gen 28:13). Natsav is used of the angel of the LORD taking his stand in Balaam's road (Num 22:22–23) and of the Lord 'standing by the altar' in Amos 9:1. It also has ordinary human uses, for example someone stationed over a group (1 Sam 22:9).

From the study of Amos 9:1

Range of meaning

The Niphal (a passive or reflexive stem of the verb) of nṣb means 'to take one's stand, be stationed, be posted'. It describes officials, sentries, a pillar set upright, or someone positioned to act. With ʿal it can mean 'standing over' (presiding or overseeing), 'standing beside', or 'standing upon'.

Against the English

KJV says 'upon the altar', which pictures God physically on top of the altar. BSB, WEB, ESV and NIV say 'beside'. YLT says 'by'. 'Standing' alone loses the sense of being stationed with a purpose.

Used elsewhere in the period

Gen 28:13, the founding vision of Bethel: 'YHWH was stationed (niṣṣāb) above/beside him (ʿālāyw)'. Amos 7:7: the Lord 'stationed (niṣṣāb) upon/beside a wall' with a plumb line. 1 Sam 22:9: Doeg 'standing over' Saul's servants. Exod 33:21 and 34:2: Moses told to 'station yourself' on the rock.