Nehushtan is a biblical Hebrew word that refers to a serpentine object which was worshipped by the Israelites in the wilderness as an idol. The spelling of Nehushtan can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers, as it contains a few unique Hebrew sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, Nehushtan is spelled /nɛˈhuːʃtən/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "sh" and "ch" sounds are common in Hebrew, while the "n" and "t" sounds are straightforward.
Nehushtan is a term derived from the Hebrew language and is mentioned in the Bible. The word is primarily associated with a bronze serpent that holds significant religious and historical importance. The term Nehushtan refers to this specific serpent primarily mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Numbers and the second book of Kings.
According to the biblical accounts, the Nehushtan was a bronze serpent created by Moses during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It was constructed under God's instruction as a way to heal the afflicted Israelites from a plague of venomous snakes that were sent as punishment by God. The Nehushtan is not only recognized for its miraculous healing properties but also symbolizes faith and obedience to God's commandments.
Over time, however, the Nehushtan became an object of idolatry. It was worshipped by the Israelites, and King Hezekiah eventually destroyed it during his religious reforms in the 8th century BC.
In a broader context, the term Nehushtan can also be used metaphorically to describe an object or symbol that was originally intended for a positive purpose but has become an idol or an object of misplaced veneration.
The word "Nehushtan" has its origins in the Hebrew language. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 2 Kings 18:4. In the context of the Bible, Nehushtan refers to a bronze serpent made by Moses in the wilderness, which later became an object of idolatrous worship.
Etymologically, the word "Nehushtan" is derived from the Hebrew root נ-ח-ש (n-ḥ-š), which primarily means "to divine" or "to enchant". This root is also related to the Hebrew word for serpent, "נָחָשׁ" (nachash).
The suffix "-tan" in Nehushtan functions as a pejorative diminutive.