נֵס
Nes
Banner, standard, signal, miracle
Nes (נֵס) is a Hebrew word meaning “banner, standard, signal, miracle,” pronounced “NES.” Derived from the root נ-ס-ס, nes appears 20 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H5251).
| Hebrew | נֵס |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Nes |
| Pronunciation | NES |
| Meaning | Banner, standard, signal, miracle |
| Root Letters | נ-ס-ס |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 20× |
| Key Verse | Exodus 17:15 |
| Strong's Number | H5251 |
| Category | Warfare & Victory |
After Israel's first military victory — defeating the Amalekites while Moses held up his hands — Moses built an altar and named it YHWH Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי), 'The LORD is my Banner' (Exodus 17:15). The Hebrew word nes (נֵס) means banner or standard — the flag raised high on a pole that rallied ancient armies, marked their identity, and signaled their presence. But here is what makes nes extraordinary: the same word also means 'miracle.' A banner is a miracle. A miracle is a banner. In Hebrew, when God performs a supernatural act, He is raising a signal flag for the world to see — declaring His presence, power, and commitment to His people. Isaiah 11:10 prophesies that the Messiah will stand as a nes for the nations — a banner to which all peoples will rally. Every miracle God performs is a nes — a raised standard proclaiming 'I am here, and I am sovereign.'
Key Bible Verse: Exodus 17:15
“And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner (YHWH Nissi).”
What Is the Root of Nes in Hebrew?
Nes comes from the root נ-ס-ס (nun-samech-samech), meaning 'to raise up, to be conspicuous, to gleam.' A nes is something lifted high for all to see — whether a military banner or a divine miracle. Both are public declarations.
What Does Nes Mean in the Bible?
Nes appears 20 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes military banners (Numbers 21:8-9, the bronze serpent on a pole), God as banner (Exodus 17:15), messianic prophecy (Isaiah 11:10), and miraculous signs. In modern Hebrew, 'nes' means 'miracle.'
How Is Nes Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, 'nes' primarily means 'miracle.' The Hanukkah song declares 'Nes gadol hayah sham' ('A great miracle happened there'). The word captures the conviction that God's supernatural intervention is central to Israel's story.
How to Use Nes in Prayer & Worship
Rally under the banner of YHWH Nissi. In every battle, raise the standard of God's name. Ask God to perform a nes in your life that makes His glory visible to all who are watching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nes
How do you say “Banner” in Hebrew?
“Banner” in Hebrew is Nes (נֵס), pronounced “NES.” Nes comes from the root נ-ס-ס (nun-samech-samech), meaning 'to raise up, to be conspicuous, to gleam.' A nes is something lifted high for all to see — whether a military banner or a divine miracle. Both are public declarations.
What does Nes mean in the Bible?
Nes (נֵס) means “Banner, standard, signal, miracle” in Biblical Hebrew. Nes appears 20 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes military banners (Numbers 21:8-9, the bronze serpent on a pole), God as banner (Exodus 17:15), messianic prophecy (Isaiah 11:10), and miraculous signs. In modern Hebrew, 'nes' means 'miracle.'
How do you pronounce Nes?
Nes is pronounced “NES.” The word comes from the Hebrew root נ-ס-ס.
What does 'YHWH Nissi' mean?
'YHWH Nissi' (The LORD is my Banner) was the name Moses gave the altar after defeating Amalek (Exodus 17:15). In ancient warfare, the banner identified your army and rallied scattered troops. Moses declared that Israel's identity, unity, and victory were found entirely in the LORD.
Why does nes mean both banner and miracle?
A banner is raised high for all to see. A miracle is God raising His power high for all to see. Both are public, visible demonstrations. In Hebrew, every miracle is a banner — God planting His flag in history, declaring sovereignty and commitment to His people.
How is the Messiah a banner in Isaiah?
Isaiah 11:10 prophesies: 'The root of Jesse will stand as a nes for the peoples; the nations will rally to him.' Christians see this in Jesus — lifted up on the cross (John 3:14, echoing the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:8-9) He becomes the banner to which all nations are drawn.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H5251: Nes
- Bible Gateway — Exodus 17:15 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for נ-ס-ס
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