### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**G3476 Naassṓn** is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name **Nachshon (נַחְשׁוֹן)**, Strong's **`{{H5177}}`**. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individual it identifies. The Hebrew root of **Nachshon** is debated, but is often associated with **נָחָשׁ (nachash)**, meaning "serpent" or "divination," possibly implying "one who whispers" or "enchanter." However, in the context of names, such meanings often carry a sense of wisdom, insight, or even leadership, perhaps akin to a "leader" or "foremost one." For a proper name, the meaning primarily informs the character or lineage of the person, rather than a range of abstract applications. In this instance, Naasson is specifically identified as a significant Israelite, a prince of the tribe of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek transliteration **Naassṓn (Ναασσών)** appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogies of Jesus Christ:
* [[Matthew 1:4]]: "Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Naasson, Naasson begot Salmon." This places him in the direct patrilineal line leading to King David.
* [[Luke 3:32]]: "the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Naasson, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah." Luke's genealogy similarly confirms his pivotal position within the messianic lineage.
In the Old Testament, his Hebrew name **Nachshon (נַחְשׁוֹן)** is much more prominent and provides the essential context for understanding his significance:
* He is identified as the son of Amminadab and the brother-in-law of Aaron, as his sister Elisheba married Aaron ([[Exodus 6:23]]). This connection links him directly to the priestly line.
* Nachshon served as the prince (נָשִׂיא - *nasi*) of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness wanderings ([[Numbers 1:7]], [[Numbers 2:3]]).
* As the leader of Judah, he was the first to lead his tribal contingent in the march through the wilderness ([[Numbers 10:14]]).
* He was also the first among the tribal leaders to present his offering for the dedication of the tabernacle ([[Numbers 7:12-17]]), highlighting his preeminence and responsibility.
His role as a prince of Judah, and his position as a direct ancestor of David (and thus Jesus), underscores his profound significance within God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5177}}` Nachshon (נַחְשׁוֹן)**: The direct Hebrew equivalent, whose Old Testament occurrences provide the historical and leadership context for Naasson.
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία - `{{G1076}}`)**: Naasson's primary New Testament significance lies in his inclusion in the messianic genealogies, emphasizing the importance of historical continuity and divine faithfulness in God's plan.
* **Tribe of Judah (Ἰούδα - `{{G2448}}`)**: Naasson was a prominent prince of Judah, the tribe prophesied to hold the scepter ([[Genesis 49:10]]) and from which the Messiah would ultimately come. His leadership within this tribe is crucial.
* **Messianic Lineage**: Naasson is a critical link in the ancestral line of King David and, subsequently, Jesus Christ. His presence affirms the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Davidic covenant.
* **Amminadab (Ἀμιναδάβ - `{{G281}}`)**: His father, connecting Naasson to the preceding generation in the lineage.
* **Salmon (Σαλμών - `{{G4532}}`)**: His son, who married Rahab ([[Matthew 1:5]]) and fathered Boaz. This connection further emphasizes the continuity and development of the messianic line through significant biblical figures, including the unexpected inclusion of a Gentile.
### Theological Significance
Naasson's inclusion in Scripture, particularly in the New Testament genealogies, carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Providence in Lineage**: His presence meticulously demonstrates God's sovereign and unwavering hand in preserving the specific lineage through which the Messiah would come. It underscores the reliability of God's promises, from the "seed of the woman" ([[Genesis 3:15]]) to the covenant with Abraham ([[Genesis 12:3]]), Judah ([[Genesis 49:10]]), and David ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). Naasson stands as a testament to God's faithfulness across generations.
* **Leadership and Faithfulness in the Covenant**: As Nachshon, the prince of Judah, he was a figure of considerable authority and responsibility during the formative period of Israel's wilderness journey. His leadership in the tribal march and his significant offering for the tabernacle suggest a life of faithfulness and commitment to the Mosaic covenant. Though the New Testament mentions him only genealogically, his Old Testament actions provide a rich backdrop, illustrating the kind of faithful individuals God incorporated into His unfolding redemptive history.
* **Continuity of Redemptive History**: Naasson serves as a vital bridge, connecting the generation of the Exodus with the period leading into the Judges (through his son Salmon, who married Rahab, mother of Boaz). His presence in both Old and New Testament records (via transliteration) powerfully emphasizes the unified, continuous narrative of God's unfolding plan of salvation across the entire biblical canon.
* **Preeminence of Judah**: His role as the first prince to offer a dedication gift and the first to lead the march underscores the preeminence of the tribe of Judah, from which the ultimate Leader, the Messiah, would arise.
### Summary
**G3476 Naassṓn** is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew **`{{H5177}}` Nachshon**, a pivotal figure in biblical history. In the New Testament, he is primarily known for his indispensable role in the genealogies of Jesus Christ, appearing in both [[Matthew 1:4]] and [[Luke 3:32]]. As the son of Amminadab and father of Salmon, Naasson represents a crucial link in the messianic lineage, tracing back to Judah and forward to King David and ultimately to the Messiah. In the Old Testament, under his Hebrew name Nachshon, he is identified as a prominent prince of the tribe of Judah, distinguished by leading his tribe during the wilderness wanderings and offering the first tribal dedication gift for the tabernacle. His inclusion in Scripture underscores God's meticulous providence in preserving the promised lineage, highlighting themes of divine faithfulness, leadership within the covenant community, and the seamless continuity of redemptive history from the Exodus to the advent of Christ. His presence reaffirms the historical and theological foundations of the New Testament's claim concerning Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah from the tribe of Judah.
TRV