### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ναούμ (Naoum), Strong's number `{{G3486}}`, is a proper noun, a transliteration of the Hebrew name נַחוּם (Nachum), which is Strong's number `{{H5151}}`. The root meaning of נַחוּם is "comfort," "compassion," or "consolation." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to identifying a specific individual. However, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries the theological weight of divine comfort and solace, reflecting a characteristic attributed to God or desired for the one bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Ναούμ (Naoum) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke:
* [[Luke 3:25]] - "the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Naoum, the son of Esli, the son of Nagge,"
In this sole occurrence, Naoum is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, positioned within the lineage that traces back through David to Adam. Luke's genealogy, traditionally understood to follow Mary's lineage, serves a crucial theological purpose: it establishes Jesus' genuine humanity and his connection to the covenant promises made to Israel. The meticulous detailing of each generation underscores the divine faithfulness in preserving a continuous line through which the Messiah would come. Naoum's inclusion, while brief, is vital for maintaining the integrity and continuity of this sacred lineage, affirming Jesus' legitimate claim to be the promised Son of David and the Son of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, נַחוּם (Nachum, `{{H5151}}`), from which Ναούμ is derived. This Hebrew name is famously borne by the prophet Nahum, whose book in the Old Testament focuses on God's judgment against Nineveh and, by extension, His comfort for His people. The name itself is linked to the Hebrew verb נָחַם (nacham, `{{H5162}}`), which means "to be sorry, to repent, to comfort, to console." This root expresses a range of emotions from regret and sorrow to deep compassion and consolation. Concepts related to Naoum thus include:
* Divine comfort and consolation
* Compassion and mercy
* The fulfillment of God's promises through generational lineage
* The meticulous nature of God's providential plan in history
While the specific individual Naoum in Luke's genealogy is distinct from the prophet Nahum, the shared etymology of their names points to a common thematic thread of divine comfort and care that permeates biblical revelation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Naoum, though appearing only as a name in a list, is profound within the broader narrative of salvation history. His presence in Jesus' genealogy underscores several key theological truths:
1. **Messianic Legitimacy:** As an ancestor, Naoum contributes to the validation of Jesus' messianic claims, demonstrating his rightful place within the lineage prophesied for the Christ.
2. **Divine Faithfulness:** His inclusion testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, meticulously preserving the line through which salvation would come. It highlights the divine precision in orchestrating human history to fulfill His redemptive plan.
3. **Humanity of Christ:** Naoum's place in the human lineage of Jesus emphasizes the true humanity of the Son of God. This is crucial for understanding the incarnation and Jesus' ability to truly represent and redeem humanity.
4. **Echo of Comfort:** While not explicitly stated, the inherent meaning of the name "comfort" or "consolation" (from its Hebrew root) subtly resonates with Jesus' own identity as the ultimate Comforter, the one who brings true consolation to a fallen world, and the fulfillment of all God's promises of comfort to His people.
### Summary
Ναούμ (Naoum, `{{G3486}}`) is a proper noun, a transliteration of the Hebrew name נַחוּם (Nachum, `{{H5151}}`), meaning "comfort" or "consolation." Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Luke 3:25]], where Naoum is listed as an ancestor in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His inclusion serves to establish Jesus' legitimate human lineage and his connection to the covenant promises made to Israel. The name's etymological meaning subtly echoes the overarching theme of divine comfort and compassion that culminates in the person and work of Jesus, the ultimate source of true consolation. Naoum's place in the genealogy thus affirms God's meticulous faithfulness in orchestrating salvation history and the authentic humanity of the Messiah.
TRV