### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Νεεμάν (Neemán), transliterated as Naaman, is a direct rendering of the Hebrew name נַעֲמָן (Na'aman), represented by `{{H5283}}`. As a proper noun, its semantic range is singularly restricted to the historical individual it designates: Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). The underlying Hebrew root of Naaman, נָעֵם (na'em), signifies "to be pleasant, delightful, beautiful." Thus, the name itself carries the connotation of "pleasantness" or "delightful one." While the Greek form maintains this proper noun identity, it does not expand upon the etymological meaning within the New Testament context, serving solely as an identifier for the well-known Old Testament figure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek term Νεεμάν (Neemán) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Luke 4:27]]. In this passage, Jesus is speaking in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth, where His audience rejects His prophetic claims. To illustrate the principle that "no prophet is acceptable in his hometown," Jesus cites two Old Testament examples where God's grace and miraculous intervention were extended to Gentiles rather than to Israelites. The second example is that of Naaman: "And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian" [[Luke 4:27]].
This reference by Jesus draws directly from the narrative found in [[2 Kings 5]]. Naaman, a mighty and respected Syrian general, suffered from leprosy. Through a young Israelite captive girl, he learned of the prophet Elisha in Samaria. Despite his initial pride and indignation at Elisha's seemingly simplistic instruction to wash seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman's servants persuaded him to obey. Upon doing so, his flesh was restored, and he was cleansed. This miraculous healing led to Naaman's profound confession of faith in the God of Israel: "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" [[2 Kings 5:15]]. Jesus' selective citation of Naaman's story in Luke underscores a crucial theological point: God's sovereign choice to extend His grace and healing beyond the conventional boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, נַעֲמָן (Na'aman), `{{H5283}}`, from which Νεεμάν (Neemán) is directly derived. The story of Naaman is intrinsically linked to the ministry of the prophet Elisha (`{{H474}}`), particularly his role as a conduit for divine healing and revelation. Concepts associated with Naaman's narrative include:
* **Leprosy:** A severe skin disease in biblical times, often symbolizing uncleanness and sin, and requiring divine intervention for cure.
* **Miraculous Healing:** Demonstrating God's power over disease and His ability to restore.
* **Gentile Inclusion:** Naaman's healing and subsequent conversion serve as a powerful Old Testament precedent for God's universal salvific purposes, a theme prominently developed in the New Testament.
* **Humility and Obedience:** Naaman's initial pride contrasted with his eventual submission to Elisha's seemingly simple command, which was a prerequisite for his healing.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's unmerited favor extending to an outsider, an enemy general, rather than to many afflicted Israelites.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Naaman, as highlighted by Jesus in [[Luke 4:27]], is profound and multifaceted. Firstly, Naaman's story powerfully illustrates the **sovereignty and universality of God's grace**. God chose to heal a Syrian general, a representative of a nation often hostile to Israel, demonstrating that His redemptive purposes are not limited by national, ethnic, or political boundaries. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of salvation being offered to all peoples.
Secondly, Naaman's journey from pride to humble obedience underscores the **necessity of humility for receiving divine grace**. His initial resistance to Elisha's simple command reflected human pride, but his eventual submission led to his physical and spiritual restoration. This serves as an archetype for the spiritual humility required to accept God's terms of salvation.
Thirdly, Jesus' specific reference to Naaman and the widow of Zarephath in [[Luke 4:25-27]] serves as a **prophetic declaration of Gentile inclusion** within God's new covenant. By citing these Old Testament instances, Jesus subtly challenged the narrow, ethnocentric expectations of His audience, signaling that the blessings of the Messiah would extend beyond Israel to the nations. This passage is a foundational text for understanding the early church's mission to the Gentiles.
Finally, Naaman's conversion from idol worship to the worship of Yahweh ("Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" [[2 Kings 5:15]]) exemplifies the transformative power of encountering the living God. His story is a testament to God's ability to draw individuals from any background into a relationship with Himself.
### Summary
Νεεμάν (Neemán), `{{G3497}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Naaman (`{{H5283}}`), signifying "pleasantness." It refers exclusively to the Syrian general healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha in the Old Testament. Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, in [[Luke 4:27]], is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. By citing Naaman's story, Jesus powerfully underscores the themes of God's sovereign grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles, the necessity of humility for receiving divine favor, and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Naaman's narrative from [[2 Kings 5]] serves as a profound Old Testament precedent for the inclusion of non-Israelites into the covenant blessings, a truth central to the New Covenant.
TRV