### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נֹגַהּ (Nôgahh), identified by Strong's H5052, functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text. Specifically, it designates "Nogah," one of the sons of King David. While sharing the identical spelling and pronunciation with the common noun נֹגַהּ (H5051), which signifies "brightness," "radiance," or "splendor," H5052 distinctively refers to the individual. The name "Nogah" itself is thus derived from the root meaning of "brightness," implying a personal quality or a hopeful aspiration associated with the child at birth. Therefore, the semantic range of H5052 is limited to this specific proper name, though its etymology points to the broader concept of light and brilliance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun נֹגַהּ (Nôgahh), H5052, appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances within the genealogical records of King David's family.
1. **[[1 Chronicles 3:7]]**: "Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,"
In this verse, Nogah is listed as one of David's sons born in Jerusalem. This chapter provides a comprehensive genealogy of David's descendants, tracing the royal line. Nogah is presented simply as one in a sequence of siblings, without any further narrative or descriptive detail.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 14:6]]**: "Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,"
This passage similarly lists Nogah among the sons born to David in Jerusalem, after he had established his reign there. This list largely parallels the one found in [[2 Samuel 5:14-16]], though Nogah's name is unique to the Chronicler's account and does not appear in the Samuel passage. His inclusion in these royal genealogies underscores his place within the Davidic lineage, a line of profound theological significance. In both contexts, Nogah is a passive figure, identified solely by his familial relationship to David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to H5052 is `{{H5051}}` (נֹגַהּ), the common noun meaning "brightness," "radiance," "splendor," or "shining light." The proper name "Nogah" (H5052) is directly derived from this root, reflecting a common ancient Near Eastern practice of naming children with words that conveyed desirable qualities or aspirations.
Other related concepts include:
* **Light (אוֹר, `{{H216}}`):** The broader biblical concept of light, often associated with creation, divine presence, truth, and salvation.
* **Glory (כָּבוֹד, `{{H3519}}`):** Often used to describe the visible manifestation of God's presence, characterized by brightness and splendor. The idea of "brightness" inherent in Nogah's name resonates with the divine glory.
* **Shine/Radiance (זָהַר, `{{H2094}}`; יָפַע, `{{H3313}}`):** Verbs and nouns that describe the act or state of emitting light, often used metaphorically for prosperity, divine favor, or righteous conduct.
The name "Nogah" thus places this individual, however briefly mentioned, within a rich semantic field of luminosity and divine manifestation, even if he himself performs no acts of "brightness."
### Theological Significance
Though Nogah, the son of David, is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his theological significance stems primarily from two aspects: his name's inherent meaning and his place within the Davidic lineage.
1. **Meaning of the Name:** The name "Nogah," meaning "brightness" or "radiance," carries profound theological implications. In biblical thought, brightness is often an attribute of God ([[Psalm 104:2]]), a characteristic of divine revelation ([[Ezekiel 1:28]]), and a descriptor of the Messiah ([[Isaiah 9:2]]). While Nogah himself does not embody these qualities in any narrative, his name serves as a subtle, hopeful pointer to the ultimate "brightness" that would emerge from the Davidic line—the Messiah, who is the "light of the world" ([[John 8:12]]). Even a seemingly insignificant name in a genealogy can therefore echo the greater divine plan.
2. **Place in the Davidic Line:** As a son of King David, Nogah is part of the royal lineage from which the promised Messiah would come. The meticulous preservation of David's genealogy in Chronicles underscores the importance of this lineage for God's covenant promises ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]). While Nogah is not a direct ancestor of Christ in the New Testament genealogies, his inclusion in David's family tree in Chronicles affirms the breadth and continuation of the royal house, a house from which the glorious King would eventually arise. His very existence, even if unadorned by narrative, contributes to the historical tapestry of God's unfolding redemptive history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נֹגַהּ (Nôgahh), H5052, is a proper noun referring to Nogah, one of the sons of King David, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 3:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 14:6]]. While he is a minor figure without any attributed actions, his name, derived from `{{H5051}}` meaning "brightness" or "radiance," subtly connects him to a pervasive biblical theme of divine light and glory. As a member of the Davidic lineage, Nogah's inclusion in the genealogies, though brief, underscores the meticulous preservation of the royal line from which the Messiah, the ultimate "brightness" and "light," was prophesied to emerge. Thus, even a seemingly obscure name holds a place within the grand narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive plan.