from נוֹב; fruitful; Nobai, an Israelite; Nebai (from the margin).
Transliteration:Nôwbay
Pronunciation:no-bah'ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5109}}`, Nôwbay (נוֹבַי), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is derived from the root verb נוּב (nuwb), which signifies "to blossom," "to sprout," or "to bear fruit." Thus, the name Nôwbay carries the primary meaning of "fruitful" or "my fruit." This etymological connection evokes concepts of productivity, flourishing, and divine blessing. Unlike common nouns with a broad semantic range, proper nouns like Nôwbay derive their significance primarily from their inherent meaning and the context of their biblical appearance. The underlying idea of fruitfulness, however, resonates deeply with broader biblical themes of life, growth, and divine favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nôwbay (נוֹבַי) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Nehemiah 10:19]]. In this passage, Nôwbay is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the solemn covenant made during the time of Nehemiah. This covenant, detailed in Nehemiah chapter 10, was a renewed commitment by the post-exilic community to walk in God's law, to avoid intermarriage with foreign peoples, to observe the Sabbath, and to support the temple and its services.
The inclusion of Nôwbay in this list of individuals who affixed their seals carries significant contextual weight. These were the representatives of the returned exiles, pledging their allegiance and the allegiance of their families and communities to the Mosaic Law and the restoration of proper worship. While the text provides no further details about Nôwbay's individual role or actions beyond this sealing, his presence signifies participation in a pivotal moment of spiritual and communal renewal. The very act of sealing the covenant was an expression of hope for a future characterized by divine blessing and communal flourishing, a future that would indeed be "fruitful" in obedience and prosperity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Nôwbay is directly linked to the Hebrew root `{{H5107}}` (nuwb), meaning "to bear fruit," "to flourish," or "to yield." This root is used metaphorically and literally throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* **Physical Fruitfulness:** The fertility of the land ([[Psalm 72:16]]), the prosperity of a nation ([[Isaiah 27:6]]), or the abundance of harvest.
* **Human Fruitfulness:** The blessing of children and descendants ([[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 9:1]]), signifying the continuation of lineage and the fulfillment of covenant promises.
* **Spiritual Fruitfulness:** The righteous life that yields good deeds and wisdom ([[Proverbs 11:30]]), often contrasted with the barrenness of the wicked. The concept of "fruit of the lips" ([[Hebrews 13:15]]) or "fruit of righteousness" ([[Philippians 1:11]]) in the New Testament builds upon this Old Testament understanding.
* **Divine Blessing:** Fruitfulness is consistently presented as a sign of God's favor and blessing upon His obedient people ([[Deuteronomy 28:4-5]]). Conversely, barrenness or unfruitfulness can be a sign of divine judgment or curse.
Other related concepts include:
* **Covenant:** The covenant relationship between God and Israel often promised fruitfulness as a reward for obedience.
* **Prosperity:** Not merely material wealth, but holistic well-being and flourishing in all aspects of life.
* **Obedience:** The condition upon which God's blessings, including fruitfulness, are often contingent.
### Theological Significance
The name Nôwbay, meaning "fruitful," holds significant theological resonance within the context of [[Nehemiah 10:19]]. Its presence among those who sealed the covenant reflects a profound aspiration and theological hope for the post-exilic community. After decades of exile, a period often characterized by barrenness and desolation, the return to the land and the renewal of the covenant signaled a desire for a new season of fruitfulness—both demographic and spiritual.
Theologically, Nôwbay's name serves as a quiet declaration that God's desire for His people is one of flourishing and productivity. It points to the truth that obedience to God's covenant leads to blessing and fruitfulness, echoing the promises found throughout Deuteronomy and the prophetic books. The act of sealing the covenant was not merely a legal formality but a spiritual re-commitment, a turning back to the source of life and fertility. Thus, a man named "Fruitful" participating in this act underscores the community's longing for God to make them fruitful once again, to restore their land, their families, and their spiritual vitality. It embodies the theological principle that God's covenant faithfulness enables His people to bear fruit for His glory.
### Summary
`{{H5109}}`, Nôwbay, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "fruitful," derived from the root meaning "to bear fruit" or "to blossom." It appears uniquely in [[Nehemiah 10:19]], where Nôwbay is listed among the heads of the people who sealed the solemn covenant of renewal during the time of Nehemiah. His inclusion in this pivotal moment underscores the theological aspiration for fruitfulness—both physical and spiritual—as a sign of divine blessing and restored covenant relationship. The name Nôwbay, therefore, quietly symbolizes the hope and expectation that the post-exilic community, through their renewed commitment to God, would once again flourish and bear fruit in accordance with His promises.
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