### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nôwbay**, represented by `{{H5109}}`, is the name of an Israelite. Its base definition is **fruitful**. The name, which is rendered as Nebai from the margin, is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5109}}` is in a list of names. In the book of Nehemiah, Nebai is recorded among the leaders who sealed a covenant with God. The verse simply lists him alongside other prominent individuals: "Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai" [[Nehemiah 10:19]]. This context places him as a participant in a significant moment of national and spiritual rededication for Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word is understood primarily through its association with the other names listed in the same verse:
* `{{H2756}}` **Chârîyph** (Hariph): Defined as **autumnal**, this is the name of two Israelites. He is listed immediately before Nebai in the covenant sealing [[Nehemiah 10:19]] and is also mentioned as the head of a family whose children returned from exile [[Nehemiah 7:24]].
* `{{H6068}}` **ʻĂnâthôwth** (Anathoth): This name refers to two Israelites and a place. Anathoth is listed between Hariph and Nebai [[Nehemiah 10:19]]. The place of Anathoth is notable as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5109}}` is derived entirely from its singular context.
* **Covenant Sealing:** The most important detail about Nebai is his participation in sealing the covenant during the time of Nehemiah, a solemn act of commitment to follow God's laws [[Nehemiah 10:19]].
* **Communal Affirmation:** His name is recorded as part of a collective, alongside figures like Hariph `{{H2756}}` and Anathoth `{{H6068}}`. This underscores the communal nature of Israel's rededication.
* **A Recorded Name:** Though no further details are given about him, the inclusion of the name Nebai, meaning "fruitful," serves as a permanent record of an individual who took part in this pivotal historic event.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5109}}` is not a common term but a proper name, Nebai. Its meaning, "fruitful," is known, but its importance is tied exclusively to its appearance in Nehemiah. The word serves as a marker, identifying one of the individuals who publicly affirmed their allegiance to God by sealing the covenant, making it a name associated with faithfulness and communal restoration.
TRV