### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nᵉchûwm**, represented by `{{H5149}}`, is the proper name **Nehum**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Based on its root, the name means **comforted** and is used to identify a specific Israelite who was part of the return from exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H5149}}` is in a genealogical list documenting the leaders who returned from the Babylonian captivity. **Nehum** is named among the men who came{H935} with **Zᵉrubbâbel** `{{H2216}}` and **Nᵉchemyâh** `{{H5166}}` to resettle Judah [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. His inclusion in this record serves to memorialize his role as one of the key figures in the restoration of the people of Israel to their land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Nehum's role and the event in which he participated:
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This verb is used to describe the action of Nehum and his companions, signifying their arrival back in their homeland [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. It is a versatile word used for bringing people to a destination or for a promised event that will "surely come" [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
* `{{H2216}}` **Zᵉrubbâbel** (descended of Babylon): The primary leader with whom Nehum returned [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. As governor of Judah, Zerubbabel was tasked by God with rebuilding, being told it would be accomplished "not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" [[Zechariah 4:6]].
* `{{H5166}}` **Nᵉchemyâh** (consolation of Jah): Another prominent leader listed alongside Nehum [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. His name, which means "consolation of Jah," shares a linguistic root with Nehum ("comforted"), reinforcing the theme of divine comfort associated with the return from exile.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5149}}` is derived entirely from its meaning and its singular context.
* **Embodiment of Comfort:** The name **Nehum** itself means "comforted." Its presence in the list of returnees is a direct reflection of the national experience of being comforted by God after the long exile.
* **Participant in Restoration:** Nehum is documented as part of the community that "came with Zerubbabel" [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. This act was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, representing God's faithfulness and the beginning of the nation's spiritual and physical rebuilding.
* **A Component of a Greater Work:** He is listed with leaders like Zerubbabel `{{H2216}}` and Nehemiah `{{H5166}}`, whose work in rebuilding the temple and the nation was a direct act of God. Nehum's inclusion marks him as a participant in this divinely orchestrated restoration.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5149}}` is a name, **Nehum**, whose significance is tied to its meaning, "comforted," and its sole appearance in scripture. Found only in the list of those who returned from exile [[Nehemiah 7:7]], the name serves as a subtle but powerful testament to the theme of divine consolation and restoration that characterizes this period of biblical history. It demonstrates how even a name mentioned once can contribute to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness to His people.
TRV