from נָחַם; comforted; Nechum, an Israelite; Nehum.
Transliteration:Nᵉchûwm
Pronunciation:neh-khoom'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נְחוּם (Nᵉchûwm, `{{H5149}}`) functions as a proper noun, a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from its root, נָחַם (nāḥam, `{{H5162}}`), which carries a rich semantic range encompassing ideas of "to comfort," "to console," "to be sorry," "to repent," or "to relent." As a passive participle, Nᵉchûwm therefore signifies "one who is comforted" or "comforted." The name itself embodies the state of having received consolation or being in a state of comfort, reflecting a divine or human act of solace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nᵉchûwm (`{{H5149}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Nehemiah.
* **[[Nehemiah 7:7]]**: "These are the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town. They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:"
In this sole occurrence, Nehum is listed among the prominent individuals who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This passage is a crucial record, serving as a census of the post-exilic community. The inclusion of Nehum in this list signifies his standing as a leader or a significant figure among those who participated in the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. His presence in this foundational group underscores the collective effort and the divine hand in bringing the exiles back to their land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Nᵉchûwm (`{{H5149}}`) is its root, נָחַם (nāḥam, `{{H5162}}`). This root is foundational to understanding the name's depth:
* **נָחַם (nāḥam, `{{H5162}}`)**: This versatile verb is used to describe God's "relenting" from judgment (e.g., [[Exodus 32:14]], [[Jonah 3:10]]), demonstrating His compassion and willingness to turn from wrath. It also describes human "repentance" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 8:6]]) or the act of "comforting" others in distress (e.g., [[Genesis 37:35]], [[Job 2:11]]).
Other names derived from this root further illuminate its semantic field:
* **מְנַחֵם (Menaḥēm, `{{H4504}}`)**: Meaning "Comforter" or "Consoler," this was the name of a king of Israel.
* **נַחוּם (Naḥûm, `{{H5151}}`)**: Meaning "Comfort" or "Consolation," this is the name of the prophet Nahum, whose book focuses on the comfort of Judah through the coming judgment on Assyria.
The concepts related to Nᵉchûwm (`{{H5149}}`) thus include divine comfort and consolation, human compassion, repentance, and the restoration of hope after suffering. These themes are central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the prophetic literature which often promises comfort to Israel after periods of judgment and exile.
### Theological Significance
While Nᵉchûwm (`{{H5149}}`) refers to a specific individual, its theological significance is deeply embedded in the meaning of the name itself: "comforted." In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, this name carries profound resonance. The exile was a period of immense national suffering, divine judgment, and deep despair for the people of Israel. The return, therefore, was a demonstration of God's faithfulness, His compassion, and His ultimate act of comforting His people.
The presence of an individual named "Comforted" among the first wave of returnees with Zerubbabel serves as a tangible reminder of God's restorative work. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical comfort that God provided to a people who had endured profound distress. The name Nᵉchûwm can be seen as an embodiment of the prophetic promises of comfort for Israel, such as those found in [[Isaiah 40:1-2]]: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned." Thus, Nehum's very name testifies to the divine solace and renewed hope experienced by the post-exilic community, highlighting God as the ultimate source of comfort and restoration for His beloved people.
### Summary
Nᵉchûwm (`{{H5149}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "comforted," derived from the root נָחַם (nāḥam, `{{H5162}}`), which signifies comfort, consolation, and relenting. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Nehemiah 7:7]], where it identifies an Israelite leader who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The name's meaning is highly significant in its historical context, symbolizing the divine comfort and restoration experienced by the people of Israel after a period of intense suffering and judgment. Nᵉchûwm stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing solace and renewed hope to His covenant people.
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