from נָחַם; consolation; Nacham, an Israelite; Naham.
Transliteration:Nacham
Pronunciation:nakh'-am
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5163}}`, transliterated as *Nacham* (or Naham), is a proper noun derived from the verbal root `{{H5162}}` (נָחַם). The root `{{H5162}}` carries a rich semantic range, encompassing meanings such as "to comfort," "to console," "to be sorry," "to repent," or "to relent." As a proper noun, `{{H5163}}` therefore signifies "consolation" or "comfort." It is not an abstract concept but a personal name embodying this quality, reflecting a hope, a characteristic, or a circumstance at the time of the individual's birth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H5163}}` (Nacham) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the extensive genealogies recorded in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:19]]: "The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the father of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite."
In this sole occurrence, Nacham is mentioned as the brother of Hodiah's wife, placing him within the lineage of Judah. The context is purely genealogical, providing no further narrative details about Nacham himself or his actions. His significance in this passage is solely his familial connection. The mention serves to trace the ancestry of certain towns and their inhabitants, underscoring the meticulous record-keeping of the Israelite tribes. Despite the brevity of his mention, the meaning of his name, "consolation," remains a silent testament to the theological themes present even in the most concise biblical records.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary and most significant related word to `{{H5163}}` is its verbal root, `{{H5162}}` (נָחַם). This root is foundational to understanding the full scope of "comfort" and "repentance" in the Old Testament. It is used to describe:
* **Divine Repentance/Relenting:** God's turning from a course of action or judgment (e.g., [[Genesis 6:6]], [[Exodus 32:14]], [[Jeremiah 18:8]]). This does not imply a change in God's character but a change in His disposition towards humanity based on human response.
* **Human Repentance:** A turning from sin or a change of heart (e.g., [[Jeremiah 8:6]]).
* **Comfort/Consolation:** The act of providing solace or being comforted, often in times of grief or distress (e.g., [[Genesis 24:67]], [[Isaiah 49:13]]).
Other related proper nouns that share this root and convey a similar sense of comfort include:
* `{{H5166}}` (Nehemiah): "Comfort of Yah," a prominent figure in post-exilic Judah.
* `{{H5164}}` (Nehum): "Comforted," another proper name.
The concept of comfort, derived from this root, is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical theology, pointing to both human experience and divine attributes.
### Theological Significance
While Nacham himself is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, the theological significance of his name, "consolation" or "comfort," is profound. The concept of comfort is central to God's relationship with His people throughout Scripture. God is frequently portrayed as the ultimate Comforter, especially in times of distress, suffering, and exile (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:12]], [[Isaiah 66:13]]). The prophets often speak of divine comfort as a promise of restoration and hope for Israel.
The naming of a child "Nacham" would have carried deep meaning for the parents, perhaps reflecting a period of hardship from which they received solace, a prayer for future comfort, or a desire for the child to be a source of comfort to others. In a broader sense, the presence of such names in the genealogies subtly underscores the pervasive theme of divine providence and comfort that undergirds the entire history of God's people. Even in the dry lists of names, there are echoes of God's character and His enduring faithfulness to provide solace and hope.
### Summary
`{{H5163}}` (Nacham) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "consolation" or "comfort," directly derived from the verbal root `{{H5162}}`. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 4:19]], identifying an individual within the genealogies of Judah. While the biblical text provides no narrative about Nacham himself, the profound meaning of his name points to the central biblical theme of comfort and consolation. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is frequently depicted as the ultimate Comforter of His people, offering solace and hope in times of adversity. The name "Nacham" thus serves as a quiet reminder of God's enduring provision of comfort throughout the sacred narrative.
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