נַחַם

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Nacham, represented by H5163, means consolation and is used as the name of an Israelite. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole usage is to identify a specific individual within a genealogy.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single appearance of H5163 is in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles. The verse states, "And the sons of his wife Hodiah the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite" 1 Chronicles 4:19. In this context, Naham serves as a crucial link, identifying him as the brother of Hodiah and the patriarch of the families of Keilah and Eshtemoa.

Related Words & Concepts

Several words in the surrounding text clarify the familial relationships associated with Nacham:

• H269 'âchôwth (sister): This word establishes the direct relationship between Naham and Hodiah, identifying her as his sister 1 Chronicles 4:19.
• H1 'âb (father): Naham is explicitly named as the father of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maachathite, defining his role as a progenitor 1 Chronicles 4:19.
• H1121 bên (son): The verse begins by listing the sons of Hodiah, who are the nephews of Naham, further building the family structure detailed in the passage 1 Chronicles 4:19.

Theological Significance

The significance of H5163 is rooted entirely in its genealogical context.

• Establishing Lineage: The primary function of the name Naham is to provide a specific anchor point in the lineage of Judah, connecting his sister Hodiah to the fathers of Keilah and Eshtemoa 1 Chronicles 4:19.
• Paternal Identity: By being called the father of Keilah and Eshtemoa, Naham is established as a patriarchal head, from whom specific clans or inhabitants of towns descended.
• Geographical Connection: The names of his descendants, Keilah H7084 and Eshtemoa H851, are identified as places in Palestine, directly linking this individual to the settlement and tribal divisions of the land.

Summary

In summary, H5163 Nacham is a personal name meaning consolation that appears once in Scripture. Its sole purpose is to provide a precise detail within a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles. While the word itself suggests comfort, its biblical usage is purely functional, serving to define family relationships and trace the lineage of the fathers of Keilah and Eshtemoa.