from נָחַם; consolatory; Nachamani, an Israelite; Nahamani.
Transliteration:Nachămânîy
Pronunciation:nakh-am-aw-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5167}}` (Nachămânîy) is a proper noun, specifically the name of an Israelite. Its core meaning is derived from the root verb `{{H5162}}` (nâcham), which carries a rich semantic range encompassing "to be sorry," "to repent," "to comfort," and "to console." The form `{{H5167}}` itself is adjectival, meaning "consolatory" or "comforting." As a personal name, it would imply that the individual is a source of comfort, or more likely, that the individual's existence or character is a testament to God's comfort. Hebrew names often reflect the hopes, circumstances, or theological understanding of the parents, suggesting that Nachamani's name may have been given in anticipation or acknowledgment of divine solace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5167}}` (Nachămânîy) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Nehemiah 7:7]]. In this passage, Nachamani is listed among the prominent leaders who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The verse reads: "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 own city. 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:" (ESV, with "Nahamani" being `{{H5167}}`).
The context is a detailed register of those who participated in the initial return and the rebuilding efforts. Nachamani's inclusion in this esteemed list, alongside figures like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, indicates his status as a significant figure among the returnees, likely a leader or head of a family. His presence in this historical record serves to validate the lineage and identity of the post-exilic community, underscoring the divine hand in their restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5167}}` is its root, `{{H5162}}` (nâcham). This root is foundational to understanding the concept of divine comfort and repentance in the Old Testament. Other significant names derived from this root include:
* `{{H5166}}` (Nehemiah): "Yahweh comforts" or "comfort of Yahweh." This name is famously borne by the governor who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a figure whose very life embodied God's comforting and restoring work.
* `{{H4505}}` (Menahem): "Comforter." A king of Israel, though his reign was marked by violence, the name itself points to the concept of comfort.
Beyond proper nouns, the root `{{H5162}}` is used extensively throughout the prophetic literature to describe God's comforting of His people (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:1]], "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.") and His repentance or relenting from judgment (e.g., [[Exodus 32:14]]). The concept of divine comfort is often linked with themes of restoration, covenant faithfulness, and the renewal of hope after periods of judgment or despair.
### Theological Significance
Though `{{H5167}}` refers to a specific individual with a singular biblical appearance, its theological significance is profound due to the meaning of the name and its historical context. The name "Nachamani" ("consolatory" or "my comfort") serves as a subtle yet powerful theological statement within the post-exilic narrative.
1. **Divine Comfort in Restoration:** The return from Babylonian exile was a period of immense challenge but also profound hope. The very presence of individuals named "Nachamani" or "Nehemiah" among the returnees speaks to God's active role as the Comforter of His people. After decades of divine judgment and displacement, the return was a tangible expression of God's compassion and His desire to restore His covenant relationship with Israel. Nachamani's name echoes the prophetic promises of comfort and restoration found in texts like [[Isaiah 49:13]], "For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."
2. **Affirmation of God's Faithfulness:** The meticulous listing of names in [[Nehemiah 7]] is not merely a bureaucratic record; it is a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness to His promises. Each name, especially those with inherent theological meaning like Nachamani, becomes a testament to God's enduring covenant love and His precise fulfillment of prophecy.
3. **Hope in Human Agency:** While God is the ultimate Comforter, He often works through human agents. Nachamani, as a leader among the returnees, embodies the human participation in God's redemptive plan. His name would have served as a reminder to the community that even in difficult times, God provides comfort and leadership through His chosen servants.
### Summary
`{{H5167}}` (Nachămânîy) is a unique proper noun, occurring only once in [[Nehemiah 7:7]], identifying a leader among those who returned from the Babylonian exile. Derived from the root `{{H5162}}` (nâcham), meaning "to comfort" or "to console," the name "Nachamani" itself signifies "consolatory" or "my comfort." Its singular appearance within the crucial post-exilic census underscores the theme of divine comfort and restoration after a period of judgment. The name serves as a subtle theological affirmation of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to the land, providing solace and hope through human agents like Nachamani, and fulfilling His promises of renewal.
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