The Hebrew name Nᵉchushtâʼ, represented by H5179, identifies a specific Israelitess. Derived from the word for copper, this name appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole function is to serve as a proper noun for a historical individual, anchoring a key genealogical point in Israel's royal history.
In the biblical narrative, H5179 is used in a singular historical context to establish the maternal lineage of a king of Judah. The name Nehushta is recorded as belonging to the mother of King Jehoiachin. This account specifies that she was the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem, providing a clear genealogical record at the time of her son's accession to the throne 2 Kings 24:8.
Several related words provide the familial and geographical context for Nehushta's identity:
- H3078 Yᵉhôwyâkîyn (Jehojakin, a Jewish king): This is the name of Nehushta's son, the king who reigned for three months before being taken into captivity by the king of Babylon 2 Kings 24:12.
- H517 ʼêm (a mother): This term defines Nehushta's role as the king's mother, a position of honor in the royal court, as reflected in the command to honor one's father and mother Exodus 20:12.
- H1323 bath (a daughter): This word describes Nehushta's relationship to her father, Elnathan. The term is also used figuratively to refer to the inhabitants of a city, such as the "daughter of Jerusalem" Zechariah 9:9.
- H494 ʼElnâthân (God (is the) giver): This is the name of Nehushta's father, who is identified as one of the "chief men" in another context Ezra 8:16.
- H3389 Yᵉrûwshâlaim (Jerusalem): This identifies the city of origin for Nehushta and her father, Elnathan, and was the capital where her son Jehoiachin reigned 2 Kings 24:8.
The historical significance of H5179 is tied directly to its context within the final days of the Kingdom of Judah.
- Royal Lineage: As the mother of King Jehoiachin, Nehushta is a recorded matriarch in the Davidic line, highlighting the importance of maternal ancestry in the royal records 2 Kings 24:8.
- Genealogical Precision: The specific mention of her name, her father's name, and her city demonstrates the detailed record-keeping of the biblical chroniclers, grounding the narrative in verifiable historical and familial data 2 Kings 24:8.
- Witness to Exile: Nehushta was not just a passive figure; she was directly impacted by the national judgment of her time. Scripture notes that she, along with her son the king and other members of the court, was carried away into captivity to Babylon 2 Kings 24:15.
In summary, H5179 is not a conceptual word but a proper name that lends historical weight and specificity to the biblical account. It identifies Nehushta as a distinct individual within the royal family of Judah. Her inclusion in the text anchors the story of King Jehoiachin to a specific time and lineage, illustrating the Bible's precision in documenting the key figures involved in the pivotal event of the Babylonian captivity.
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