the same as נַחַת; quiet; Nachath, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites; Nahath.
Transliteration:Nachath
Pronunciation:nakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נַחַת (Nachath), Strong's number `{{H5184}}`, primarily functions as a proper noun. Its base definition, "quiet," indicates a direct etymological link to the concept of rest, tranquility, or cessation. This meaning is derived from the root verb נוּחַ (nuach, `{{H5117}}`), which signifies "to rest, settle down, repose, be quiet." While `{{H5184}}` itself is a name, its inherent meaning reflects a state of peace or stillness. It is closely related to the noun נַחַת (nachath, `{{H5183}}`), which can denote "descent" but also "quietness" or "rest," particularly in wisdom literature. Thus, the proper noun Nachath carries the semantic weight of "Quietness" or "Rest."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nachath (Nahath) appears in the Old Testament in three distinct contexts, identifying both an Edomite and two Israelites:
1. **An Edomite Chief:** Nachath is listed as a son of Reuel, the son of Esau, and thus a grandson of Esau. He is identified as one of the chiefs (אלוף, aluph) of Edom, indicating a significant tribal or clan leader within the Edomite lineage.
* [[Genesis 36:13]]: "These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the chiefs of Esau's sons in the land of Edom."
* [[Genesis 36:17]]: "These are the chiefs of Reuel, Esau's son: Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, Chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs of Reuel in the land of Edom."
In this context, Nachath is part of a genealogical record emphasizing the lineage and leadership structures of the Edomites.
2. **An Israelite Levite (Ancestor of Samuel):** Nachath is mentioned in the Levitical genealogies as a son of Zophai (or Zuph) and an ancestor of the prophet Samuel.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:26]]: "The sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son..." (in the Masoretic Text, this is part of the lineage of Kohath, son of Levi).
This occurrence places Nachath within the priestly and musical heritage of Israel, contributing to the continuity of the Levitical service.
3. **An Israelite Levite (Overseer during Hezekiah's Reign):** This Nachath was a Levite overseer appointed by King Hezekiah to administer the offerings, tithes, and consecrated things brought into the temple during the reforms.
* [[2 Chronicles 31:13]]: "and Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of King Hezekiah and Azariah the chief officer of the house of God."
Here, Nachath serves in a role of responsibility and faithfulness, contributing to the proper order and functioning of the temple worship and the support of the priests and Levites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb `{{H5117}}` (nuach), meaning "to rest, settle down, be quiet." This root is foundational to many concepts of repose and tranquility in Hebrew thought. Other related terms include:
* `{{H5118}}` נוֹחַ (Noach): The proper noun Noah, meaning "rest" or "comfort," reflecting the hope of rest from the curse of the ground.
* `{{H5183}}` נַחַת (nachath): A noun that can mean "descent" (e.g., [[Proverbs 17:13]]) but also "quietness" or "rest" (e.g., [[Proverbs 29:9]] where "quietness" is implied by the absence of strife). This is the word from which the proper noun `{{H5184}}` derives its meaning.
* Concepts of "rest" (מְנוּחָה, menuchah, `{{H4496}}`) are central to biblical theology, encompassing divine rest after creation [[Genesis 2:2]], the promised land as a place of rest for Israel [[Deuteronomy 12:9-10]], and the eschatological rest offered by God.
### Theological Significance
While נַחַת (Nachath) is a proper noun and does not carry direct theological doctrine, the meaning embedded within the name—"Quietness" or "Rest"—resonates deeply with significant biblical themes.
* **Divine Rest:** The concept of rest originates with God Himself, who rested on the seventh day after creation, establishing a pattern for humanity [[Genesis 2:2-3]]. This divine rest is not inactivity but a cessation of creative labor, signifying completion and satisfaction.
* **Promise of Rest:** For Israel, the promised land of Canaan was the ultimate place of rest from their wanderings and from their enemies [[Joshua 21:44]]. This earthly rest foreshadowed a deeper, spiritual rest.
* **Spiritual Rest:** The New Testament expands on this, offering a spiritual rest found in Christ for those who are weary and burdened [[Matthew 11:28-29]]. This rest is not merely physical but a deep soul-rest from the burden of sin and legalistic striving.
* **Order and Peace:** The Levite Nachath in [[2 Chronicles 31:13]] serves in an administrative capacity that brought order and proper functioning to the temple. In a broader sense, divine order often leads to peace and quietness, reflecting a well-ordered spiritual life and community. The presence of a "Nachath" in such a role could subtly hint at the peace and tranquility that results from faithful adherence to God's commands.
The individuals bearing the name, though not central figures, participate in the unfolding narrative of God's people. The Edomite Nachath signifies the diverse peoples within God's broader creation, while the Israelite Nachaths contribute to the continuity of worship and the establishment of divine order, ultimately pointing to the peace and rest that God provides.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נַחַת (Nachath, `{{H5184}}`) is primarily a proper noun, a personal name meaning "Quietness" or "Rest." This meaning is derived from the root `{{H5117}}`, "to rest," and is closely linked to the noun `{{H5183}}`, "quietness." The name appears in the biblical record identifying an Edomite chief and two Israelite Levites. While its direct theological contribution is limited due to its nature as a proper noun, the underlying concept of "rest" is profoundly significant throughout Scripture. From God's own rest after creation to the promised land as a place of rest for Israel, and ultimately to the spiritual rest offered in Christ, the theme of quietness and repose is central to God's redemptive plan and the well-being of His people. The individuals named Nachath, though minor figures, each contribute to the larger narrative of human history and divine order, embodying the quiet trust and service that lead to true biblical rest.
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