feminine of נַעַם; pleasantness; Naamah, the name of an antediluvian woman, of an Ammonitess, and of a place in Palestine; Naamah.
Transliteration:Naʻămâh
Pronunciation:nah-am-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma נַעֲמָה (Naʻămâh, `{{H5279}}`) is derived from the Hebrew root נַעַם (naʻam), which conveys the sense of "pleasantness," "delight," or "agreeableness." As a feminine noun, Naʻămâh literally signifies "pleasantness" or "delightful one." While its etymological root points to a quality, its primary usage in the biblical text is as a proper noun, designating specific individuals and a geographical location. The inherent meaning of "pleasantness" subtly informs these named entities, though their contexts vary significantly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Naʻămâh appears in the Old Testament in three distinct contexts:
1. **Naamah, Daughter of Lamech:** This Naamah is mentioned in [[Genesis 4:22]] as the sister of Tubal-Cain and the daughter of Lamech and Zillah. Her brief appearance follows the lineage and professions of her brothers, who are associated with the development of music and metallurgy. The text simply states, "And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah." Her name, "pleasantness," stands in stark contrast to the surrounding narrative of Lamech's violent boast and the innovations of her brothers, which could be used for both constructive and destructive purposes. Her role is not further elaborated, leaving her a figure of interpretive speculation.
2. **Naamah, the Ammonitess:** This Naamah is identified as the mother of Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor to the throne of Judah, in both [[1 Kings 14:21]] and [[2 Chronicles 12:13]]. Her designation as an "Ammonitess" is highly significant. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited intermarriage with Ammonites ([[Deuteronomy 23:3-6]]), and Solomon's numerous foreign wives were a direct violation of God's commands, leading to his spiritual decline and the eventual division of the kingdom ([[1 Kings 11:1-8]]). Despite her foreign and problematic origin, she is the mother of the legitimate heir to the Davidic throne, highlighting God's sovereign plan working through human disobedience.
3. **Naamah, a Place in Judah:** A city named Naamah is listed in [[Joshua 15:41]] as one of the cities in the Shephelah (lowland) of Judah, within the tribal allotment. It is grouped with other cities such as Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Makkedah. The name "pleasantness" for a geographical location likely refers to its agreeable or fertile characteristics, perhaps indicating a desirable settlement area. Its precise location remains a subject of archaeological and geographical debate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Naʻămâh is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and thematic connections:
* **The Root נַעַם (naʻam):** The foundational root for Naʻămâh, it appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible:
* `{{H5276}}` (naʻam): An adjective meaning "pleasant" or "delightful," as seen in [[Proverbs 2:10]], "when knowledge is pleasant to thy soul."
* `{{H5277}}` (noʻam): A noun meaning "pleasantness," "delight," or even "beauty," as in [[Psalm 90:17]], "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us."
* `{{H5278}}` (naʻem): A verb meaning "to be pleasant" or "to be delightful," as in [[Psalm 135:3]], "for it is pleasant."
* **Contrast with Unpleasantness:** The concept of "pleasantness" can be implicitly contrasted with names or situations denoting sorrow or bitterness, such as Mara (Naomi's self-renaming in [[Ruth 1:20]]), highlighting the spectrum of human experience.
* **Foreign Wives and Intermarriage:** The case of Naamah the Ammonitess connects to the broader biblical theme of foreign wives in Israel, their spiritual impact, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands regarding covenant purity. This theme is central to understanding the decline of Solomon's reign.
* **Biblical Genealogies and Geography:** The occurrences of Naamah underscore the biblical authors' meticulous attention to detailed genealogies (e.g., Genesis, Kings, Chronicles) and precise geographical descriptions (e.g., Joshua), which serve to ground the sacred narrative in historical and physical reality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Naʻămâh, particularly the Ammonitess, is profound:
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection:** The most striking theological implication arises from Naamah the Ammonitess. Despite Solomon's clear disobedience in marrying foreign women, which led to spiritual apostasy and the eventual division of the united kingdom, God's covenant promise to David—that his dynasty would endure—was maintained through Rehoboam, the son of this foreign woman. This demonstrates God's ability to work His sovereign purposes even through the flawed choices and disobedience of His people, ensuring the continuation of the messianic line.
* **The Irony of Names and Human Fallenness:** The name "pleasantness" for Lamech's daughter in [[Genesis 4:22]] stands in stark ironic contrast to the violent and ungodly context of her family. This highlights that while names often carried intrinsic meaning and hope, the character or circumstances of the individual could tragically diverge from their nominal significance, underscoring the pervasive nature of human fallenness.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** While God's sovereignty is paramount, the narrative of Naamah the Ammonitess also serves as a stark reminder of the tangible consequences of disobedience. Solomon's foreign marriages, including this one, were a direct violation of divine law and contributed significantly to the spiritual decay that precipitated the fragmentation of the kingdom of Israel.
* **God's Broader Redemptive Plan:** Paradoxically, while foreign marriages were forbidden due to the risk of idolatry, God's ultimate redemptive plan often included Gentiles (e.g., Rahab, Ruth) who were integrated into Israel and the lineage of the Messiah. Naamah, though problematic in the context of Solomon's sin, still serves as a link in the royal line, subtly hinting at God's expansive plan that would eventually embrace all nations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נַעֲמָה (Naʻămâh, `{{H5279}}`), meaning "pleasantness" or "delightful," primarily functions as a proper noun in the Old Testament, referring to three distinct entities. It designates Naamah, the antediluvian daughter of Lamech ([[Genesis 4:22]]), whose name ironically contrasts with her family's violent context. It also identifies Naamah the Ammonitess, the mother of King Rehoboam ([[1 Kings 14:21]], [[2 Chronicles 12:13]]), whose foreign origin highlights Solomon's disobedience yet simultaneously underscores God's sovereign preservation of the Davidic royal line. Finally, Naamah is the name of a city in the Shephelah of Judah ([[Joshua 15:41]]), likely signifying an agreeable location. Across these varied occurrences, the study of Naʻămâh provides insightful glimpses into biblical genealogies, geographical descriptions, the consequences of human disobedience, and the enduring, often paradoxical, sovereignty of God in orchestrating His redemptive purposes through the complexities of human history.
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