the same as נַעֲמָן; Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a Damascene; Naaman.
Transliteration:Naʻămân
Pronunciation:nah-am-awn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נַעֲמָן (Naʻămân), Strong's `{{H5283}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymological root is strongly linked to נָעַם (na'am), meaning "to be pleasant, delightful, or agreeable." This root is foundational to words such as נֹעַם (no'am, `{{H5278}}`), signifying "pleasantness" or "delight," and נָעִים (na'im, `{{H5273}}`), meaning "pleasant" or "delightful." Consequently, the name Naaman carries the inherent semantic range of "pleasantness," "delightful one," or "graciousness." While primarily identifying individuals, the underlying meaning of the name can provide a poignant backdrop, particularly in the case of the famous Aramean general.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name נַעֲמָן (Naʻămân) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two primary contexts:
* **Naaman the Damascene General:** This is the most prominent figure bearing the name, introduced in [[2 Kings 5:1]]. He is described as "commander of the army of the king of Aram, a great man with his master, and highly regarded, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper." The narrative in [[2 Kings 5]] details his miraculous healing by the prophet Elisha. The irony of his name ("pleasantness") juxtaposed with his debilitating and defiling disease (leprosy) is striking. His initial pride and resistance to Elisha's simple instructions ([[2 Kings 5:11-12]]) ultimately yield to humble obedience, leading to his cleansing and a profound confession of faith in the God of Israel ([[2 Kings 5:15]]). This story is significant for its demonstration of God's power and grace extending beyond Israel's borders.
* **Naaman, Son of Benjamin:** The name also appears in genealogical lists, identifying an Israelite.
* In [[Genesis 46:21]], Naaman is listed as one of the ten sons of Benjamin who journeyed to Egypt with Jacob.
* This lineage is reaffirmed in [[Numbers 26:40]], where Naaman is identified as the progenitor of the Naamanites (הַנַּעֲמָנִי), a family within the tribe of Benjamin.
* Further mentions appear in [[1 Chronicles 8:4]] and [[1 Chronicles 8:7]], where Naaman is again cited as a son of Benjamin, reflecting the tribal records.
In these genealogical occurrences, the name serves primarily as an identifier within the lineage, lacking the rich narrative and theological depth associated with the Aramean general.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of נַעֲמָן naturally connects to several related words and theological concepts:
* **Root נָעַם (na'am):** As discussed, this root forms the semantic core of Naaman. Other derivatives include נֹעַם (no'am, `{{H5278}}`), which can denote divine favor or pleasantness, as seen in [[Psalm 16:11]] ("pleasantness at your right hand") and [[Psalm 90:17]] ("the favor of the Lord our God be upon us"). Similarly, נָעִים (na'im, `{{H5273}}`) describes something pleasant or delightful, such as brethren dwelling in unity ([[Psalm 133:1]]).
* **Purity and Impurity:** The narrative of Naaman the Syrian deeply engages with the concept of צָרַעַת (tsara'at, related to `{{H6879}}`), a skin disease (often translated "leprosy") that rendered individuals ritually unclean under the Mosaic Law. Naaman's healing signifies a profound transformation from impurity to purity, both physically and spiritually.
* **Divine Healing and Sovereignty:** Naaman's miraculous cure underscores God's ultimate power as the Healer (רֹפֵא, rofe', related to `{{H7495}}`) and His sovereignty over all nations and circumstances. It highlights that God's ability to act is not confined by human expectations or geographical boundaries.
* **Humility and Pride:** A central theme in Naaman's story is the contrast between his initial pride and his eventual humble obedience. His willingness to submit to Elisha's seemingly simplistic instruction, despite his initial indignation, is crucial to his healing. This resonates with broader biblical principles where God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble ([[Proverbs 3:34]], [[James 4:6]]).
* **Gentile Inclusion:** Naaman's story is a significant prefigurement of God's redemptive plan extending beyond the nation of Israel to the Gentiles. Jesus Himself references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's sovereign choice to bless outside of Israel ([[Luke 4:27]]), setting a precedent for the universal scope of the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of נַעֲמָן (Naʻămân), particularly through the narrative of the Aramean general, is profound. The inherent meaning of his name, "pleasantness," stands in stark contrast to his severe affliction, underscoring the universal human condition of brokenness and the need for divine intervention regardless of status or outward appearance. His healing is a powerful testament to God's boundless compassion and omnipotence, demonstrating that YHWH's redemptive reach extends beyond the covenant people of Israel to all nations.
The narrative emphasizes the critical role of humility and simple obedience in receiving God's grace. Naaman's journey from prideful resistance to humble submission serves as an enduring model for spiritual transformation. Furthermore, his conversion, declaring, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel" ([[2 Kings 5:15]]), highlights the transformative power of an authentic encounter with the living God. His subsequent desire to worship YHWH on Syrian soil, even if reflecting a nascent understanding of monotheism, signifies a genuine commitment to the God who healed him. The inclusion of Naaman's story in the prophetic literature underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of all humanity and His consistent purpose to draw all peoples to Himself, foreshadowing the global mission of the church.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma נַעֲמָן (Naʻămân, `{{H5283}}`) is a proper noun meaning "pleasantness" or "delightful one," derived from the root נָעַם. While it identifies an individual in the tribal lineage of Benjamin, its most significant biblical appearance is as the name of the Aramean general in [[2 Kings 5]]. This narrative presents a compelling theological paradox: a man named "pleasantness" afflicted with a severe disease, highlighting the human condition's need for divine grace. Naaman's miraculous healing by Elisha, contingent upon his humble obedience, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign power, His compassion extended to Gentiles, and the transformative nature of encountering the true God. The story serves as a profound prefigurement of God's universal salvation and underscores the biblical themes of humility, divine healing, and the global reach of God's redemptive plan.
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