from נַעַר; youthful; Naarai, an Israelite; Naarai.
Transliteration:Naʻăray
Pronunciation:nah-ar-ah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H5293, Naʻăray (נַעֲרַי), is a proper masculine noun, functioning as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H5288}}` (naʻar), which broadly signifies "boy," "youth," "lad," or "servant." The name Naʻăray itself carries the connotation of "youthful" or "belonging to youth." As a personal appellation, it likely reflects a characteristic of the individual—perhaps vigor, vitality, or an actual youthful age at the time of distinction—or a parental hope for such qualities in their child. Unlike common nouns, proper names like Naʻăray do not possess a wide semantic range but rather denote a specific individual, with their meaning often residing in their etymological root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Naʻăray (H5293) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 11:37]]. In this passage, Naʻăray is listed among the elite group of King David's "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, gibborim). He is identified as "Naʻăray the son of Ezbai." This list enumerates the most valiant warriors and loyal companions who served David, often at great personal risk, during his rise to power and his subsequent reign as king of Israel.
His inclusion in this distinguished roster signifies his exceptional strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty to David. The context of [[1 Chronicles 11]] is a celebration of David's military achievements and the foundational figures who supported his kingdom. Naʻăray's presence, though brief, places him within a pivotal historical and military era, underscoring his contribution to the security and establishment of the united monarchy. His specific acts of valor are not detailed, but his mere mention among such heroes attests to his significant role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation to H5293 is its root, `{{H5288}}` (naʻar), a foundational Hebrew noun. This word's semantic range is crucial for understanding Naʻăray's name:
* **Age:** It frequently denotes a young male, from an infant (e.g., [[Exodus 2:6]]) to a young man capable of military service (e.g., [[Genesis 14:24]]).
* **Social Status:** Beyond age, "naʻar" often refers to a "servant," "attendant," or "retainer," regardless of the individual's actual age, reflecting the social hierarchy where younger individuals or those in subordinate positions served older or higher-ranking persons (e.g., [[Genesis 18:7]], [[1 Samuel 2:13]]).
Other related terms include:
* `{{H5291}}` (naʻarah): The feminine counterpart, meaning "young woman" or "girl."
* `{{H5287}}` (naʻar): The verbal root from which these nouns are derived, meaning "to shake off" or "to cast off." While seemingly distinct, some scholars suggest a connection to vigor or activity, which could subtly link to the "youthful" meaning.
Conceptually, Naʻăray aligns with the broader theme of "mighty men" (gibborim) in the Old Testament, representing individuals of extraordinary strength, valor, and unwavering commitment to a cause or leader. This concept extends to figures like Joab, Benaiah, and other members of David's elite guard, all of whom embody the virtues of loyalty and service in a military context.
### Theological Significance
While Naʻăray is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his single mention carries theological weight through his association with David's mighty men.
1. **Divine Providence and Human Agency:** Naʻăray's inclusion underscores God's meticulous attention to individuals and His use of human agents, even those not prominent in the broader narrative, to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Each person, regardless of their fame, plays a role in God's unfolding plan.
2. **Virtues of Service and Loyalty:** As one of David's mighty men, Naʻăray embodies the virtues of courage, strength, and unwavering loyalty. In the biblical context, service to God's anointed king (David, a type of Christ) is often presented as an extension of service to God Himself. Naʻăray's life, therefore, serves as a quiet testament to the importance of dedicated and courageous service in the divine economy.
3. **The Significance of Names:** The name "Naʻăray" ("youthful") might subtly highlight the vigor, energy, and readiness often associated with youth, qualities essential for the demanding life of a warrior. It could also suggest that God empowers individuals of all ages and stages of life for His service.
4. **Community and Collective Action:** The list of mighty men emphasizes the importance of community and collective effort in achieving God's purposes. No single individual, not even King David, accomplished great feats alone; rather, it was through the combined strength and loyalty of many, including figures like Naʻăray, that God's kingdom was established and defended.
### Summary
H5293, Naʻăray (נַעֲרַי), is a proper masculine noun meaning "youthful," derived from the Hebrew root `{{H5288}}` (naʻar, "boy, youth, servant"). He is mentioned only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 11:37]], where he is identified as Naʻăray the son of Ezbai, one of King David's valiant "mighty men." His inclusion in this elite group signifies his strength, courage, and dedicated loyalty to David. Theologically, Naʻăray's presence in the biblical record highlights God's use of individuals, even those seemingly minor, in His grand narrative, emphasizing the virtues of loyal service, courage, and the collective effort required to advance God's purposes. The name itself may subtly point to the vigor and vitality inherent in devoted service to God's anointed.
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