from נַעַר and יָהּ; servant of Jah; Nearjah, the name of two Israelites; Neariah.
Transliteration:Nᵉʻaryâh
Pronunciation:neh-ar-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נְעַרְיָה (Nᵉʻaryâh), Strong's number `{{H5294}}`, is a proper masculine noun, a personal name. Its etymology reveals a compound structure, derived from two distinct elements. The first component is נַעַר (na'ar), `{{H5288}}`, which primarily signifies "youth," "boy," or "servant." In the context of this name, the interpretation of "servant" is most fitting. The second component is יָהּ (yah), `{{H3050}}`, a shortened, poetic form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel. Therefore, the name Nᵉʻaryâh literally translates to "servant of Yahweh" or "youth of Yahweh." This meaning situates the name within a broad category of theophoric names common in ancient Israel, which declare a relationship with or characteristic of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nᵉʻaryâh `{{H5294}}` appears twice in the Old Testament, identifying two distinct individuals, both Israelites.
1. **A Descendant of David:** The first occurrence is in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, where Nᵉʻaryâh is listed as a son of Shemaiah and a descendant of David through Zerubbabel.
* [[1 Chronicles 3:22]]: "The sons of Shemaiah were Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neriah, and Shaphat—six." (Some manuscripts include Neriah, while others list Neriah as a separate name, but the context here refers to Neriah/Neariah as part of the lineage).
* [[1 Chronicles 3:23]]: "The sons of Neriah: Elioenai, Hezekiah, and Azrikam—three."
This Nᵉʻaryâh is part of the royal lineage, tracing the descendants of David after the Babylonian exile. His inclusion in this important genealogical list underscores the continuity of the Davidic line, even in post-exilic times. The name "servant of Yahweh" in this context might subtly reflect the hope or expectation that this branch of the royal family would indeed serve the Lord faithfully.
2. **A Simeonite Captain:** The second instance of Nᵉʻaryâh is found within the genealogical and historical account of the tribe of Simeon.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:42]]: "And some of them, from the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to Mount Seir, with Pelatiah, Neriah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, as their leaders."
Here, Nᵉʻaryâh is identified as one of the four sons of Ishi who led a contingent of five hundred Simeonites to Mount Seir to conquer the remnant of the Amalekites. This Nᵉʻaryâh is depicted as a military leader, participating in an act of tribal expansion and conquest. The meaning "servant of Yahweh" would here imply that his leadership and actions were undertaken in service to God's purposes for His people.
In both contexts, the name functions primarily as an identifier. However, the inherent meaning of the name would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of their relationship with God, suggesting a life or lineage dedicated to divine service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Nᵉʻaryâh `{{H5294}}` is enriched by examining its constituent parts and broader theological concepts:
* **נַעַר (na'ar) `{{H5288}}`:** This foundational word for "youth" or "servant" is highly versatile. It can refer to a young man, a boy, a servant in a household, a soldier, or even a messenger. In the context of Nᵉʻaryâh, the connotation of "servant" is paramount, aligning with the common biblical motif of individuals serving God. This concept of "service" (עֶבֶד, 'eved) is central to Israelite theology, often denoting a profound relationship of devotion, obedience, and sometimes, divine appointment.
* **יָהּ (yah) `{{H3050}}`:** This is the shortened, reverential form of the divine name YHWH. Its presence in numerous Israelite names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hezekiah, Obadiah) signifies a deep theological connection. Theophoric names served as declarations of faith, prayers, or reminders of God's character and involvement in the lives of His people. The inclusion of "Yah" in Nᵉʻaryâh highlights the God-centered worldview of the parents who bestowed the name.
* **The Concept of "Servant of the Lord" (עֶבֶד יְהוָה):** The meaning of Nᵉʻaryâh directly echoes this significant biblical concept. From Abraham [[Genesis 26:24]] to Moses [[Deuteronomy 34:5]] and David [[2 Samuel 7:5]], many key figures in Israelite history are identified as "servants of the Lord," signifying their chosen status, their obedience, and their role in fulfilling God's will. While Nᵉʻaryâh is not explicitly called "servant of the Lord" in the narrative, his name embodies this ideal, suggesting a life dedicated to divine purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nᵉʻaryâh `{{H5294}}` primarily resides in its meaning: "servant of Yahweh." This name, though belonging to specific historical figures, reflects broader theological truths deeply embedded in Israelite faith:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Vocation:** The name testifies to God's ultimate authority and the appropriate human response of service. To be a "servant of Yahweh" implies a recognition of God as Lord and a commitment to live in accordance with His will. This is not a servile subjugation but a willing devotion rooted in covenant relationship.
* **Theophoric Naming as a Confession of Faith:** The practice of incorporating divine elements into personal names was a powerful way for Israelite parents to express their faith, hopes, and understanding of God's character. Naming a child "servant of Yahweh" could have been a prayer for the child's future devotion, a declaration of the parents' own commitment, or a theological statement about the family's identity in relation to God.
* **Continuity of God's Purpose:** The appearance of Nᵉʻaryâh in both the Davidic lineage and the Simeonite military context underscores that God's purposes extend to all aspects of life—from royal succession to tribal warfare. The name serves as a subtle reminder that all callings, whether dynastic or martial, are ultimately to be lived out in service to the Most High God.
* **The Ideal of Service:** While the biblical narratives do not elaborate on the personal piety of these two individuals, their shared name points to an overarching ideal within Israelite theology: that human flourishing is found in faithful service to God. This ideal culminates in the prophetic figure of the "Suffering Servant" in Isaiah, who perfectly embodies the concept of divine service.
### Summary
Nᵉʻaryâh `{{H5294}}` is a Hebrew proper name meaning "servant of Yahweh" or "youth of Yahweh," derived from נַעַר `{{H5288}}` ("youth/servant") and יָהּ `{{H3050}}` (a short form of YHWH). It identifies two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: a descendant of David in the post-exilic period [[1 Chronicles 3:22-23]] and a Simeonite military leader [[1 Chronicles 4:42]]. As a theophoric name, Nᵉʻaryâh profoundly reflects the Israelite understanding of humanity's relationship with God, emphasizing the concept of devoted service and acknowledging divine sovereignty. While the biblical text offers limited biographical detail for these figures, the name itself stands as a theological statement, embodying the ideal of a life lived in humble and faithful service to the covenant God of Israel.
TRV