Lexical Summary Nachamani: Nachamani Original Word: נַחֲמָנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nahamani From nacham; consolatory; Nachamani, an Israelite -- Nahamani. see HEBREW nacham NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nacham Definition "compassionate," an Isr. of Nehemiah's time NASB Translation Nahamani (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נַחֲמָנִי proper name, masculine (compassionate) a returned exile Nehemiah 7:7; ᵐ5 Νεεμιου (genitive). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Nahamani appears a single time in the Old Testament, within Nehemiah 7:7. There he is listed among the leading men who “came with Zerubbabel” in the first return from Babylonian captivity: “They arrived with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah” (Nehemiah 7:7). Historical Context The verse situates Nahamani in the era immediately following the decree of Cyrus of Persia (539–538 BC), which permitted Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, led the first caravan around 538 BC. The list in Nehemiah 7 serves as a republished census from that original migration, preserved to confirm ancestry, land rights, and eligibility for temple service (compare Ezra 2:1-70 with Nehemiah 7:5-73). Textual Considerations In Ezra 2:2 the corresponding list omits Nahamani and instead contains the name Rehum. Some scholars view the difference as the result of textual transmission, with Nahamani and Rehum possibly representing the same person under variant spellings or reflecting differing manuscript traditions. Either way, the inspired text preserves the integrity of the return’s leadership while reinforcing the practical need for accurate genealogical records in post-exilic Judah. Leadership Profile Although Scripture gives no further narrative about Nahamani, his placement in the list—after Raamiah and before Mordecai—positions him among twelve principal leaders (including Zerubbabel and Jeshua). These men likely oversaw family groups, coordinated logistics for the journey of roughly nine hundred miles, and accepted responsibility to re-establish worship in Jerusalem. Their willingness to abandon the comparative security of Babylon to face the ruins of Judah demonstrates courage, covenant loyalty, and faith in God’s promises (Haggai 2:4-5). Theological Significance 1. Preservation of the Remnant: Nahamani’s inclusion underscores God’s faithfulness to keep a remnant and restore the Davidic community, anticipating messianic fulfillment (Isaiah 10:20-22; Jeremiah 23:3). Ministry Applications • Embrace Obscure Faithfulness: Modern servants may labor without public recognition; yet their names are recorded before God just as surely as Nahamani’s is recorded in Scripture (Luke 10:20). Summary Though mentioned only once, Nahamani stands among the pioneers who answered God’s call to return, rebuild, and renew covenant life. His brief appearance illuminates the larger tapestry of divine restoration, validating both the historicity of the post-exilic community and the enduring value of every faithful servant in God’s plan. Forms and Transliterations נַחֲמָ֜נִי נחמני na·ḥă·mā·nî nachaMani naḥămānîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 7:7 HEB: עֲ֠זַרְיָה רַֽעַמְיָ֨ה נַחֲמָ֜נִי מָרְדֳּכַ֥י בִּלְשָׁ֛ן NAS: Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, KJV: Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, INT: Azariah Raamiah Nahamani Mordecai Bilshan 1 Occurrence |
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