Lexical Summary Nain: Nain Original Word: Ναΐν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nain. Probably of Hebrew origin (compare na'ah); Nain, a place in Palestine -- Nain. see HEBREW na'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin, cf. naah Definition Nain, a village of Galilee NASB Translation Nain (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3484: ΝαΐνΝαΐν (WH Ναΐν (cf. Iota) (נָאִין, a pasture; cf. Simonis, Onomast. N. T., p. 115), ἡ, Nain, a town of Galilee, situated at the northern base of Little Hermon; modern Nein, a petty village inhabited by a very few families, and not to be confounded with a village of the same name beyond the Jordan (Josephus, b. j. 4, 9, 4): Luke 7:11. (Cf. Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, i. 552f.) Topical Lexicon Name and Location Nain was a small Galilean village situated on the northwestern slope of the Hill of Moreh, opposite the Jezreel Valley. Its name, meaning “pleasant” or “lovely,” fits the fertile surroundings near Endor to the northeast and Shunem to the southwest. Modern identification places it at Nein, a modest Arab village about ten miles southeast of Nazareth. Biblical Account Luke records a single visit of Jesus to Nain (Luke 7:11-17). As He approached the town gate, a funeral procession was carrying out the only son of a widow. “When the Lord saw her, He was moved with compassion for her and said, ‘Do not weep’” (Luke 7:13). Touching the bier, He commanded, “Young man, I tell you, get up!” (Luke 7:14). The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus “gave him back to his mother” (Luke 7:15). The crowd glorified God, declaring, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:16). News of this miracle spread “throughout Judea and all the surrounding region” (Luke 7:17). Geographical and Historical Setting Nain lay along a main route between Capernaum and Jerusalem, making it accessible to pilgrims and traders. Its closeness to Shunem recalls Elisha’s raising of the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:32-37), and proximity to Jezreel links it to Elijah’s revival of the widow’s son at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24). Luke’s audience would have sensed these prophetic echoes, underscoring Jesus as the greater Elijah-Elisha figure. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of Messiah’s Compassion: Jesus’ miracle at Nain illustrates divine tenderness toward the vulnerable, especially widows (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5). Christological Implications Only divine authority can reverse death with a word. In Nain, Jesus demonstrates sovereign power identical with God’s, confirming the unity of His person and work. The title “Lord” in Luke 7:13 stresses His deity, while His compassionate address, “Do not weep,” shows true humanity. Ministry and Pastoral Lessons • Compassion precedes intervention: Christ noticed the widow before any petition. Typology and Connection to Prophetic Hope The widow’s son forms a triad with the sons raised by Elijah and Elisha, foreshadowing the inclusive resurrection promise fulfilled in Christ (John 5:28-29). Nain therefore signals the dawning messianic age when “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). Archaeology and Modern Site Ruins of ancient tombs line the eastern slope leading to modern Nein, confirming the presence of burial sites outside the original gate, consistent with Luke’s description. A small chapel erected by the Franciscans in the nineteenth century commemorates the event, preserving local memory of the miracle. Legacy in Christian Tradition Early pilgrims such as Eusebius and Jerome mention Nain, and medieval itineraries retained its fame. Hymnody, including John Newton’s “Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart,” draws on the narrative, while art from Giotto to modern iconography portrays the widow’s restored joy. Key Reference Luke 7:11-17 – Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain. Forms and Transliterations Ναιν Ναίν Ναΐν ναίων νάματος Nain NaínLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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