Lexical Summary nachnu: We, us Original Word: נַחְנוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance we For 'anachnuw; we -- we. see HEBREW 'anachnuw NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anachnu Definition we NASB Translation ourselves (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נַ֫חְנוּ, נָחְ֑נוּ pronoun 1 plural we (abbreviated from אֲנַחְנוּ; compare the forms  ,  נַחְנָא, just cited; also Assyrian nîni) Genesis 42:11; Exodus 16:7,8; Numbers 32:32; Lamentations 3:42. (In 2 Samuel 17:12 נַחְנוּ is 1 plural perfect Qal from נוּחַ.) Topical Lexicon Self-Identification and Corporate Solidarity The pronoun expresses a conscious declaration of shared identity. Joseph’s brothers insist, “We are all sons of one man” (Genesis 42:11), distancing themselves from the charge of espionage by appealing to their common origin. The word thus underscores covenant family structure, reminding readers that God’s dealings often address households and tribes, not merely isolated individuals (compare Joshua 24:15). Contrast Between Claim and Reality In Genesis 42 the brothers’ “we” sounds sincere, yet the reader knows their history of deceit against Joseph. Scripture thereby exposes the tension between human self-presentation and divine omniscience. The episode foreshadows the ultimate unveiling of hearts at Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10). Dependence on Divine Provision Twice in Exodus 16 Moses and Aaron ask, “Who are we?” (verses 7 and 8), redirecting Israel’s complaints away from human leaders to the Lord. The repeated pronoun highlights leadership humility: God, not man, supplies manna. Pastors likewise are to point congregations to the true Source of every need (1 Peter 5:2–4). Commitment and Obedience The tribes of Reuben and Gad pledge, “We will cross over into the land of Canaan before the LORD armed” (Numbers 32:32). Here the word binds the community to a collective vow. Biblical covenants often require such unified assent (Nehemiah 10:28–29), challenging churches today to covenant together in mission and holiness. Confession and Repentance “We have sinned and rebelled” (Lamentations 3:42). The collective confession stands in stark contrast to earlier defiances. True revival begins when God’s people admit guilt corporately (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9). The absence of immediate forgiveness in the verse (“You have not forgiven”) magnifies the need for a Mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:15). Theological Implications for Ministry Today 1. The word encourages congregational consciousness: salvation places believers into a body (1 Corinthians 12:12). From patriarchs to prophets, the simple pronoun gathers individuals into a single voice, reminding every generation that the Lord deals with His people as one flock under one Shepherd. Forms and Transliterations וְנַ֣חְנוּ ונחנו נַ֣חְנוּ נַ֤חְנוּ נָ֑חְנוּ נחנו nā·ḥə·nū Nachenu Nachnu naḥ·nū nāḥənū naḥnū veNachnu wə·naḥ·nū wənaḥnūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 42:11 HEB: אִישׁ־ אֶחָ֖ד נָ֑חְנוּ כֵּנִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ KJV: We [are] all one man's INT: man of one We we true ourselves Exodus 16:7 Exodus 16:8 Numbers 32:32 Lamentations 3:42 5 Occurrences |
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