Lexical Summary Nachshon: Nahshon Original Word: נַחְשׁוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Naashon, Nahshon From nachash; enchanter; Nachshon, an Israelite -- Naashon, Nahshon. see HEBREW nachash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as nachash Definition brother-in-law of Aaron NASB Translation Nahshon (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs נַחְשׁוֺן proper name, masculine son of Aminadab, of Judah, brother-in-law of Aaron Exodus 6:23; Numbers 1:7; Numbers 2:3; Numbers 7:12,17; Numbers 10:14 (all P), Ruth 4:20 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 2:10,11 ᵐ5 Ναασσων (DHMZMG xxxvii (1888), 15 compare Sabean tribal name נחסן). Topical Lexicon Identity and Genealogical Context Nahshon is introduced as the son of Amminadab and the brother of Elisheba, whom Aaron married (Exodus 6:23). His immediate family ties therefore link the princely house of Judah to the Aaronic priesthood. He stands in the line of Perez, Judah’s son, and fathers Salmon, making him the great-grandfather of Boaz and an ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:20; 1 Chronicles 2:10-15). By extension, his name appears in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32), testifying to his lasting place in redemptive history. Leadership of the Tribe of Judah At Sinai, Nahshon is repeatedly designated “leader” or “chieftain” of Judah (Numbers 1:7; 2:3). Judah, the largest and pre-eminent tribe, supplied the first prince in the camp’s order. Nahshon thus embodies Judah’s prophetic primacy (Genesis 49:8-10) and models godly administration during Israel’s formative wilderness period. Participation in the Census and Encampment Order When Moses and Aaron conducted the first census, Nahshon represented his tribe (Numbers 1:7). In the camp arrangement, Judah encamped on the east, “the standard of the camp of Judah” (Numbers 2:3). His appointment illustrates structured leadership: each tribe had a head, accountability, and a clear place—principles that echo in later ecclesial organization. First to Present the Tribal Offering At the dedication of the tabernacle, Nahshon led the sequence of offerings: “He who presented his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah” (Numbers 7:12). His gift—identical in content to those of the other leaders—set the tone for voluntary, generous worship. By stepping forward first, he demonstrated initiative and faith, encouraging the remaining tribes to follow suit. Nahshon in the March through the Wilderness Numbers 10:14 states, “The divisions of the camp of Judah proceeded first under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command”. Whenever the cloud lifted, Judah—led by Nahshon—broke camp before any other tribe. The privilege of first position carried both honor and risk, requiring courage and confidence in the Lord’s guidance. Role in the Royal and Messianic Line Ruth 4:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:10-12 place Nahshon squarely in the lineage leading to David. Through David comes the promise of an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Nahshon’s appearance in the Gospels’ genealogies confirms the harmony between Old and New Testament revelation and underscores God’s providential preservation of the messianic line across centuries. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Servant-Leadership: Nahshon illustrates that true leadership among God’s people begins with personal responsibility and public faithfulness. Key References Exodus 6:23; Numbers 1:7; Numbers 2:3; Numbers 7:12-17; Numbers 10:14; Ruth 4:20; 1 Chronicles 2:10-11; Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32 Forms and Transliterations וְנַחְשׁ֖וֹן וְנַחְשׁוֹן֙ ונחשון נַחְשׁ֔וֹן נַחְשׁ֖וֹן נַחְשׁ֥וֹן נחשון nachShon naḥ·šō·wn naḥšōwn venachShon wə·naḥ·šō·wn wənaḥšōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 6:23 HEB: עַמִּינָדָ֛ב אֲח֥וֹת נַחְשׁ֖וֹן ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֑ה NAS: the sister of Nahshon, and she bore KJV: sister of Naashon, to wife; INT: of Amminadab the sister of Nahshon to wife bore Numbers 1:7 Numbers 2:3 Numbers 7:12 Numbers 7:17 Numbers 10:14 Ruth 4:20 Ruth 4:20 1 Chronicles 2:10 1 Chronicles 2:11 10 Occurrences |
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