Lexical Summary Nemueli: Nemuelite Original Word: נְמוּאֵלִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nemuelite From Nmuw'el; a Nemuelite, or descendant of Nemuel -- Nemuelite. see HEBREW Nmuw'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Nemuel Definition desc. of Nemuel NASB Translation Nemuelites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נְמוּאֵלִי adjective, of a people of 1 above, only with article ׳הַנּ as collective noun Numbers 26:12, ᵐ5 Ναμουηλει. נמל (√ of following, meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Biblical settingThe term “Nemuelite” appears in the second wilderness census conducted on the plains of Moab as the generation born in the desert was being numbered for entrance into the land of promise. “These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: Through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Jakin, the Jakinite clan” (Numbers 26:12). The notice is brief, yet it secures the clan’s place within the covenant community immediately before Israel crossed the Jordan. Genealogical context The progenitor of the clan is Nemuel (also spelled Jemuel), listed among the sons of Simeon in Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15; and 1 Chronicles 4:24. Thus, every later mention of Simeonite history implicitly embraces the Nemuelites. Contribution to tribal life 1. Census totals. Simeon had suffered the sharpest population decline between the first and second censuses (Numbers 1 and 26), dropping from 59,300 to 22,200. The Nemuelites were part of that remnant. Their inclusion underscores the preservation of Simeon despite judgment for sin at Baal Peor (Numbers 25). 2. Allotment in Canaan. Simeon’s inheritance lay within Judah’s larger territory (Joshua 19:1-9). Although the text does not single out the Nemuelite clan by name, its members shared in the forty-eight towns and villages given to Simeon and, later, in Judah’s victories in the Negev (Judges 1:3, 17). 3. Post-conquest exploits. 1 Chronicles 4:38-43 records Simeonite expansions southward against Amalekites and Meunites. While the Chronicler cites “their genealogies,” the Nemuelites are implied participants, highlighting ongoing clan vitality centuries after Numbers 26. Historical significance The single occurrence of “Nemuelite” captures a turning point: Israel stands on the threshold of inheritance; every clan counts. Even diminished, Simeon and its sub-clans would help secure Israel’s borders in the south and provide cities for shepherding and agriculture—crucial for Judah’s later monarchy (1 Samuel 30:14; 2 Chronicles 15:9). Theological themes 1. Covenant remembrance. The recording of a minor clan illustrates that God’s covenant embraces the great and the small alike. Not one family line that remained faithful was lost from His register (Psalm 87:6). 2. Mercy in judgment. Simeon’s numbers shrank after the Baal Peor plague, yet the Nemuelites survived, testifying to divine discipline tempered by grace (Hebrews 12:5-6). 3. Identity amid absorption. Though eventually absorbed into Judah (Ezekiel 48:24-25), Simeon—including the Nemuelites—retained an identity known to God. Believers today likewise find their truest identity preserved in Christ even when earthly distinctions fade (Revelation 3:12). Ministry applications • Church membership rolls echo the biblical pattern of recording God’s people. Careful shepherding of “small” families or overlooked individuals reflects the Lord’s valuing of every clan like the Nemuelites. • Decline in numbers need not signal defeat. As with Simeon’s remnant, revival and fresh mission can arise after disciplined reduction (John 15:2). • Cooperation within larger bodies is fruitful. Simeon’s share inside Judah’s territory pictures congregations that serve effectively when partnered with stronger churches, advancing the kingdom together (Philippians 1:5). In sum, the Nemuelites—though mentioned only once—embody God’s meticulous faithfulness, the enduring significance of every covenant member, and the potential for ministry impact irrespective of size or fame. Forms and Transliterations הַנְּמ֣וּאֵלִ֔י הנמואלי han·nə·mū·’ê·lî hannəmū’êlî hanneMueLiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 26:12 HEB: לִנְמוּאֵ֗ל מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַנְּמ֣וּאֵלִ֔י לְיָמִ֕ין מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת NAS: the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, KJV: the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, INT: of Nemuel the family of the Nemuelites of Jamin the family 1 Occurrence |
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