Lexical Summary Naam: Naam Original Word: נַעַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Naam From na'em; pleasure; Naam, an Israelite -- Naam. see HEBREW na'em NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naem Definition a son of Caleb NASB Translation Naam (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נָ֑עַם proper name, masculine son of Caleb, 1 Chronicles 4:15; ᵐ5 Νοομ, A Νααμ. Topical Lexicon Naam in Scripture“The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh were Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the son of Elah was Kenaz.” — 1 Chronicles 4:15 Position within the Judahite Genealogy In the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, Naam is listed among the descendants of Caleb, son of Jephunneh. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, traces Judah’s line to underscore the continuity of God’s covenant purposes. By naming even relatively obscure individuals such as Naam, Scripture affirms that every member of the covenant people holds a place in God’s redemptive history. Connection to Caleb’s Legacy Caleb is repeatedly commended for “wholly following the Lord” (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:14). Naam, as Caleb’s grandson, inherits a family testimony of faithfulness. This brief mention testifies that godly devotion can echo through generations. The Chronicler’s priority is not mere record-keeping but reinforcing the ideal of covenant loyalty: if Caleb’s zeal shaped his household, then each name—Naam included—serves as a quiet witness to steadfast faith. Thematic Significance of the Name Hebrew names often carry theological weight. Though the text does not expound on Naam’s life, his name evokes pleasantness or delight, suggesting the goodness God desires for His people (Psalm 16:11). Even without narrative details, the name contributes to the Chronicler’s overarching theme that Judah’s future, resting on divine faithfulness, remains bright and hope-filled. Historical Background 1 Chronicles organizes Judah’s genealogy to reassure the returned exiles that their identity endures. By situating Caleb’s house within Judah, the Chronicler validates land claims, tribal responsibilities, and the prophetic expectation of a Davidic Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Naam’s inclusion anchors post-exilic readers to their ancestral promises, reminding them that God’s purposes withstand captivity and dispersion. Ministry and Devotional Applications 1. God notices the unnoticed. Naam’s single appearance teaches that no disciple is too small to be counted (Luke 12:6-7). Messianic Echoes Because the Chronicler structures Judah’s line to highlight messianic anticipation, every Judahite—including Naam—forms a link in the chain leading to the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). Their collective testimony points forward to the One in whom covenant promises find ultimate fulfillment (2 Corinthians 1:20). Summary Though Naam appears only once, his presence in 1 Chronicles 4:15 contributes to the tapestry of Scripture by confirming Judah’s lineage, illustrating generational faithfulness, and reassuring God’s people that each life—however briefly mentioned—fits within the Lord’s sovereign, saving plan. Forms and Transliterations וָנָ֑עַם ונעם vaNaam wā·nā·‘am wānā‘amLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:15 HEB: עִ֥ירוּ אֵלָ֖ה וָנָ֑עַם וּבְנֵ֥י אֵלָ֖ה NAS: Elah and Naam; and the son KJV: Elah, and Naam: and the sons INT: Iru Elah and Naam and the son of Elah 1 Occurrence |
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