Lexical Summary Naaran: Naaran Original Word: נַעֲרָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Naaran From na'ar; juvenile; Naaran, a place in Palestine -- Naaran. see HEBREW na'ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as naar Definition a place in Ephraim NASB Translation Naaran (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נַעֲרָן proper name, of a location in E of Ephraim, 1 Chronicles 7:28 (ᵐ5 Νααρναν, A Νααραν, ᵐ5L Νοαραν), apparently = [נַעֲרָה] q. v. נֹף see מֹף. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence 1 Chronicles 7:28 records Naaran as one of the “holdings and settlements” of the Ephraimites: “Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and its villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages as far as Ayyah and its villages”. Geographical Setting and Identification Naaran lay on the eastern side of Ephraim’s territory, toward the lower Jordan Valley and near Jericho. The Chronicler distinguishes it from Bethel (to the west) and Gezer (farther west), implying a site on the Jordanian descent east of the central hill country. Many equate Naaran with the earlier‐named Naarath in Joshua 16:7; the slight variation in spelling reflects the flexible orthography of Hebrew place names. Possible locations include: Both sites command the route from the hill country down to the Jordan, aligning with Ephraim’s frontier position toward Benjamin and the tribe of Manasseh. Historical Context in the Tribal Allotments Naaran’s placement in 1 Chronicles 7 occurs within a genealogy that underscores Ephraim’s inheritance and resilience after early losses (7:21–23). The Chronicler lists towns east and west of the hill spine, presenting Ephraim as possessing both strategic mountain strongholds and fertile lowlands. Naaran, controlling an approach to Jericho, illustrates how Ephraim’s borders touched Benjamin yet maintained distinct holdings (compare Joshua 16:1–9; 18:11–14). Relationship to “Naarath” Joshua 16:7 sets the southern border of Ephraim at “Naarath,” just before “Jericho and came out at the Jordan.” The parallel wording and geographic fit make it likely that Naarath is the earlier form of Naaran. Chronicles, composed after the exile, often updates place names to their post-exilic usage; thus the Chronicler’s use of Naaran may reflect either linguistic development or local preference among returning Ephraimites. Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Data No inscription specifically naming Naaran has yet been excavated, but surveys at Tell el-‘Aujeh reveal Iron Age pottery and fortifications, indicating occupation in the period of the Judges and early monarchy. The site’s later Hellenistic occupation aligns with Josephus’ notice of fortresses guarding the Jericho approaches. These findings fit the Chronicler’s concern to show an enduring Ephraimite presence despite Assyrian depredations. Spiritual and Theological Reflections 1. Covenant Land: Naaran’s inclusion underscores that even lesser-known towns mattered to the divine allotment first promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18–21) and realized under Joshua. Lessons for Ministry Today • Remember the “small places.” Ministries often spotlight major cities, yet God records and values seemingly minor locations like Naaran. Faithful service in obscure contexts advances His purposes. See Also Joshua 16:5–10; Joshua 18:11–14; Judges 1:29; 1 Kings 12:25; Zechariah 10:6 Forms and Transliterations נַעֲרָ֔ן נערן na‘ărān na·‘ă·rān naaRanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:28 HEB: וּבְנֹתֶ֑יהָ וְלַמִּזְרָ֣ח נַעֲרָ֔ן וְלַֽמַּעֲרָ֗ב גֶּ֤זֶר NAS: and to the east Naaran, and to the west KJV: thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward INT: towns the east Naaran the west Gezer 1 Occurrence |
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