Νῶε (Nōe)
Nōe
Noah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Nōe is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew Noach, meaning "rest" or "comfort." It appears in the New Testament to identify the patriarch who built the ark and survived the flood. The sources note its occurrence in eight verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as well as in the epistles of Peter.
In Matthew 24:37-38 and Luke 17:26-27, Jesus uses Nōe as a historical benchmark for His own coming. Just as people were living their ordinary lives before the flood, so too will the world be when the Son of Man arrives. This usage grounds eschatological teaching in a well-known narrative of divine judgment and preservation.
The name’s meaning resonates with its biblical context. Genesis describes Noah bringing comfort to a weary earth after the curse of ground-based labor. In Hebrews 11:7 and 1 Peter 3:20, his faith is highlighted as the means by which he "condemned the world" and became an heir of righteousness, preserving life through water.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nōe, or Noah, appears in the New Testament as more than just a historical figure from Genesis. Jesus references him in Matthew and Luke to describe the suddenness of His return. In those days, people were simply living their ordinary lives—eating, drinking, and marrying—when judgment arrived. This reminds us that spiritual readiness is not about dramatic signs alone, but about a heart aligned with God amidst daily routines.
His story also highlights the power of faith. Hebrews 11:7 describes Noah as someone who acted on what he could not yet see. He built an ark by faith, saving his household and becoming an heir of righteousness. This shows that trusting God’s word, even when it seems impossible, leads to preservation and blessing.
Ultimately, Noah’s name means rest or comfort, reflecting the hope we find in Christ. Just as water preserved Noah’s family, believers look forward to the final restoration where God will wipe away every tear. His example encourages us to stand firm in faith, knowing that God keeps His promises through every trial.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Noah4×
- of Noah,2×
- of Noah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Νῶε6×
- Νῶε,2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:37
As the days of Noah were, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Jesus uses this verse to establish a direct parallel between the unexpected nature of the flood and His own second coming.
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Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
This passage identifies Noah’s faith as the specific mechanism by which he condemned the world and received righteousness.
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Luke 17:26
As it was in the days of Noah, even so it will also be in the days of the Son of Man.
Here Jesus reiterates that the days of Noah serve as a historical benchmark for the future appearance of the Son of Man.