נַחְבִּי (nach.bi)
nach.bi
Nahbi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The proper name Nahbi appears only once in Scripture, at Numbers 13:14, where he is listed as the son of Vophsi and one of the twelve spies sent from the tribe of Naphtali to explore Canaan. The lexicon data identifies him simply as a man living during the wilderness period, with no further biographical details provided in the biblical text.
Etymologically, the name is interpreted to mean "hidden." This meaning adds an interesting layer to his brief appearance, as he was part of a group tasked with revealing the nature of the Promised Land. While most of the spies returned with reports that emphasized fear and obstacle, Nahbi’s individual response or fate is not recorded in the narrative.
His inclusion in the list serves primarily to document the tribal representation within Moses’ mission. The sources note his lineage clearly but offer no theological commentary on his character beyond his role as a spy. Consequently, he remains a historical figure whose name suggests concealment, yet whose actions are left entirely to the silence of the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read through the list of twelve spies in Numbers 13, most names stand out because of their famous deeds or tragic failures. Nahbi, however, appears only once as a brief mention: "Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi." His name means "hidden," yet he was sent to uncover the truth about the land ahead. In a story where visibility often leads to judgment or reward, his quiet presence reminds us that not everyone who serves God gets a spotlight.
This silence can be comforting. You do not need to be the loudest voice in the room or the most visible leader to have a place in God’s plan. Nahbi was part of the team Moses needed, even if the text does not record his specific words or fate. His inclusion shows that God values every tribe and every person who steps forward in obedience, regardless of whether their story is fully told.
It is easy to feel overlooked when your contributions seem small or unseen. Nahbi’s brief mention encourages us to trust that our faithful presence matters, even if the world does not record it. We serve a God who sees the hidden things and values quiet obedience just as much as public triumph.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nahbi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַחְבִּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:14
Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.
This verse establishes Nahbi’s tribal identity as the representative from Naphtali, highlighting that God’s mission required diverse voices from every tribe.