נָחָשׁ (na.chash)

na.chash

Nahash

H5176 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 9 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 9 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Nahash means "serpent" in Hebrew. It appears nine times in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Samuel and Chronicles. The most prominent figure with this name was a king of the Ammonites who confronted King Saul. His title evokes the cunning and danger associated with the animal, fitting for a ruler known for harsh treatment of his enemies.

Lexical sources also identify another Nahash as the father of Abigail, who became the mother of Amasa. This Abigail was the sister of Joab’s mother Zeruiah, making her part of King David’s extended family circle. The recurrence of this specific name in these genealogies suggests a notable lineage within the historical narrative of Israel’s monarchy.

Translators typically keep the name as Nahash rather than translating it literally to "Serpent." This preserves the proper noun status while allowing readers familiar with Hebrew etymology to recognize the symbolic weight. The name serves as a linguistic marker, linking the political conflicts of Saul’s reign with the complex family dynamics that would later shape David’s court.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Nahash carries a heavy weight in Scripture, primarily associated with a cruel Ammonite king who threatened the people of Jabesh Gilead by demanding the gouging out of their eyes (1 Samuel 11:2). This figure stands as a stark reminder of the brutality that can arise from unchecked power and malice. Yet, the name also appears in genealogies, linking to Shobi, who showed kindness to David during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27), and Abigail, mother of Amasa. This duality shows how names and people are not defined solely by their worst moments or origins.

For your faith, this word invites reflection on the complexity of human relationships and divine sovereignty. Even amidst conflict and harsh histories, God weaves threads of mercy and connection. The kindness David showed to Hanun, the son of Nahash, highlights a path of grace that transcends past injuries. It reminds us that our stories are not static; they can move from enmity to unexpected fellowship when we choose to act with integrity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Nahash9×
nahash1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

נָחָשׁ֙2×
נָחָ֗שׁ2×
נָחָ֔שׁ2×
נָחָ֞שׁ1×
נָחָ֜שׁ1×
נָחָ֖שׁ1×
נָחָ֑שׁ1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 11:2
Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make it with you, that all your right eyes be gouged out. I will make this dishonor all Israel.”

This verse reveals the terrifying nature of Nahash, whose cruel demand for gouged eyes establishes him as a symbol of oppressive tyranny.
II Samuel 17:27
When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

Here, Shobi the son of Nahash provides crucial support to David, showing how descendants of this name could become instruments of grace.
I Chronicles 4:12
Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These are the men of Recah.

The mention of 'Ir Nahash' (Town of Nahash) in a genealogy suggests the lasting geographical and historical footprint of this lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Nahash mean?

Nahash is a Hebrew noun that literally means 'serpent' or 'snake.' In the Old Testament, it is primarily used as a proper name for individuals, most notably a king of Ammon. The choice of this name likely evoked the cunning and danger associated with the animal, fitting for rulers known for harsh tactics.

Who was Nahash in the Bible?

The most prominent figure is Nahash the Ammonite, who besieged Jabesh Gilead and demanded cruel terms of surrender (1 Samuel 11). Another notable mention is Shobi, son of Nahash, who aided King David during his flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27). There is also Abigail, daughter of Nahash, who was the mother of Amasa.

Why is Nahash significant in biblical history?

Nahash represents a key antagonist during Saul’s reign, prompting Israel to demand a king (1 Samuel 12:12). His actions highlight the political tensions of the era. Later, his descendants appear in David’s court, illustrating how historical conflicts and family lines intersected in complex ways within the monarchy.

Every Occurrence (9 verses across 3 books)

I Samuel 3 verses

I Samuel 11:1

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and encamped against Jabesh Gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a…

I Samuel 11:2

Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make it with you, that all your right eyes be gouged out. I…

I Samuel 12:12

“When you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall…

II Samuel 3 verses

I Chronicles 3 verses