נַ֫חַת (na.chat)
na.chat
Nahath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nahath means "rest" or "tranquility." It appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a marker for three distinct individuals across different eras of Israel’s history. The most prominent bearer is an Edomite duke, mentioned in Genesis 36:13 as the son of Reuel and grandson of Esau. This placement highlights the expanding lineage of Jacob’s brother during the patriarchal period.
Later, the name resurfaces in the tribal records of Levi. In 1 Samuel 1:1, Nahath is identified as the father of Elihu and a descendant of Elkanah, linking him to the priestly line that served at Shiloh. He also appears in 1 Chronicles 6:26 within this same genealogical list. A third individual with this name serves as an overseer for temple resources under King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:13, illustrating how names from earlier generations persisted in administrative roles centuries later.
Though brief, these references show the name’s endurance across Edomite and Levitical lines. The meaning "rest" offers a quiet contrast to the often turbulent narratives surrounding these figures, anchoring their identities in a concept of peace or cessation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Nahath carries a quiet significance, meaning "rest" or tranquility. While it appears only four times in Scripture, its presence spans diverse groups—Edomites and Levites alike. This variety reminds us that God’s peace is not limited to one lineage but touches many paths of history.
In Genesis 36:13, Nahath is listed among the sons of Reuel, showing how family records preserved even those with names suggesting calmness amidst tribal expansion. Later, in 2 Chronicles 31:13, a Nahath serves as an overseer under King Hezekiah, managing temple resources with diligence.
Though brief, these references anchor identities in peace. For believers today, this name invites reflection on finding stillness in God’s order, whether in family heritage or faithful service. It is a gentle reminder that rest is part of our shared story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nahath3×
- and/ Nahath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַ֥חַת2×
- נַ֙חַת֙1×
- וְ/נַ֨חַת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:13
These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
This verse establishes Nahath as part of Esau’s lineage, highlighting how the name appears in Edomite records to preserve family identity.
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Genesis 36:17
These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
Here Nahath is called a "chief," showing his leadership role among Reuel’s sons and emphasizing stability within the tribe.
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II Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.
In this administrative context, Nahath oversees temple resources under Hezekiah, illustrating how the name persisted in Levitical service centuries later.