נְמוּאֵל (ne.mu.el)
ne.mu.el
Nemuel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nemuel appears in Scripture as a personal identifier for two distinct individuals within the tribal genealogies of Israel. In Numbers 26:9, it designates a Reubenite, specifically the eldest son of Eliab and brother to Dathan and Abiram. This same individual is referenced again in I Chronicles 5:4, maintaining his place in the lineage of the tribe during the wilderness period.
A second usage occurs in Genesis 46:10 and Numbers 26:12, where Nemuel is identified as the eldest son of Simeon. The lexicon sources note that this name is also rendered as Jemuel in some textual traditions, with both forms carrying the meaning "day of God." These brief mentions serve primarily to anchor family structures within the broader narrative of the Exodus generation.
As a proper noun, Nemuel does not carry independent theological weight or verb-like action. Instead, it functions as a marker of identity within the census records and genealogical lists that establish tribal heritage. Its recurrence highlights the importance of lineage in biblical history, preserving the names of those who stood at the threshold of the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nemuel, meaning 'day of God,' appears in the genealogies of Israel as a marker of identity within the tribes of Reuben and Simeon. These records are not merely lists of names but affirm that God knows each person by name and values their place in His people.
For believers today, this reminds us that our lives are part of a larger story written by God. Even when we feel small or forgotten, He remembers us with care and purpose, weaving our individual stories into His faithful plan for redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nemuel2×
- of/ Nemuel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְמוּאֵ֣ל1×
- נְמוּאֵ֖ל1×
- לִ/נְמוּאֵ֗ל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:9
The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram who were called by the congregation, who rebelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah when they rebelled against Yahweh;
This verse identifies Nemuel as a Reubenite brother to Dathan and Abiram, linking his name to the rebellion against Moses and showing how family ties are recorded even in times of judgment.
-
Numbers 26:12
The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;
Here Nemuel is listed as the eldest son of Simeon, establishing the Nemuelites as a distinct family group within the tribe's census during the wilderness journey.
-
I Chronicles 4:24
The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul;
This genealogy reaffirms Nemuel’s place among the sons of Simeon, preserving his lineage for future generations and highlighting the continuity of God’s people.