נְמוּאֵלִי (ne.mu.e.li)
ne.mu.e.li
Nemuelite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew term nemu’eli identifies a member of the Nemuelites, a clan within the tribe of Simeon during the wilderness period. It functions as a gentilic adjective, derived directly from the personal name Nemuel, which means "day of God." This linguistic construction links the group’s identity to their ancestor, emphasizing lineage in the biblical record.
Lexical sources note that this word appears only once in Scripture, specifically in Numbers 26:12. Here it serves as a collective noun for the descendants of Nemuel, who is listed among the sons of Simeon. The text uses the article to specify this particular family unit within the larger tribal census, distinguishing them from other Simeonite clans like those of Jamin or Ohad.
Although rare, this entry highlights how ancient Israelite society organized itself through familial ties. The name Nemuel itself carries theological weight by invoking God’s day, yet the gentilic form focuses entirely on social and genealogical classification rather than religious practice. It stands as a small but precise marker of tribal identity in the wilderness narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nemuel means "day of God," and its derivative form appears in Numbers 26:12 to identify a specific clan within the tribe of Simeon. This single occurrence highlights how ancient Israel organized itself through family lines, ensuring every individual had a place in the community's record.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God cares about the small and seemingly obscure parts of history. Just as each family was counted and named, you are known personally by Him. Your identity is secure in His sight, regardless of how prominent or hidden your role may seem to others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Nemuelite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נְּמ֣וּאֵלִ֔י1×
Key Verses
-
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;
This verse uses the term to distinguish the Nemuelite clan from other Simeonite families like the Jaminites during the second census.