נַעֲמִי (na.a.mi)
na.a.mi
Naamite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The noun naʿămi functions as a gentilic term, identifying the descendants of Naaman, a son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 26:40, where it serves to catalogue the families emerging from Egypt during the second census.
Its meaning is strictly genealogical rather than descriptive. The suffix indicates belonging or origin, translating literally as "of Naaman" or "Naamite." The sources note that the form likely derives from the personal name Naaman (H5283), which itself may relate to the root for "loveliness," though the text uses it here solely to mark tribal lineage within the tribe of Benjamin.
Because this entry occurs in a list of names, the word carries no independent theological weight or narrative action. It stands as a historical marker, preserving the identity of one specific family unit among many during the wilderness period. Translators typically render it simply as "the Naamites," reflecting its role as a proper noun derivative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Numbers 26:40 lists the Naamites as descendants of Bela, a son of Benjamin. This brief mention preserves the identity of one family unit during the wilderness journey. Such genealogies show that God remembers every name and lineage in His people.
While this word appears only once, it reflects God's care for individual families within the larger community of Israel. Each name recorded in Scripture contributes to the full picture of His covenant people. We find comfort in knowing that no part of our story is overlooked by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Naamanite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/נַּעֲמִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
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Numbers 26:40
The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.
This verse identifies the Naamites as a specific family group descending from Naaman, son of Bela, within the tribe of Benjamin.