נַעֲמָן (na.a.man)
na.a.man
pleasantness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word na‘aman carries the simple, grounded meaning of pleasantness or agreeableness. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 17:10. In this specific context, it describes the charm or allure that people mistakenly cling to instead of seeking God.
While some ancient sources suggest it might have served as a title for deities like Adonis, the biblical usage here is more abstract. The prophet contrasts the fading beauty of human idols with the enduring reliability of the Creator. The term highlights the superficial attractiveness that draws hearts away from divine truth.
This single occurrence underscores a key theme in Isaiah: the danger of valuing temporary aesthetic appeal over spiritual substance. Translators typically render it as pleasantness or charm, capturing the seductive quality that makes false gods seem desirable to those who have forgotten their maker.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word na‘aman describes a surface-level charm or agreeableness that can easily distract us from what truly sustains our lives. In Isaiah 17:10, this term highlights how people sometimes choose visible beauty over the steady presence of God. It reminds us that not everything that looks appealing carries lasting value.
When we focus on temporary attractions, we may overlook the reliable foundation of our faith. This word invites us to examine what we value most in our daily choices. True peace comes from trusting in God rather than chasing fleeting pleasures that fade quickly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pleasantness<es>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַעֲמָנִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 17:10
For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign seedlings.
This verse uses na‘aman to contrast the superficial allure of human-made idols with the enduring strength of God, warning against forgetting the source of true salvation.