נַעֲמָן (na.a.man)
na.a.man
Naaman
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Naaman, meaning "pleasantness," appears in Scripture in two distinct contexts. In Genesis 46:21 and 1 Chronicles 8:3, it identifies a son of Benjamin, part of the family that migrated to Egypt. Here, the name is also rendered as Nohah, linking him to the broader tribal lineage of Israel.
However, the name carries greater narrative weight in 2 Kings 5, where it designates the commander of the Syrian army. This Naaman was a man of high status but suffered from leprosy. His journey to seek healing from the prophet Elisha highlights themes of humility and faith, as he ultimately obeys simple instructions to be cleansed. The contrast between his military power and his physical vulnerability underscores the story’s theological focus on divine mercy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Naaman means 'pleasantness,' yet his story begins with a condition that made life difficult. As the commander of the Syrian army, he held great power and honor, but he also suffered from leprosy. This contrast reminds us that human status does not protect us from vulnerability or pain. Even those who seem strong need divine help.
Naaman’s journey to the prophet Elisha shows how humility opens the door to healing. He expected a grand display of power, but was asked simply to wash in the Jordan River. His initial anger gave way to obedience, and he was cleansed. This narrative invites us to trust God’s methods, even when they seem simple or unexpected.
For your faith, this story highlights that mercy is available to all who seek it with a willing heart. Whether you feel powerful or weak, God’s grace meets you where you are. It encourages patience and trust in His timing and ways.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Naaman10×
- and/ Naaman5×
- to/ Naaman1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַעֲמָ֖ן2×
- נַֽעֲמָן֙2×
- וְ/נַעֲמָ֖ן2×
- נַעֲמָן֒1×
- נַעֲמָֽן\׃1×
- נַעֲמָ֤ן1×
- נַעֲמָ֣ן1×
- נַעֲמָ֔ן1×
- נַֽעֲמָ֑ן1×
- לְ/נַֽעֲמָ֔ן1×
- וְ֠/נַעֲמָן1×
- וְ/נַעֲמָ֧ן1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 5:1
Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Yahweh had given victory to Syria; he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
This verse establishes Naaman's high status and his leprosy, creating the central tension of the narrative.
-
II Kings 5:11
But Naaman was angry, and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’
Naaman’s anger reveals his expectation of a dramatic miracle, contrasting with God’s simple instruction.
-
II Kings 5:27
Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your offspring forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
The consequence for Gehazi underscores the seriousness of Naaman’s healing and the integrity required to receive it.