נַעֲרָה (na.a.rah)
na.a.rah
Naarah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Naarah, meaning "maiden" or "young woman," appears in Scripture in two distinct contexts within just three verses. In Joshua 16:7, it serves as a geographical marker for the southern border of Ephraim’s territory, often identified with the place known as Naaran.
More significantly, the name belongs to a woman from the tribe of Judah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:5. She is recorded as the wife of Ashhur and the mother of four sons: Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. This genealogical entry highlights her role in preserving the lineage of Judah during the period of the divided monarchy.
While the word itself simply denotes youth or maidenhood, its use as a proper name anchors it in specific historical and territorial records. The brevity of its biblical appearance underscores how names like Naarah functioned to identify people and places with precision in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Naarah carries a gentle meaning, translating to "maiden" or "young woman." In Scripture, it appears in two very different settings that help us understand how God values both place and person. Sometimes names mark the boundaries of inheritance, guiding the people through their physical journey. Other times, they appear in family records, anchoring individuals within a larger story of lineage and continuity.
When we read about Naarah as a wife and mother in Chronicles, we see her not just as a name, but as a vital link in the history of Judah. Her sons are listed with care, showing that every generation matters to God. This reminds us that our own lives, even when they seem quiet or ordinary, are part of a much larger tapestry of faith passed down through time.
Whether marking a border on a map or standing in a genealogy list, these references invite us to trust that God knows the details of our lives. We are never forgotten, and our contributions to our families and communities hold eternal significance. May you find comfort in knowing that your place in God’s story is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Naarah2×
- and/ Naarah/ towards1×
- and/ Naarah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נַעֲרָה֙1×
- נַעֲרָֽה\׃1×
- וְ/נַעֲרָֽה\׃1×
- וְ/נַעֲרָ֑תָ/ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:5
Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
This verse establishes Naarah as a wife of Ashhur, highlighting her role within the family structure of Judah.
-
I Chronicles 4:6
Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah.
Here the text explicitly credits Naarah with bearing four sons, emphasizing her active role in continuing the lineage.
-
Joshua 16:7
It went down from Janoah to Ataroth, to Naarah, reached to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan.
This occurrence uses a similar name for a geographical location, showing how such terms defined the borders of tribal inheritance.