Ναασσών

Nahshon

Definition

Ναασσών (Nahshon) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name נַחְשׁוֹן (Naḥšôn), referring to a significant figure in Israel's genealogy. In the New Testament, he is identified as the son of Amminadab and the father of Salmon, placing him within the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32). His sole biblical role is as a genealogical link, with no narrative actions attributed to him in the New Testament texts. This name carries no additional symbolic or metaphorical meanings in its Greek usage; it strictly denotes this specific ancestral individual.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the genealogical records of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In both occurrences (Matthew 1:4 and Luke 3:32), it functions identically: to name Nahshon as a crucial link in the Davidic and messianic lineage. The usage is purely historical and onomastic, serving to connect Jesus to the tribe of Judah and the line of David as foretold in Old Testament prophecy.

Etymology

The Greek Ναασσών is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name נַחְשׁוֹן (Naḥšôn). The Hebrew name is likely derived from the root נחש (nḥš), relating to 'serpent' or possibly 'diviner,' but its exact meaning is uncertain. The Greek form simply adopts the sound of the Hebrew name without importing its etymological meaning, functioning purely as a proper noun.

Semantic Range

While the name Nahshon itself is not theologically loaded, his inclusion in the genealogies of Jesus (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32) is theologically significant. It grounds Jesus Christ firmly within the historical lineage of Judah and David, fulfilling the Old Testament promises of a Messiah from David's line (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Understanding this Greek name helps readers trace the unbroken thread of God's covenant faithfulness from Abraham to Christ, emphasizing the historical reality of the incarnation.

In the original Hebrew context, Nahshon was a well-known figure from the Exodus narrative, celebrated as the tribal prince of Judah (Numbers 1:7) and the first to bring his tribe's offering at the Tabernacle's dedication (Numbers 7:12). For a first-century Jewish audience familiar with the Scriptures, the mere mention of 'Nahshon' in a genealogy would evoke this prestigious heritage, associating Jesus with leadership, priestly service, and the foundational period of Israel's nationhood. The Greek transcription preserves this cultural and historical resonance for Hellenistic readers.

There are no true synonyms for this proper name. Related genealogical terms include: πατριάρχης (patriarchēs, G3966) — a general term for a founding father or lineage head, not a specific person.

Word Details

Scripture References