Ναχώρ

Nahor

Definition

Ναχώρ (Nahor) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name נָחוֹר (Nachor), referring to two significant figures in the Old Testament. Primarily, it denotes the grandfather of Abraham (Genesis 11:22-25), a key patriarch in the lineage of faith. In the New Testament, specifically in Luke 3:34, it refers to this same Nahor, who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, connecting the Messiah to the Abrahamic covenant. The name itself means 'snorting' or 'angry' in Hebrew, though its biblical significance is tied entirely to the identity of these ancestral figures rather than the literal meaning.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 3:34, within the genealogy of Jesus. It serves a purely genealogical function, linking Jesus back to the patriarch Abraham through his lineage. There are no distinct contextual patterns or varied meanings in its New Testament usage; it is a proper name used for historical identification in a list of ancestors.

Etymology

The Greek Ναχώρ is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name נָחוֹר (Nachor). It is derived from the Hebrew root נָחַר (nachar), meaning 'to snort' or 'to be angry.' The name passed into Greek without semantic change, retaining its function solely as a proper name for the biblical figures.

Semantic Range

While the name Nahor itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:34) is theologically significant. It anchors Jesus Christ firmly within the historical lineage of the patriarchs, specifically connecting Him to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). This underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham through Jesus, emphasizing Christ's role as the promised seed and the culmination of salvation history.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, lineage, inheritance rights, and social standing. Listing Nahor in Jesus' genealogy would have affirmed Jesus' legitimate descent from the patriarchs and His rightful claim to the Davidic throne. The name itself, meaning 'snorting,' may have carried connotations of vigor or passion in its original cultural setting, but in biblical usage, its significance is entirely tied to the person, not the etymology.

There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper name. Related genealogical terms include: Ἀβραάμ (Abraam, G11) — Abraham, the grandson of Nahor; Θάρα (Thara, G2291) — Terah, the father of Abraham and son of Nahor.

Word Details

Scripture References