נְחֻשְׁתָּא
Nechushta, an Israelitess
Definition
Nechushta is the name of a woman mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically the mother of King Jehoiachin of Judah (2 Kings 24:8). The name itself is derived from the Hebrew word for 'copper' or 'bronze' (נְחֹשֶׁת, nᵉchoshet), likely signifying something like 'bronze-like' or 'copper-colored.' As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual, the queen mother during a critical period just before the Babylonian exile. Her mention is brief but significant, as she was the mother of a king whose reign ended in captivity.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 2 Kings 24:8. It identifies Nechushta as the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem and the mother of King Jehoiachin. The context is a genealogical record within the historical narrative of Judah's kings, specifically in the account of the succession leading to the Babylonian exile. No other usage or pattern exists, as it is a unique personal name.
Etymology
The name Nechushta (נְחֻשְׁתָּא) is a feminine form derived directly from the common Hebrew noun נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉchoshet, H5178), meaning 'copper' or 'bronze.' The '-ta' ending is likely an Aramaic or later Hebrew feminine suffix. Thus, the name essentially means 'copper woman' or 'bronze-like,' possibly describing her appearance (e.g., hair or skin tone) or symbolically denoting strength or durability, qualities associated with the metal.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not theologically loaded, Nechushta's role is theologically significant. As the mother of King Jehoiachin, she was part of the Davidic royal line at the moment of its catastrophic collapse into Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24:8-16). Her mention underscores the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about judgment on Judah's leadership. Understanding her name's connection to 'bronze' may subtly contrast the perceived strength of the monarchy with its actual fragility before God's judgment.
In ancient Israel, names were often meaningful and descriptive. A name derived from 'copper' or 'bronze' likely carried connotations of strength, value, or reddish appearance. As a queen mother (גְּבִירָה, gebirah), Nechushta held a position of considerable influence and honor in the royal court. Her mention by name and patronymic ('daughter of Elnathan') was a standard way of establishing a person's social standing and lineage in historical records.
נְחֹשֶׁת (nᵉchoshet, H5178) — The common noun for 'copper' or 'bronze,' from which the proper name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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