נוֹחָה

Nochah, an Israelite

Definition

Nochah (נוֹחָה) is a proper noun referring to a specific individual in the Old Testament. It is the name of a son of Benjamin, listed among the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:2. The name is derived from the Hebrew root נוּחַ (nûach), meaning 'to rest' or 'to settle,' and carries the sense of 'quietude' or 'resting place.' As a personal name, it likely expressed a hope or characteristic of tranquility. No other distinct meanings or biblical references are associated with this specific name.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 8:2, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a personal name for one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. There are no patterns of usage beyond this single, specific identification in a chronicle of tribal lineage.

Etymology

Nochah is the feminine form of the Hebrew noun נוּחַ (nûach, H5118), which means 'rest' or 'quiet.' The root verb נוח (nûach) means 'to rest, settle down, or descend.' As a proper name, Nochah directly embodies the concept of 'restfulness' or 'a resting place,' reflecting a common Hebrew practice of using meaningful words for personal names.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names were often significant and descriptive, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. The name Nochah ('quietude') fits this pattern, possibly indicating a desire for peace or a peaceful disposition. Its use in a tribal genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and identity within the covenant community of Israel.

נוּחַ (nûach, H5118) — The root noun meaning 'rest,' from which Nochah is derived. מְנוּחָה (mᵉnûchâh, H4496) — A more common noun for 'resting place' or 'repose.' נַחַת (nachath, H5183) — A noun meaning 'quietness' or 'descending,' sharing the semantic field of rest and settling.

Word Details

Scripture References