Who was Nogah in the Bible?

Nogah was one of the thirteen sons born to King David during his reign in Jerusalem, as recorded in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles. He was the son of a wife or concubine not explicitly named in the primary accounts of David's family.

Why is Nogah mentioned in the Bible?

Nogah is mentioned to provide a complete genealogical record of King David's lineage, establishing the royal house of Judah. His inclusion, along with his brothers, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his enduring dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Are there any stories about Nogah in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about Nogah's life. The Bible only lists his name among David's sons born in Jerusalem in 1 Chronicles 3:7 and 1 Chronicles 14:6.

Nogah

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleSon

Nogah was one of King David's sons born in Jerusalem.

Nogah

Biography

Nogah was one of the sons born to King David after he established his capital in Jerusalem, listed among the royal children in 1 Chronicles 3:7 and 14:6. His name, meaning 'brightness' or 'splendor,' reflects the celebratory naming practices common in the Davidic household during the height of the united monarchy. Nogah is notably absent from the parallel list of David's sons in 2 Samuel 5:14-16, leading some scholars to suggest that the Chronicles account preserves a more complete genealogical record. Little is known about Nogah's individual life or accomplishments, as he is mentioned only in these genealogical lists. He was one of many sons born to David in Jerusalem, part of a large royal family that reflected both David's political stature and the dynastic expectations of ancient Near Eastern kingship.

Significance

Nogah's inclusion in the Davidic genealogy, though brief, contributes to the Chronicler's comprehensive portrait of David's dynasty, which forms the human lineage through which God's messianic promises would be fulfilled. Each named son of David represents an expansion of the royal house from which the promised eternal King would eventually come. Nogah's name, meaning 'brightness,' carries poetic resonance with the messianic hope that a great light would arise from David's line (Isaiah 9:2). His presence in the genealogical record demonstrates the Chronicler's concern for completeness and accuracy in documenting the house of David, ensuring that every branch of this theologically significant family tree was preserved for future generations.

Verse Appearances (2)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 3:7 1 Chronicles 14:6

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources