Nain
Nain is an ancient city mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Galilee in modern-day Israel. Known today as Nein. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
Nain is mentioned only once in Scripture, in Luke 7:11-17, yet it is the setting for one of Jesus' most dramatic miracles. As Jesus approached the gate of this small Galilean town, He encountered a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. Moved with compassion, Jesus touched the bier and commanded the young man to rise, and he immediately sat up and began to speak. Jesus then presented him alive to his astonished mother. This miracle powerfully echoes the Old Testament accounts of Elijah raising the widow's son at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha raising the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-37), deliberately connecting Jesus to the prophetic tradition while demonstrating His authority over death itself. The crowd's response was to glorify God, declaring that "a great prophet has arisen among us" and "God has visited His people." The raising at Nain served as a preview of Jesus' ultimate victory over death through His own resurrection, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah who would bring life to the dead.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Nain is identified with the modern Arab village of Nein, situated on the northwestern slope of the Hill of Moreh (Givat HaMoreh) in the Jezreel Valley of Lower Galilee. The village sits approximately six miles southeast of Nazareth. Archaeological surveys have identified rock-cut tombs outside the village, consistent with Luke's account of a funeral procession exiting the town gate. The remains of a medieval church commemorating the miracle have been documented at the site. The modern village is small, with a population of several hundred. The location commands views across the Jezreel Valley, and its position near ancient routes connecting Galilee to the Jordan Valley confirms its accessibility during the first century.
Verse Appearances (1)
Luke
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →