The meaning of “נָחַם”
Understanding nâcham reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). - properly, to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly - by implication, ...
נָחַם
comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). - properly, to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly - by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue - or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself) 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 27:42 | “And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.” Word: נָחַם (nâcham) | |
| Judges 21:6 | “And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.” Word: נָחַם (nâcham) | |
| 1 Chronicles 19:3 | “But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?” Word: נָחַם (nâcham) | |
| Isaiah 51:12 | “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;” Word: נָחַם (nâcham) | |
| Joel 2:14 | “Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?” Word: נָחַם (nâcham) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Repent
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To turn back, relent
The Hebrew shuv (שׁוּב) means to turn or return—a physical turning that represents spiritual redirection back to God. Nacham (נָחַם) conveys grief or relenting, often used of God 'repenting' of judgment.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To change one's mind, repent
The Greek metanoeo (μετανοέω) means to change one's mind or purpose—a complete transformation of thinking. John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministries with 'Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).