Nahash
Nahash in the Bible — King of the Ammonites (1SA 11:2). Nahash belonged to the tribe of Ammonite. Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “snake; serpent”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Ammonite
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Nahash was a male king of the Ammonites, an ancient Semitic tribe. He is uniquely identified as the King of the Ammonites in 1 Samuel 11:2. Nahash's role as a foreign monarch places him within the biblical narrative as a significant external figure interacting with Israel.
Names & Titles
The name Nahash means 'viper' or 'copper' in Hebrew, reflecting a proper name with possible symbolic implications. He also held the title 'King of the sons of Ammon,' which straightforwardly identifies his royal authority over the Ammonite people as noted in 1 Samuel 12:12.
Family
Scripture records Nahash as a descendant of Ben-ammi, connecting him to the ancestral lineage of the Ammonites. He is also inferred to be the father of Hanun and Shobi, indicating a dynastic succession within the Ammonite monarchy.
Significance
Nahash's significance in the biblical narrative stems from his position as the Ammonite king during a time of conflict with Israel. His leadership is noted in the context of interactions with the Israelite people, highlighting the ongoing tensions and political dynamics between Israel and surrounding nations. Nahash's role helps illustrate the challenges faced by Israel from neighboring kingdoms during the period of the judges and early monarchy.
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- נָחָשׁ
- Transliteration
- nachash
- Meaning
- viper or copper
- Greek
- Ναας
- Reference
- 1SA 11:1
- Strong's
- H5176
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ בְּנֵי־עַמּוֹן
- Transliteration
- melek bəney amon
- Meaning
- king [of the] sons [of] Ammon
- Greek
- βασιλέα υἱῶν Αμμων
- Reference
- 1SA 12:12
- Strong's
- H4428, H1121, H5983
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nahash in the Bible?
Nahash was a male king of the Ammonites, an ancient Semitic tribe. He is uniquely identified as the King of the Ammonites in 1 Samuel 11:2. Nahash's role as a foreign monarch places him within the biblical narrative as a significant external figure interacting with Israel.
What does the name Nahash mean?
The name Nahash means “snake; serpent” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.