G3493

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the original Greek words used in Biblical texts allows for a deeper comprehension of their meanings and contexts. The word Ναχώρ (Nachōr) appears in the genealogies of Jesus in Luke 3:34, where it refers to Nahor, the grandfather of Abraham. This name has great significance in Biblical history, linking the patriarchal lineage and playing an essential role in the unfolding of God’s plan for His chosen people. Exploring this name reveals its significance, not just in Biblical narratives, but also in understanding ancient Semitic traditions and how these genealogies underscore God’s providential guidance throughout history.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Ναχώρ (Nachōr), pronounced nakh-OHR. This is a proper noun referring to the historical figure Nahor, an ancestor of Abraham.

Etymology: The name Nachōr is a transliteration of the Hebrew נָחֹור (Nachor), which is derived from a Semitic root that may mean “snorting” or “panting,” possibly referring to an animal-like vigor or strength. This etymology is speculative and reflects the naming practices of ancient times, often tied to personal attributes or symbolic meanings.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. As a proper noun, it refers specifically to a person rather than a general concept or thing. The word Nachōr is used in genealogical contexts, tracing the lineage of key Biblical figures. In Greek, it appears as a masculine noun.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Nahor as a Biblical Ancestor: Nachōr refers to Nahor, the grandfather of Abraham, who plays a pivotal role in the genealogies outlined in the Bible. The genealogical lists were crucial for both establishing Jesus’ Messianic lineage and connecting Him to the promises made to the patriarchs.

2. Cultural Representation: The name Nachōr represents the patriarchal system in the ancient Near East, where genealogies served not just to record familial lines but also to highlight relationships that bore theological significance, such as God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) [pronunciation: ab-rah-AM]: Abraham is another key figure in the same genealogical line, and like Nahor, his name holds deep theological significance, being the recipient of God’s covenant promises. While Nahor is part of Abraham’s lineage, Abraham is more central to Biblical narrative and theology.

2. Σαῤῥά (Sarra) [pronunciation: SAR-rah]: Sarah, wife of Abraham, shares the genealogical connection with Nahor. Her name highlights the shared ancestral line, though it focuses on the covenant promise of descendants that leads to the birth of Isaac.

3. Ισαάκ (Isaak) [pronunciation: ee-sah-AHK]: Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is also directly linked to Nahor as part of the patriarchal lineage, with significant theological emphasis on the covenant continuation through him.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Ναχώρ, as a proper noun, follows the typical morphological structure of masculine nouns in Greek. It is typically found in the nominative case when serving as the subject of a sentence in genealogical lists.

Declension: As a proper noun, Ναχώρ doesn’t follow a regular declension pattern as common nouns do. However, its form is preserved across cases in the context of genealogical usage.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Across Greek lexicons, Nachōr is consistently defined as a proper noun, specifically the name of Nahor, the ancestor of Abraham. While the theological implications of Nahor’s name are minimal compared to more prominent figures like Abraham, it is essential in tracing the Messianic line. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize its occurrence in genealogical lists, while Strong’s Concordance highlights its Old Testament origins. Moulton and Milligan explore its Semitic roots and offer insights into its historical and cultural background. The name holds importance as a vital link in the chain of God’s promises and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 3:34 – “the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Nahor [Ναχώρ], the son of Serug.”

2. Genesis 11:22-25 – The Old Testament genealogies outline Nahor’s lineage, connecting the story of God’s covenant to Abraham and his descendants.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with Ναχώρ in parentheses

Septuagint Genesis “And Nahor (Ναχώρ) begat Terah, and Terah begat Abram.”

Septuagint Joshua “And I took your father Abraham from beyond the river, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word Ναχώρ (Nachōr) connects genealogically to the foundational narratives of the Old Testament, showing God’s providence in guiding the lineage of His chosen people. Through Nahor, we trace the line that leads to Abraham and eventually to Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant promises.

Did You Know?

1. Nahor is mentioned twice in the Bible: as Abraham’s grandfather and as Abraham’s brother.

2. Genealogies in the Bible were not just family records; they served a crucial theological function by connecting key figures to God’s promises.

3. The name Ναχώρ is deeply rooted in Semitic traditions, linking the Hebrew and Greek versions of the Scriptures seamlessly.