Author logo People and characters in the Bible

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | Z | Introduction

Na | Nab | Nad | Nah | Nap | Nat | Ne | Neh | Nem | Ner | Net | Ni | No | Ny


Names beginning with N

This guide is intended for visitors who want to learn more about the Bible. Please use the hyperlinks in the table above to navigate this page. If you have any comments or suggestions to make about this guide, please e-mail me by clicking on this link.

 

Back to top

Naamah (1) was the daughter of Lamech and Zillah, and the sister of Tubal-cain. Genesis 4.22

Naamah (2) was an Ammonitess, wife of Solomon and mother of Rehoboam. 1 Kg-14.21, 31

Naaman (1) was the fifth son of Benjamin. Genesis 46.21

Naaman (2) was the second son of Bela, a grandson of Benjamin. Numbers 26.40

Naaman (3) was a Syrian general, and a leper, cured by Elishah. Hearing from an Israelite slave of the prophet's miraculous cures, Naaman came with gifts and a letter of introduction from his own sovereign to the king of Israel, asking that he be healed. Naaman was sent to Elishah, who instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan. Naaman was at first unimpressed by the modesty of this requirement, expecting some more spectacular action from Elishah, but placated by his servant, Naaman did as instructed and was instantly cured. Astonished by the power of the Lord, Naaman asked Elishah for some of the earth of Israel on which to worship its God on his return to Syria. While Elishah declined to take the reward offered him by Naaman, his servant, Gehazi, pursued Naaman and obtained gifts by deceit (but was duly punished by Elishah, who detected his servant's offence). 2 Kings 5.1-27; Luke 4.27

Naarai was the son of Ezbai, a warrior of David's bodyguard, according to the Chronicler. 1 Chronicles 11.37

Back to top

Nabal was a Calebite, the first husband of Abigail. She later married David, whose men had guarded Nabal's flocks and shepherds, but without reward. David determined to attack Nabal but was dissuaded by Abigail. She duly informed her husband of his narrow escape. Nabal was stunned, and died shortly afterwards. 1 Samuel 25.3-39

Naboth was a Jezreelite, a vineyard owner murdered for the sake of his property at the instance of Jezebel. Ahab wished to purchase Naboth's vineyard, but found him unwilling to part with his family inheritance. Jezebel paid false witnesses to accuse Naboth of blasphemy, and he was stoned to death the vineyard being transferred to Ahab. Elishah foretold that Naboth would be avenged, as he was when Jehu killed Jezebel, and her son, Ahab's heir. 1 Kings 21.1-19; 2 Kings 9.25, 26

Nacon was the owner of the threshing floor where Uzzah was struck down and killed, for touching the Ark of the Covenant. 2 Samuel 6.6

Back to top

Nadab (1) was the eldest son of Aaron and Elisheba; brother of Abihu. Both brothers accompanied Moses on his ascent of Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments, and both were mysteriously struck down by a destroying fire after making unclean offerings to God. Exodus 6.23; 24.1, 9, 10; 28.1; Leviticus 10.1, 2; Numbers 3.2-4; 26.60, 61; 1 Chronicles 6.1; 24.1, 2

Nadab (2) was the son of Jeroboam, and king of Israel (ca. 901-900 B.C.). He was killed in the revolt led by his successor, Baasha. 1 Kings 14.30; 15.25-28, 31

Naggai was the son of Maath and father of Esli, an ancestor of Joseph, in Luke's genealogy. Luke 3.25

Naharai was a Beerothite, a soldier of David's bodyguard and armour-bearer of Joab. He was thus, presumably, one of the killers of Absalom. 2 Samuel 18.15; 23.37; 1 Chronicles 11.39

Nahash (1), the Father of Hanun, was an Ammonite king. He besieged Jabesh-gilead, but Saul defeated him. 1 Samuel 11.1-11; 12.12; 2 Samuel 10.2; 1 Chronicles 19.1, 2

Nahash (2) was the sister of Zeruiah, and the mother of Abigal. 2 Samuel 17.25

Back to top

Nahath (1) was the eldest son of Reuel, and grandson of Esau. Genesis 36.13; 1 Chronicles1.37

Nahath (2) was an assistant of Conaniah, an overseer of the tithing organised by Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 31.13

Nahbi, the son of Vophsi, was a Naphtalite, one of twelve spies sent out by Moses to reconnoitre Canaan. Numbers 13.14

Nahor (1) was the son of Serug, the father of Terah and grandfather of Abraham. Genesis 11.22-25; 1 Chronicles 1.26; Luke 3.34

Nahor (2) was the son of Terah, the brother of Abraham, the husband of Milcah, who bore him Uz, Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel. By his concubine Reumah he became father of Tebah, Gaham, Tahash and Maacah. Genesis 11.26-29; 22.20-24; 24.10, 15, 24, 47; 29.5

Nahshon was the son of Amminadab, brother of Elisheba, father of Salmon and the representative of Judah in the census conducted by Moses. Exodus 6.23; Numbers 1.7; 2.3-5; 7.12-17; 10.14; Ruth 4.20; 1 Chronicles 2.10,11; Matthew 1.4; Luke 3.32

Back to top

Nahum (1) was a prophet from Elkosh, the author of the book that bears his name, otherwise unknown. Nahum 1.1-3.19

Nahum (2) was the son of Esli, the father of Amos and an ancestor of Joseph in Luke's genealogy. Luke 3.25

Naomi was the wife of Elimelech, the mother of Mahlon and Chilion, and mother-in-law of Ruth and Orpah. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi, accompanied by Ruth, returned from Moab, where she had been living, to Bethlehem, where she came from. Here she advised Ruth how to conduct herself to win the love of Boaz. Naomi's name means “pleasant”. Ruth 1.2-4.17

Naphish was the eleventh son of Ishmael, a grandson of Abraham. Genesis 25.15; 1 Chronicles 1.31

Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob (his second by Rachel's maid, Bilhah), the father of Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem. Naphtali's name is derived from the Hebrew word “niphtal” (=wrestled). Genesis 30.8; 35.25; 46.24; 49.21; Exodus 1.4; Numbers 26.48-50; 1 Chronicles 2.2; 7.13

Naphtuhim was the fourth son of Egypt, a grandson of Ham. Genesis 10.13

Narcissus was a Christian greeted by Paul in the closing paragraphs of his letter to the church in Rome. Romans 16.11

Back to top

Nathan (1) was the son of David, the third born to him in Jerusalem, father of Mattatha and an ancestor of Joseph, in Luke's genealogy. 2 Samuel 5.14; 1 Chronicles 3.5; 14.4; Luke 3.31

Nathan (2) was a prophet, the friend of David and Solomon. Nathan informed David that he was not to undertake the building of the temple but was to leave this to his son, Solomon. In the affair of Uriah the Hittite, Nathan condemned David's behaviour. When the king abdicated in old age, Nathan was instrumental in securing the throne for Solomon and in plotting the downfall of Adonijah, Abiathar and Joab. 2 Samuel 7.2-17; 12.1-15; 1 Kings 1.8, 11-40, 44, 45; 1 Chronicles 17.1-15; 29.29; 2 Chronicles 9.29; Psalms 51; Zechariah 12.12

Nathan (3) was an assistant of Ezra, delegated to travel to Iddo at Casiphia, and bring back ministers for the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Ezra 8.16

Nathanael was the one of the twelve apostles, according to John's gospel. Philip introduced him to Jesus. Nathanael was present when Jesus appeared at Lake Tiberias after the resurrection. John 1.45-51; 21.2

Nathan-melech was the chamberlain of Josiah, who lived in the temple precincts. 2 Kings 23.11

Back to top

Nebaioth was the eldest son of Ishmael, a grandson of Abraham. Genesis 25.13

Nebuchadnezzar is an erroneous form of the name of Nebuchadrezzar. 2 Kings 24.1, 10, 11; 25.1, 8, 22; 2 Chronicles 36.6, 7, 10, 13; Ezra 5.12; Jeremiah 27.6-8; 28.3, 11, 14; 2-9.1, 3; Daniel 1.1-4.37; 5.2, 11

Nebuchadrezzar was a Babylonian ruler; whose name also appears in the erroneous form Nebuchadnezzar. In 597 BC Nebuchadrezzar's troops captured Jerusalem, taking large Numbers of Jews into captivity in Babylon, among them Jehoiachin, king of Judah. Nebuchadrezzar later embarked upon the conquest of Tyre and Egypt. The book of Daniel contains various narratives about Nebuchadrezzar These include accounts of his madness, of his mysterious dream, interpreted by Daniel, and of his construction of a golden statue, which his subjects were compelled to worship. This led to the casting into a furnace of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, who refused to obey this order. 2 Kings 24-1, 10, 11; 25.1, 8, 22; 2 Chronicles 36.6, 7, 10, 13; Ezra 5.12; Jeremiah 21.2, 22.25; 24.1 25.1, 9; 27.6-20; 28.2, 11, 14; 29.1, 3; 32.1-5, 28; 34.1-3; 35.11; 37.1; 39.1-5, 11; 43.10; 44.30; 46.2, 13, 26; 49.30; 50.17; 51.34; 52.4, 12, 28-30; Ezekiel 26.7; 29.18-20; 30.10; Daniel 1.1-4.37; 5.2, 11

Back to top

Nebushazban was a Babylonian official, serving under Nebuzaradan at the time of Jerusalem's fall to Nebuchadrezzar's forces. He was also known by the title of “Rabsaris”. Jeremiah 39.13

Nebuzaradan was a general of Nebuchadrezzar's army. He captured Jerusalem, released Jeremiah from captivity and gave him the choice of remaining in Judah or going into exile in Babylon with the bulk of the city's populace. Nebuzaradan was probably responsible for the appointment of Gedaliah as governor. Later he quelled the rebellion led by Zedekiah, taking many of the people of Jerusalem into exile and sacking the city. 2 Kings 25.8-20; Jeremiah 39.9-14; 40.1-5; 41.10; 52.12-16, 19, 24-26, 30

Neco was an Egyptian king or pharaoh, an ally of Assyria. Neco killed Josiah in battle at Megiddo. Later he deposed Josiah's son, Jehoahaz, and replaced him on the throne with his brother Eliakim (Jehoiakim). 2 Kings 23.29-35; 2 Chronicles 35.20-22; 36-3, 4; Jeremiah 46.2, 17, 25

Back to top

Nehemiah (1) was originally a palace servant of Artaxerxes I. While he was at Susa, the king's winter residence, men newly arrived from Judah told him of the dilapidated state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah obtained permission to begin the restoration of city and temple. Appointed governor of Jerusalem, he accomplished this work, despite opposition from Sanballat, and Tobiah whom he later expelled from the temple precinct. He also ended trading on the Sabbath. Though evidently very devout, Nehemiah was somewhat narrow and exclusive in his Judaism. Nehemiah 1.1-7.5; 8.9; 10.1; 12.31, 47; 13.4-31

Nehemiah (2) was the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur. He assisted his namesake Nehemiah (the governor) and Eliashib in the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 3.16

Nehushta was the daughter of Elnathan, wife of Jehoiakim and mother of Jehoiachin. 2 Kings 24.8

Back to top

Nemuel (1) was the son of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben and the elder brother of Dathan and Abiram. Numbers 26.9

Nemuel (2) was the eldest son of Simeon. Numbers 26.12; 1 Chronicles 4.24

Nepheg (1) was the second son of Izhar, a brother of Korah. Exodus 6.21

Nepheg (2) was the son of David, the seventh born to him in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 5.15; 1 Chronicles 3.7; 14.6

Nereus was a Christian greeted by Paul at the end of his letter to the church in Rome. Romans 16.15

Nergal-sharezer was the name of two Babylonian officials who led the occupation of Jerusalem by the troops of Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah 39.3, 13

Neri was the son of Melchi, the father of Shealtiel, an ancestor of Joseph, in Luke's genealogy. Luke 3.27

Back to top

Nethanel (1) was the son of Zuar, a representative of the tribe of Issachar in Moses' census of the twelve tribes, and subsequently during the Exodus. Numbers 1.8; 2.5; 7.18-23; 10.15

Nethanel (2) was the fourth son of Jesse, a brother of David. 1 Chronicles 2.14

Nethanel (3) was a priest and musician of David's court, according to the Chronicler. 1 Chronicles 15.24

Nethanel (4) was a prince of Judah, sent out by Jehoshaphat to teach the people of Judah from the book of the law. 2 Chronicles 17.7

Nethanel (5) was a Levite who gave victims for Josiah's Passover festival. 2 Chronicles 3.5.9

Nethaniah was a Levite sent out by Jehoshaphat to teach the people of Judah from the book of the law. 2 Chronicles 17.8

Back to top

Nicanor was one of the seven deacons of the church in Jerusalem. Acts 6.5

Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee to whom Jesus explained his teaching of being born again. After the crucifixion Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus' body for burial. John 3.1-21; 19.39-42

Nicolaus was a proselyte of Antioch, one of the seven deacons of the church in Jerusalem. Acts 6.5

Nimrod was the son of Cush and grandson of Ham. Nimrod became famous as a hunter, and established a kingdom in Shinar. Genesis 10.8-121; Micah 5.6

Nineveh (the king of) was the ruler who responded to Jonah's preaching by encouraging all his citizens to repentance, to fasting and to self-abasement. The result was that the disaster threatened by Jonah was averted. Jonah 3.6-9

Back to top

Noadiah (1) was the son of Binnui, an assistant of Ezra and treasurer of the contributions given for the sacrifices celebrating the exiles' return to Jerusalem. Ezra 8.33

Noadiah (2) was a prophetess, an opponent of Nehemiah in his reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 6.14

Noah (1) was the son of Lamech, the father of Ham, Shem and Japheth. Before the flood in which all other inhabitants of the earth were destroyed God ordered Noah to construct the ark, a wooden vessel in which he, his family and pairs of all species of animals were to be saved from destruction. After the flood abated God made a covenant with Noah, confirmed in the sign of the rainbow, never again to destroy life from the earth. Later Noah became a farmer and discovered how to make wine. On one occasion, as he lay drunk, his son Ham committed some unspecified act of indecency, for which Noah cursed him. According to Genesis Noah lived to the age of nine hundred and fifty. Genesis 5.28-10.32; 1 Chronicles 1.4; Ezekiel 14.14, 20; Luke 3.36; 17.26, 27; Hebrews 11.7; 1 Peter 3.20; 2 Peter 2.5

Noah (2) was the second of the daughters of Zelophehad. Numbers 26.33; 27.1-11; 36.10-12; Joshua 17.3, 4

Back to top

Nobah was perhaps a Manassite, as his deeds are recorded among accounts of this tribe. He conquered Kenath and the surrounding villages, to which he subsequently gave his own name. Numbers 32.42

Nogah was a son of David, the eighth born in Jerusalem, according to the Chronicler. 1 Chronicles 3.7; 14.6

Nohah was the fourth son of Benjamin, according to the Chronicler, whose genealogy differs from that in Genesis 46.21. 1 Chronicles 8.2

Nympha was a Colossian Christian in whose house members of the church met. Paul greets her in the closing paragraph of his letter to Colossae. Colossians 4.15

Back to top


DfES Standards Site
BBC Education
BBC Education's Bookcase site
BBC revision site
Public Broadcasting Service
Public Broadcasting Service Arts site
Association of Teacher Websites
European Virtual School
Virtual Library
AcademicInfo
LearnCo
Homework High
Google
Excite
Altavista
Yahoo
Vivisimo
MSN
Teoma
Lycos
Metacrawler
AOL
HotBot
iWon
Netscape
Ask Jeeves
About
Aesop
Monstercrawler
Looksmart
Dogpile
Raging Search
All the web
Go
GoTo
Go2Net


© Andrew Moore, 2004; Contact me