Boy Old & New Testament Known
Nahshon
same as Naashon
נַחְשׁוֹן Ναασσών nach.shon
Nahshon (Hebrew: נַחְשׁוֹן, nach.shon) is a biblical name; its Hebrew etymology is not securely established. It appears in 11 verses across 6 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 5 children in the United States. Use is falling away. Appears in the same passages as Abidan.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Nahshon
son of Amminadab; father of Salmon; sibling of Elisheba
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 11 across 6 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- Exodus
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 5 | Falling |
| All-time total | 697 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 25 in 1998 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Exodus 6:23 |
| Last appears | Luke 3:32 |
| Cross-references | 182 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Elisheba attested sibling Named in scripture as a sibling of Nahshon.
- Amminadab co-occurrence Appears with Amminadab in Numbers 7.
- Salmon co-occurrence Appears with Salmon in Matthew 1.
- Elisheba co-occurrence Appears with Elisheba in Exodus 6.
- Ram co-occurrence Appears with Ram in 1 Chronicles 2.
- Obed co-occurrence Appears with Obed in Luke 3.
- Judah co-occurrence Appears with Judah in Numbers 10.
- Abidan co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Abidan.
Origin & meaning
A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Exo.6.23;
son of: Amminadab (H5992);
brother of: Elisheba (H0472);
father of: Salmon (H8007)
Also named: Naassōn (Ναασσών "Nahshon" G3476)
§ Nahshon = "enchanter"
son of Amminadab and prince of the Judah at the first numbering in the wilderness; 5th in descent from Judah in the genealogy of Christ
Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus and an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
The biblical story
Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, was a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wilderness journey. He is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Exodus, Numbers, Ruth, 1 Chronicles, Matthew, and Luke.
According to Exo.6.23, Nahshon was the brother-in-law of Aaron, as his sister Elisheba was married to Aaron. This connection to the priestly family highlights Nahshon's significant status within the tribe of Judah.
In Num.1.7 and Num.2.3, Nahshon is identified as the leader of the tribe of Judah during the census and the arrangement of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. As the head of Judah, he was responsible for a large portion of the Israelite population and held a position of authority and responsibility.
Nahshon's leadership role is further emphasized in Num.7.12,17, where he is the first of the tribal leaders to present offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle. His offering, like those of the other leaders, included silver and gold vessels, as well as animals for sacrifice.
In Num.10.14, Nahshon is mentioned again as the leader of the tribe of Judah when the Israelites set out from Mount Sinai, following the order of march determined by God.
The genealogies in Rut.4.20, 1 Chronicles Rut.2.10-11, Mat.1.4, and Luk.3.32 identify Nahshon as an ancestor of King David and, consequently, of Jesus Christ. This lineage underscores the importance of Nahshon's role in the history of Israel and God's plan of redemption.
Nahshon's life and leadership during the exodus and wilderness journey demonstrate his faithfulness and obedience to God. His prominent position within the tribe of Judah and his place in the lineage of David and Jesus make him a significant figure in the biblical narrative.
Key verses
Nahshon appears in 11 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Exodus 6:23 -
Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Numbers 1:7 -
And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.
Numbers 2:3 -
And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
Numbers 7:12 -
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Numbers 7:17
Show all 11 references
Exodus (1)
- Exodus 6:23
Numbers (5)
- Numbers 1:7
- Numbers 2:3
- Numbers 7:12
- Numbers 7:17
- Numbers 10:14
Ruth (1)
- Ruth 4:20
1 Chronicles (2)
- 1 Chronicles 2:10
- 1 Chronicles 2:11
Matthew (1)
- Matthew 1:4
Luke (1)
- Luke 3:32