Naaman נַעֲמָן

Male Tribe of Benjamin H5283H 2 books

Grandson of Benjamin, head of the Naamite clan.

Who is Naaman in the Bible?

Naaman was a grandson of Benjamin through his son Bela and served as the head of the Naamite clan within the tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 26:40, 1 Chronicles 8:4). He is mentioned in the census records taken during Israel's wilderness wanderings in the plains of Moab, where the Naamites are listed among the organized clans of Benjamin's descendants. His prominence in these genealogical accounts reflects the growth and structure of the tribe of Benjamin by the later stages of the exodus period. Naaman's inclusion in these records demonstrates that the descendants of Benjamin had become a significant and recognized group within the larger Israelite community.

Biography

Naaman is mentioned in Num.26.40 and 1Ch.8.4 as a grandson of Benjamin and the head of the Naamite clan within the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Bela, Benjamin's firstborn son.

In Numbers 26, a census of the Israelites is taken in the plains of Moab, near the end of their wilderness wanderings. This census lists the clans within each tribe, including the Naamites, who are identified as descendants of Naaman.

The mention of Naaman and the Naamite clan in this context highlights the growth and organization of the tribe of Benjamin since their early days in Egypt. It demonstrates that the descendants of Benjamin, including Naaman, had become a significant and recognized group within the Israelite community.

As the head of the Naamite clan, Naaman would have held a position of leadership and responsibility within the tribe. The clan structure was an important aspect of Israelite society, providing a sense of identity, belonging, and mutual support for its members.

While no additional details are given about Naaman's life or specific actions, his inclusion in these passages emphasizes the importance of family lineage and clan identity in the social and organizational structure of ancient Israel.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books
Numbers 1 verse
  • Numbers 26:40

    "And the descendants of Bela from Ard and Naaman were the Ardite clan from Ard and the Naamite clan from Naaman."

1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 8:4

    "Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah,"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew נַעֲמָן
Group Hebrew נַעֲמִי