Naaman נַעֲמָן
A descendant of Benjamin, son of Ehud.
Who is Naaman in the Bible?
Naaman appears in the Bible as a descendant of Benjamin and son of Ehud, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:7. However, the most significant biblical figure bearing this name is the Syrian military commander described in 2 Kings 5:1-27, who served as a high-ranking general in the king of Syria's army. This Naaman was renowned among his people as a great warrior and deliverer, yet he suffered from leprosy, which prompted him to seek healing from the Israelite prophet Elisha. His story illustrates themes of humility and faith, as Naaman had to overcome his pride and follow Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River for his cure. Naaman's transformation from skepticism to belief in the God of Israel made his account one of the Bible's most powerful narratives about divine healing and the recognition of God's power across national boundaries.
Biography
Naaman is mentioned briefly in 1Ch.8.7 as one of the sons of Ehud, a descendant of Benjamin. This reference appears in a genealogical record that traces the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, providing insight into the family lines within the tribe.
The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 8 lists several generations of Benjamites, focusing on the descendants of Bela, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha. Naaman is identified as a son of Ehud, who is a descendant of Bela.
Apart from being listed as a son of Ehud, no additional information is provided about Naaman's life, character, or role within the tribe of Benjamin. His mention in the genealogy serves primarily to establish his place within the family line and to contribute to the overall record of the tribe's history and development.
The inclusion of Naaman in this genealogical record demonstrates the importance of family heritage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. These records helped establish the legitimacy of land claims, leadership roles, and the preservation of the tribe's history and connection to their ancestors.
Family
Siblings
- Ahijah MaleDavid's warriorOne of David's mighty men, the PeloniteView full profile →
- Gera Tribe of BenjaminSon of BelaSon of Bela, grandson of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Uzza Tribe of BenjaminSon of EhudBenjamite exile born in MoabView full profile →
- Ahihud Tribe of BenjaminSon of EhudSon of Ehud, from the tribe of BenjaminView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 8:7
"Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, who carried them into exile and who was the father of Uzza and Ahihud."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | נַעֲמָן |
Naaman
) A successful Syrian general, high in the confidence and esteem of the king of Syria, and honored by his fellow-countrymen as their deliverer (2Ki 5:1-27). Afflicted with leprosy, he heard from a Hebrew slave-maid in his household of the wonder-working powers of an Israelite prophet. Sent by his master with a letter couched in somewhat peremptory terms to the king of Israel, he came to Samaria for healing. The king of Israel was filled with suspicion and alarm by the demands of the letter, and rent his clothes; but Elisha the prophet intervened, and sent word to Naaman that he must bathe himself seven times in the Jordan. He at first haughtily resented the humiliation and declined the cure; but on the remonstrance of his attendants he yielded and obtained cleansing. At once he returned to Samaria, testified his gratitude by the offer of large gifts to the prophet, confessed his faith in Elisha's God, and sought leave to take home with him enough of the soil of Canaan for the erection of an altar to Yahweh.
The narrative is throughout consistent and natural, admirably and accurately depicting the condition of the two kingdoms at the time. The character of Naaman is at once attractive and manly. His impulsive patriotic preference for the streams of his own land does not lessen the reader's esteem for him, and the favorable impression is deepened by his hearty gratitude and kindness.
The Israelite king is most probably Jehoram, son of Ahab, and the Syrian monarch Ben-hadad II. Josephus (Ant., VIII, xv, 5) identifies Naaman with the man who drew his bow at a venture, and gave Ahab his death wound (1Ki 22:34). There is one reference to Naaman in the New Testament. In Lu 4:27, Jesus, rebuking Jewish exclusiveness, mentions "Naaman the Syrian."
(2) A son of Benjamin (Ge 46:21,6). Fuller and more precise is the description of Nu 26:38,40, where he is said to be a son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (see also 1Ch 8:3 f).
John A. Lees