Nahshon
maleExodusMeaning: “Enchanter; serpent”
The prince and leader of the tribe of Judah in the wilderness, brother-in-law of Aaron, and a direct ancestor of David and of Jesus.
Biography
Nahshon, son of Amminadab, was the chief of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness years and a key figure in the line of the Messiah. His sister Elisheba married Aaron, joining the houses of Judah and Levi.
Leader of Judah
When God organized the camp, Judah marched first, and "he that was over the host… was Nahshon the son of Amminadab" (Numbers 10:14). He led in the census and was the first of the tribal princes to bring his offering at the dedication of the tabernacle (Numbers 7:12).
In the royal line
Nahshon's place in the genealogies is significant: "Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon," who fathered Boaz, the great-grandfather of David (Ruth 4:20–22). Matthew names him as "Naasson" in the ancestry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4).
Life Timeline
First of the princes to offer at the tabernacle’s dedication
Leads the tribe of Judah at the head of the camp
On the Bible timeline
Nahshon belongs to the The Exodus & Wilderness era (c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)).
- c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)The Exodus from Egypt
- c. 1446 BCThe Law Given at Sinai
- c. 1406 BCThe Conquest of Canaan
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Nahshon
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Nahshon appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
9 verses in 4 booksNumbers5 verses
Numbers 1:7
Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Numbers 2:3
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 7:12
And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
Numbers 7:17
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 10:14
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
Ruth1 verse
Ruth 4:20
And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, Salmon: or, Salmah
1 Chronicles2 verses
1 Chronicles 2:10
And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;
1 Chronicles 2:11
And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,
Matthew1 verse
Matthew 1:4
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
Frequently asked about Nahshon
Who was Nahshon in the Bible?
The prince and leader of the tribe of Judah in the wilderness, brother-in-law of Aaron, and a direct ancestor of David and of Jesus.
What does the name Nahshon mean?
The name Nahshon means “Enchanter; serpent”.
What did Nahshon do in the Bible?
Nahshon served as prince of judah, of the tribe of Judah.
Where does Nahshon appear in the Bible?
Nahshon is mentioned 9 times across 4 books: Numbers, Ruth, 1 Chronicles, Matthew.
What can we learn from Nahshon?
The story of Nahshon touches on themes of naashon, nahshon, judah, the tribe of, tribes of israel, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Nahshon's life.
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