Original Word: נַחַת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Nachath
Pronunciation: NAH-khath
Phonetic Spelling: (nakh'-ath)
KJV: Nahath
NASB: Nahath
Word Origin: [the same as H5183 (נַחַת - Rest)]

1. quiet
2. Nachath, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites

Nahath

The same as Nachath; quiet; Nachath, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites -- Nahath.

see HEBREW Nachath

Word Origin
from nacheth
Definition
an Edomite, also two Isr.
NASB Translation
Nahath (5).

III. נַ֫חַת proper name, masculine 1. son of Reuel, grandson of Esau Genesis 36:13,17 (P; ᵐ5 Ναχομ, Ναχοθ ᵐ5^L Ναχεθ), 1 Chronicles 1:37 (ᵐ5 Ναχες, A ᵐ5^L Ναχεθ).

2 grandson of Elkanah 1 Chronicles 6:11, ᵐ5 Καιναθ, ᵐ5^L Νααθ; — probably corrupt for תּוֺחַ v.1 Chronicles 6:19, or תֹּחוּ 1 Samuel 1:1 (see these words and We^{de Gent. 37 f.} [who proposes תַּחַת for נַחַת], Dr^{1Samuel 1:1}).

3 an overseer, Hezekian's time2Chronicles 31:13, ᵐ5 Μαεθ, A Ναεθ, ᵐ5^L Νααθ.

Occurrences and Overview

Nahath appears five times in the Old Testament (Genesis 36:13; Genesis 36:17; 1 Chronicles 1:37; 1 Chronicles 6:26; 2 Chronicles 31:13). The name describes three distinct individuals: an Edomite chief descended from Esau, a Levite ancestor in the Kohathite line, and a Levite administrator during King Hezekiah’s reforms. Together these mentions trace the flow of redemptive history from the patriarchal era through the monarchy and highlight the Lord’s sovereign work through both covenant and non-covenant peoples.

Edomite Chief: A Grandson of Esau

Genesis 36 lists Nahath as the first-born son of Reuel and the grandson of Esau by Basemath. The text later calls him a “chief” (Genesis 36:17), signaling recognized authority among the early Edomite clans. Although Edom stood outside the covenant line, Scripture records its leaders to demonstrate God’s comprehensive oversight of every nation’s development (compare Deuteronomy 2:4-5; Amos 9:12). The presence of Nahath among the chiefs reminds readers that earthly prominence and divine favor are not automatically synonymous: Esau’s line flourished materially, yet ultimately opposed Israel (Obadiah 10-14).

Key reference: “These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, and Chief Mizzah…” (Genesis 36:17).

Levitical Ancestor in the Kohathite Line

1 Chronicles 6:26 places another Nahath several generations after the Exodus, in the lineage that culminates in the prophet Samuel. The genealogy moves from Kohath to Elkanah, through Nahath, down to Eliab, Jeroham, and finally Samuel (see 1 Chronicles 6:33-38). By embedding Nahath’s name in this priestly record, Scripture silently affirms the continuity of worship leaders who upheld tabernacle service during the turbulent era of the Judges. Though no personal deeds are recorded, his inclusion testifies to the reliability of God’s plan to preserve a faithful priestly seed even when national stability faltered.

The genealogical note also guards against any charge of discontinuity between the Mosaic cultus and later prophetic ministry: Samuel’s authority rests on a genuine Levitical heritage in which Nahath plays an indispensable generational link.

Levitical Overseer under Hezekiah

2 Chronicles 31 details King Hezekiah’s sweeping reformation of temple worship. Among the ten chief officers appointed to distribute consecrated offerings and tithes stands a Levite named Nahath: “Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel… were overseers under the direction of Conaniah and his brother Shimei” (2 Chronicles 31:13).

Three features of his service merit notice:

1. Accountability: Nahath operates “under the direction” of Conaniah, modeling ordered ministry that safeguards integrity in handling holy contributions.
2. Team Ministry: Listed among nine colleagues, he embodies the principle that significant reforms require cooperative leadership (cf. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
3. Alignment with Covenant Renewal: By participating in Hezekiah’s revival, Nahath contributes to one of Judah’s high points of obedience, illustrating how unnamed or lesser-known servants can influence national righteousness.

Theological and Ministry Reflections

1. God Chronicles Both Great and Small. Whether an Edomite chief or an obscure Levite, each Nahath is recorded in Scripture, underscoring divine interest in every person’s place within His unfolding purposes (Psalm 139:16).
2. Lineage Serves Redemptive Continuity. The genealogical Nahath affirms that spiritual heritage matters; faithful service in one generation supplies a platform for God’s work in the next (2 Timothy 1:5).
3. Leadership Requires Stewardship. The Hezekian Nahath models transparent administration of resources dedicated to worship, a timeless pattern for church finance and accountability (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
4. Proximity to Promise Is Not Equivalent to Covenant Blessing. The Edomite Nahath demonstrates that closeness to Abraham’s lineage does not replace the necessity of faith and obedience (Romans 9:6-8).

Lessons for Contemporary Discipleship

• Value unsung roles: Most believers will resemble the later Nahaths—faithful stewards rather than famous leaders—yet their diligence upholds corporate worship and testimony.
• Preserve godly heritage: Parents and local fellowships should labor, as Nahath’s ancestors did, to pass down truth so that future “Samuels” arise.
• Exercise integrity in resources: Churches must adopt Hezekiah-like structures that protect offerings and honor God, enlisting trustworthy overseers.
• Recognize God’s universal sovereignty: Just as Scripture tracks Edomite chiefs, modern Christians should view global events through a biblical lens, confident that the Lord rules beyond visible covenant communities.

Summary

Though encountered only briefly, each occurrence of Nahath displays a facet of God’s faithful governance—over nations, generations, and ministries. The name’s appearance across diverse contexts invites believers to trust the Lord’s meticulous orchestration of history and to serve faithfully in any assignment He provides.

וְנַ֥חַת וְנַ֨חַת ונחת נַ֙חַת֙ נַ֥חַת נחת na·ḥaṯ Nachat naḥaṯ veNachat wə·na·ḥaṯ wənaḥaṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts