Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with N
Exploring biblical terms starting with "N" reveals God's faithfulness to His name, the newness of life in Christ, and the call to be born again. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.
Major Biblical Figures
Naaman
Syrian military commander healed of leprosy by washing in the Jordan River seven times, demonstrating faith in Israel's God.
Nabal
Wealthy, foolish man who refused David's men hospitality, whose death allowed David to marry his widow Abigail.
Naboth
Vineyard owner murdered by Jezebel's scheme so Ahab could take his property, leading to prophetic judgment on Ahab's house.
Nadab
Aaron's eldest son who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and was consumed by divine fire as judgment.
Nahash
Ammonite king who besieged Jabesh-gilead, leading to Saul's first military victory as Israel's newly anointed king.
Nahum
Prophet who announced Nineveh's destruction for cruelty and wickedness, demonstrating God's justice against oppressors.
Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law who returned to Bethlehem bitter but experienced redemption through Boaz's kindness to Ruth.
Naphtali
Jacob's sixth son by Bilhah, whose descendants formed a tribe settling in northern Galilee where Jesus ministered.
Nathan
Prophet who confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and announced Solomon would build the temple.
Nathanael
Disciple from Cana whom Jesus described as "an Israelite in whom there is no deceit," possibly same as Bartholomew.
Nebuchadnezzar
Powerful Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and exiled Judah but later acknowledged God's sovereignty.
Nehemiah
Cupbearer to Persian king who led Jews in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls despite opposition, restoring the city's defenses.
Nicodemus
Pharisee who came to Jesus at night, learned about being born again, and later defended and buried Jesus.
Nimrod
Mighty hunter and kingdom builder, founder of Babel, representing human rebellion and self-glorification against God.
Noah
Righteous man who built the ark, survived the flood with his family and animals, and received God's covenant.
Nun
Father of Joshua, an Ephraimite whose son succeeded Moses and led Israel's conquest of Canaan.
Central Theological Terms
Name
Personal designation revealing character and identity. God's name is holy; believers called by His name; salvation in Jesus' name alone.
Name of God
Reveals divine character and attributes. Names include Yahweh, Elohim, El Shaddai, demonstrating His nature and relationship with humanity.
Name of Jesus
"The Lord saves," the name above every name at which every knee will bow, through which salvation comes.
Nation
People group with common government and territory. God made Israel a holy nation; believers are a holy nation in Christ.
Nations
All peoples of the earth. God's plan includes blessing all nations through Abraham's seed; gospel goes to all nations.
Natural Man
Unregenerate person without the Spirit who cannot understand spiritual things, needing spiritual rebirth.
Nature
Essential characteristics or created order. Divine nature contrasts with sinful human nature; believers share divine nature through promises.
Nazirite
Person consecrated to God by vow involving abstinence from wine, uncut hair, and avoiding dead bodies, like Samson and Samuel.
Necessary
Required or essential. Faith is necessary for pleasing God; it was necessary for Christ to suffer and rise.
Necromancy
Consulting the dead for information, strictly forbidden as abomination, practiced by Saul at Endor in desperation.
Neighbor
Anyone nearby requiring love and service. Love your neighbor as yourself summarizes the law's relational commands.
New Birth
Spiritual regeneration through the Holy Spirit, making someone a new creation in Christ, born from above.
New Commandment
Jesus' command to love one another as He loved us, distinguishing His disciples by sacrificial love.
New Covenant
Agreement God made through Christ's blood, writing His law on hearts and providing complete forgiveness of sins.
New Creation
Transformation of believers into new creatures in Christ; old things pass away, all things become new.
New Earth
Renewed creation where righteousness dwells, eternal home of the redeemed after present earth passes away.
New Heaven
Renewed celestial realm part of God's ultimate restoration where believers will dwell forever with Him.
New Jerusalem
Holy city descending from heaven, God's dwelling with humanity, having no temple because God and the Lamb are its temple.
New Man
Regenerated person in Christ, having put off the old self and put on the new self created in righteousness.
New Moon
Monthly celebration marking the lunar calendar, observed with sacrifices, trumpets, and rest from ordinary work.
New Testament
Second portion of Scripture recording Christ's life, the church's birth, apostolic teaching, and prophetic revelation; also the new covenant itself.
New Wine
Fresh grape juice symbolizing joy, blessing, and the Holy Spirit's newness that cannot fit in old wineskin structures.
Nineveh
Capital of Assyria, wicked city that repented at Jonah's preaching but later destroyed as Nahum prophesied.
Number
Numerical value often carrying symbolic meaning. Seven represents completeness, twelve represents Israel, forty represents testing.
Nunc Dimittis
Simeon's song upon seeing baby Jesus, meaning "Now dismiss," expressing readiness to die having seen salvation.
Places and Regions
Nain
Galilean village where Jesus raised a widow's only son from death, demonstrating compassion and power over death.
Naphtali
Territory in northern Galilee assigned to Naphtali's tribe, "Galilee of the Gentiles" where Jesus conducted much ministry.
Nazareth
Galilean town where Jesus was raised, despised by many, fulfilling prophecy that He would be called a Nazarene.
Neapolis
Seaport of Philippi where Paul first landed in Europe, beginning his Macedonian ministry answering the vision's call.
Nebo, Mount
Mountain in Moab where Moses viewed the Promised Land before dying, unable to enter due to his disobedience.
Negev
Desert region in southern Judah, dry wilderness where Abraham traveled and where Israel wandered.
Nile River
Great river of Egypt where Moses was found in a basket, turned to blood in the plagues, representing Egypt's lifeblood.
Nineveh
Ancient Assyrian capital where Jonah preached, city repented temporarily but later destroyed for persistent wickedness.
Nob
Priestly city where David received showbread from Ahimelech, later massacred by Saul in jealous rage.
Nod
Land east of Eden where Cain wandered after murdering Abel, building a city and establishing ungodly civilization.
Biblical Objects and Symbols
Nails
Metal fasteners used in construction; tragically, the nails that pierced Jesus' hands and feet at crucifixion.
Napkin
Cloth for wiping face or wrapping items; Lazarus' face was wrapped with a napkin; Jesus' burial napkin was folded.
Nard
Expensive fragrant oil from India; Mary anointed Jesus with pure nard worth a year's wages before His burial.
Narrow Gate
Small entrance to life that few find, contrasted with broad gate leading to destruction that many enter.
Narrow Way
Difficult path leading to life, requiring self-denial and perseverance, walked by few compared to the broad way.
Net
Fishing equipment used by disciples; metaphor for gospel catching people for God's kingdom; also represents judgment snares.
Nest
Bird's home built for offspring. Jesus noted foxes have holes and birds have nests but He had nowhere to lay His head.
New Cart
Forbidden means of transporting the Ark; Uzzah died when he touched it to steady it on a new cart.
New Cloth
Fresh fabric that shouldn't patch old garments, Jesus' metaphor showing His teaching requires new wineskins.
New Song
Fresh expression of praise for God's redemption, sung by the redeemed in heaven and by those experiencing deliverance.
New Wine
Freshly fermented grape juice that requires flexible new wineskins; represents the gospel's newness and the Spirit's work.
Noose
Trap or snare, representing dangers and judgments awaiting the wicked; pride and sin ensnare those who embrace them.
Additional Theological Concepts
Nakedness
Physical exposure representing shame, vulnerability, and sin's consequences. Adam and Eve's nakedness revealed their fallen state.
Naked
Without clothing or spiritual covering. The naked shall be clothed; Christ provides robes of righteousness covering believers' spiritual nakedness.
Naturalism
Philosophical view denying supernatural, contrary to biblical worldview affirming God's active involvement in creation.
Navel
Center of body, point of sustenance in womb. Proverbs uses navel metaphorically for health and strength through wisdom.
Necessity
Compulsion or requirement. Paul felt necessity to preach; certain things are necessary for salvation and godly living.
Need
Requirement or lack. God supplies every need; widows and orphans have special needs requiring community care.
Neglect
Failure to care for responsibilities. Don't neglect spiritual gifts, gathering together, or caring for family and poor.
Net of Salvation
God's means of drawing people to Himself through gospel proclamation, catching people for eternal life.
Nevertheless
Despite previous statements, transition showing God's grace overcoming human failure or introducing unexpected mercy.
Night
Period of darkness symbolizing spiritual ignorance, evil's activity, and season for rest before resurrection morning.
Niter
Cleansing agent, possibly sodium carbonate, used metaphorically in Proverbs; vinegar on niter represents inappropriate responses.
Noble
Of high rank or excellent character. Bereans were noble-minded, examining Scriptures; believers should pursue noble things.
Noon
Midday representing full light and openness. Saul encountered Christ at noon; truth operates in noon's brightness without darkness.
Nourish
To feed and sustain. Parents nourish children; Christ nourishes the church; believers nourished by God's Word.
Number of the Beast
666, mark identifying allegiance to antichrist, contrasted with God's seal on believers' foreheads.
Nurse
Woman feeding infants; metaphor for gentle pastoral care. Paul nursed Thessalonians like a mother cherishing children.
More Key Figures
Naarai
One of David's mighty men, warrior who performed exploits of courage serving King David faithfully.
Naaran
Town on Ephraim's eastern border mentioned in tribal allotments distributing the Promised Land.
Naarath
Same as Naaran, border town of Ephraim mentioned in descriptions of tribal territories.
Naashon (Nahshon)
Prince of Judah during the wilderness period, ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
Naasshai
During Ezra's reforms, men who had married foreign wives were required to divorce them to maintain covenant purity among returned exiles, as documented in Ezra 9-10.
Nabal
Churlish man whose refusal to help David led to his death; Abigail his wife later married David.
Naboth
Owner of vineyard coveted by Ahab, murdered by Jezebel's plot, whose blood dogs licked as prophesied.
Nachon
Owner of threshing floor where Uzzah died touching the Ark when oxen stumbled during improper transport.
Nachor (Nahor)
Abraham's brother and grandfather, both bearing this name in patriarchal genealogies.
Nadab
Aaron's eldest son killed for unauthorized fire; also evil king of Israel assassinated by Baasha.
Naggai (Nagge)
Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy between King David and the Babylonian exile.
Nahalal
Levitical city in Zebulun's territory, assigned to Levites for their dwelling and service.
Nahallal
Alternate spelling of Nahalal, city in Zebulun given to Levites for their inheritance.
Nahaliel
Israelite camping site during wilderness wanderings between Mattanah and Bamoth in Moabite territory.
Naham
Judahite mentioned in genealogies, possibly brother or relative of families settling in Judah.
Nahamani
Leader who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, helping restore Jerusalem and temple worship.
Naharai (Nahari)
One of David's mighty men, armor-bearer to Joab the commander of David's armies.
Nahath
Name of several Levites from Kohath's family serving in various capacities during different periods.
Nahbi
Spy from Naphtali's tribe sent by Moses to scout Canaan, brought back fearful report discouraging Israel.
Nahor
Abraham's grandfather and brother, both bearing this name; brother settled in Mesopotamia with descendants including Rebekah.
Nahshon
Prince of Judah during wilderness period, first to step into the Red Sea demonstrating faith.
Nahum
Prophet announcing Nineveh's destruction, bringing comfort to Judah that their oppressor would face judgment.
Nain
Galilean village where Jesus raised widow's only son, demonstrating compassion and resurrection power.
Naioth
Dwelling place of prophets at Ramah where David found refuge with Samuel from Saul's persecution.
Naomi
Ruth's mother-in-law whose name means "pleasant" but who called herself "Mara" (bitter) after loss.
Naphish
Son of Ishmael whose descendants became an Arabian tribe, later defeated by Israelite tribes.
Naphtali
Jacob's sixth son by Bilhah whose descendants settled northern Galilee, "Galilee of the Gentiles."
Naphoth-dor (Naphath-dor)
Heights of Dor, region conquered by Joshua in northern Canaan during the conquest.
Narcissus
Roman whose household members greeted by Paul, possibly high-ranking official with Christian servants.
Nathan
Prophet who confronted David about Bathsheba and announced Solomon would build the temple; also David's son.
Nathanael
Disciple from Cana described by Jesus as true Israelite without deceit, possibly same as Bartholomew.
Nathan-melech
Official during Josiah's time whose chamber was near temple where idolatrous horses to the sun were kept.
Naum
Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy, living during the period after the Babylonian exile.
Nazarite
Person under vow of consecration to God, abstaining from wine, cutting hair, and touching dead bodies.
Neah
Border town of Zebulun mentioned in descriptions of tribal territories in Joshua's land distribution.
Neapolis
Seaport of Philippi where Paul first landed in Europe during his second missionary journey.
Neariah
Name of two men: descendant of David and a Simeonite military leader during Hezekiah's reign.
Nebaioth
Ishmael's firstborn son whose descendants became a prominent Arabian tribe, possibly connected with Nabateans.
Neballat
Town where Benjamites settled after returning from Babylonian exile, near Lod and Ono.
Nebat
Father of Jeroboam who led northern tribes' rebellion and established golden calf worship at Dan and Bethel.
Nebo
Moabite god; also mountain where Moses viewed Canaan before death; also a town in Judah.
Nebuchadnezzar (Nebuchadrezzar)
Powerful Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem, exiled Judah, but acknowledged God after humbling experiences.
Nebushazban
Babylonian official present at Jerusalem's fall, mentioned among those releasing Jeremiah from captivity.
Nebuzaradan
Babylonian captain who destroyed Jerusalem and the temple but showed kindness to Jeremiah the prophet.
Necho (Neco)
Egyptian pharaoh who killed King Josiah at Megiddo and briefly controlled Judah before Babylon's rise.
Nedabiah
Son of King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin) born during Babylonian captivity, mentioned in royal genealogies.
Neginah (Neginoth)
Musical term in psalm titles possibly indicating stringed instruments or a specific melody style.
Nehelamite
Designation of false prophet Shemaiah who opposed Jeremiah, predicting his punishment for opposing God's word.
Nehemiah
Cupbearer who led wall rebuilding and spiritual reforms, restoring Jerusalem's defenses and covenant faithfulness.
Nehum
Leader who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, also called Rehum in Ezra's account.
Nehushta
Mother of King Jehoiachin, taken captive to Babylon when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem.
Nehushtan
Name Hezekiah gave the bronze serpent Moses made when he destroyed it because people worshiped it idolatrously.
Neiel
Border town of Asher mentioned in descriptions of tribal territories during Joshua's land distribution.
Nekoda
Head of families—one of temple servants and one unable to prove Israelite descent returning from exile.
Nemuel
Name of two men: Simeonite clan ancestor and Reubenite involved in Korah's rebellion against Moses.
Nepheg
Name of two men: Levite from Kohath's family and one of David's sons born in Jerusalem.
Nephilim
Giants or fallen ones mentioned before and after the flood, mysterious figures inspiring fear and debate.
Nephish
Alternate spelling of Naphish, son of Ishmael and ancestor of an Arabian tribe.
Nephishesim (Nephusim)
Head of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
Nephthalim
Greek form of Naphtali used in the New Testament referring to the tribe and territory.
Nephtoah
Spring marking boundary between Judah and Benjamin, near Jerusalem in tribal land divisions.
Nephushesim
Alternate spelling of Nephishesim, temple servant family returning from Babylonian captivity.
Ner
Father of Abner, Saul's military commander; grandfather or uncle of King Saul.
Nereus
Christian in Rome greeted by Paul along with his sister, members of the early church.
Nergal
Babylonian god of war and pestilence worshiped by people resettled in Samaria after Israel's exile.
Nergal-sharezer
Babylonian official present at Jerusalem's fall, possibly the same person holding two different positions.
Neri
Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy, living during the Babylonian exile period.
Neriah
Father of Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe who recorded the prophet's messages and suffered with him.
Nethaneel (Nathanael)
Common name including princes, Levites, and priests serving during various periods of Israel's history.
Nethaniah
Name of several men including Ishmael who assassinated Gedaliah and father of prophet Jehudi.
Nethinim
Temple servants descended from Gibeonites and others, assisting Levites in menial tasks at the sanctuary.
Neziah
Head of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
Nezib
Town in Judah's lowlands mentioned in descriptions of cities allotted to Judah's tribe.
Nibhaz
God worshiped by Avvites resettled in Samaria, representing syncretistic false worship after exile.
Nibshan
Town in Judah's wilderness near the Dead Sea, mentioned in territorial allotments.
Nicanor
One of seven men chosen as first deacons to serve tables and care for widows in Jerusalem church.
Nicodemus
Pharisee who came to Jesus at night, defended Him before the Sanhedrin, and helped bury Him.
Nicolas (Nicolaus)
Proselyte from Antioch chosen as one of the first seven deacons serving the Jerusalem church.
Nicolaitans
Heretical group Jesus condemned in Revelation, possibly following Nicolas or similar teaching promoting compromise.
Niger
Surname of Simeon, prophet or teacher at Antioch who was among those commissioning Paul and Barnabas.
Nimrah
Town in Gad's territory east of Jordan, also called Beth-nimrah, rebuilt by Gadites.
Nimrim
Waters in Moab mentioned in prophecies against Moab, location of springs that would become desolate.
Nimrod
Mighty hunter and kingdom builder, founder of Babel, representing human rebellion and empire building.
Nineveh
Ancient Assyrian capital that repented at Jonah's preaching but later destroyed as Nahum prophesied for wickedness.
Nisan
First month of Hebrew religious calendar (March-April), month when Passover and Unleavened Bread occur.
Nisroch
Assyrian god in whose temple Sennacherib was assassinated by his sons after returning from Jerusalem.
No (No-amon)
Thebes, ancient Egyptian capital whose destruction Nahum used to warn Nineveh of coming judgment.
Noadiah
Name of two people: Levite who helped inventory temple treasures and prophetess opposing Nehemiah's wall building.
Noah
Righteous man who built ark and survived flood with family, receiving covenant promise of no more worldwide floods.
Nob
Priestly city where David received showbread, later massacred by Saul in rage against Ahimelech.
Nobah
Manassite who conquered Kenath and renamed it after himself; also the city's name east of Jordan.
Nod
Land east of Eden where Cain wandered after murdering Abel, meaning "wandering" or "exile."
Nodab
Arabian tribe defeated by Israelite tribes east of Jordan during their conquest of the region.
Nogah
One of David's sons born in Jerusalem, mentioned in Chronicles' genealogies of the royal line.
Nohah
Benjamin's fourth son mentioned in genealogies, ancestor of a Benjamite clan.
Non (Nun)
Father of Joshua, an Ephraimite whose son succeeded Moses leading Israel into Canaan.
Noph
Hebrew name for Memphis, ancient Egyptian city representing Egypt's power and culture opposing God.
Nophah
Town in Moab mentioned in Israel's conquest of territory east of Jordan before entering Canaan.
Nun
Father of Joshua who led Israel into Canaan after Moses' death, completing the conquest.
Nymph
as Christian woman in Laodicea or Colossae in whose house the church met, greeted by Paul.
Groups and Peoples
Nabateans
Arabian people possibly descended from Nebaioth, controlling trade routes and building Petra (not directly mentioned but historical context).
Naphtuhim
Descendants of Mizraim (Egypt) mentioned in Table of Nations, possibly referring to people in Nile Delta region.
Nephilim
Giants or mighty men mentioned before and after the flood, mysterious beings causing fear and speculation.
Nethinim
Temple servants assisting Levites with menial tasks, including descendants of Gibeonites and prisoners of war.
Ninevites
Inhabitants of Nineveh who repented at Jonah's preaching but later returned to wickedness deserving destruction.
Biblical Practices and Events
Nazirite Vow
Special consecration to God involving abstinence from wine, uncut hair, and avoiding dead bodies for set period.
New Moon Festival
Monthly celebration marking lunar calendar beginning with sacrifices, trumpet blasts, and rest from ordinary labor.
Night Watch
Divisions of night for guarding, praying, or keeping vigil, demonstrating vigilance and spiritual alertness.
Noahic Covenant
God's promise to Noah never again to destroy earth with flood, sealed with rainbow sign.