Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and MeaningThe name Nemuel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Day of God" or "God's Day." It reflects a theophoric element, common in Hebrew names, which often incorporate the name of God to signify divine association or blessing.
Biblical ReferencesNemuel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and tribal listings of the Israelites. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Simeon.
1.
Nemuel, Son of SimeonNemuel is listed as one of the sons of Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. In the genealogical records, he is sometimes referred to as Jemuel, which is considered a variant of the same name. This is seen in the following passages:
·
Genesis 46:10 : "The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman."
·
Exodus 6:15 : "The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon."
In these passages, Nemuel/Jemuel is listed among the sons of Simeon who went down to Egypt with Jacob and his family during the time of famine.
2.
Nemuel, Father of DathanAnother mention of Nemuel is found in the context of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Nemuel is identified as the father of Dathan, one of the leaders of the rebellion alongside Korah and Abiram. This is noted in:
·
Numbers 26:9 : "The sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. It was Dathan and Abiram, chosen by the congregation, who contended with Moses and Aaron, they and Korah’s followers, when they rebelled against the LORD."
This passage highlights the familial connection between Nemuel and the infamous rebellion, which resulted in divine judgment.
Tribal SignificanceAs a member of the tribe of Simeon, Nemuel's lineage is part of the broader narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Simeon, though initially numerous, is noted for its eventual decline in prominence and size, as seen in the census records of the Israelites.
·
Numbers 1:23 : "The number of men from the tribe of Simeon was 59,300."
·
Numbers 26:14 : "These were the clans of Simeon, and there were 22,200 men."
The significant decrease in numbers from the first to the second census reflects the tribe's diminished status, which some scholars attribute to the consequences of the rebellion and other historical factors.
Theological ReflectionNemuel's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of faithfulness and rebellion within the history of Israel. His association with both the lineage of Simeon and the rebellion against divine authority underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of defiance against God's chosen leaders. The account of Nemuel and his descendants invites reflection on the themes of legacy, leadership, and the enduring impact of one's actions within the community of faith.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Nemuelthe sleeping of God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Nemuel(day of God).
- A Reubenite, son of Eliab and eldest brother of Dathan and Abiram. (Numbers 26:9)
- The eldest son of Simeon, (Numbers 26:12;1 Chronicles 4:24) from whom were descended the family of the Nemuelites. In (Genesis 46:10) he is called JERIUEL.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Day of God.
(1.) One of Simeon's five sons (1 Chronicles 4:24), called also Jemuel (Genesis 46:10).
(2.) A Reubenite, a son of Eliab, and brother of Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 26:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NEMUELnem'-u-el, ne-mu'-el (nemu'el):ould not show their families nor their stock" (1 Esdras 5:37) equals "Nekoda" ofEzra 2:60Nehemiah 7:62.
(1) A Reubenite, brother of Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 26:9).
(2) A son of Simeon (Numbers 26:121 Chronicles 4:24). The name occurs also in the form "Jemuel" (Genesis 46:10Exodus 6:15). According to Gray (Studies in Hebrew Proper Names), either form is etymologically obscure; but Nemuel is probably correct, for it is easier to account for its corruption into Jemuel than vice versa. The patronymic Nemuelites occurs once (Numbers 26:12).
Strong's Hebrew
5241.Nemuel -- two Israelites... 5240, 5241.
Nemuel. 5242 . two Israelites. Transliteration:
Nemuel Phonetic
Spelling: (nem-oo-ale') Short Definition:
Nemuel.
... NASB Word Usage
Nemuel (3).
...5242. Nemueli -- descendant ofNemuel
... descendant ofNemuel. Transliteration: Nemueli Phonetic Spelling: (nem-oo-ay-lee')
Short Definition: Nemuelites. Word Origin fromNemuel Definition desc....
Library
Chapter xlvi
... For, as the margin of ARV briefly indicates, "Jemuel" v.10 in both Num. and I Chron.
ppears as "Nemuel." "Jachin" has the parallel form in Chron....
Thesaurus
Nemuel (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
NEMUEL.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Nemuel (3
Occurrences). Numbers 26:9 The sons of Eliab:
Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram.
...Nem'uel (3 Occurrences)
Nem'uel.Nemuel, Nem'uel. Nemuelite . Multi-Version Concordance Nem'uel (3
Occurrences). Numbers 26:9 And the sons of Eliab:Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram...
Jamin (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: ofNemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of...
Jemuel (2 Occurrences)
... JEMUEL. je-mu'-el (yemu'el, meaning unknown): A "son" of Simeon (Genesis
46:10 Exodus 6:15) = "Nemuel" in Numbers 26:12 1 Chronicles 4:24....
Nemuelites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEMUELITES. nem'-u-el-its, ne-mu'-el-its
(ha-nemu'eli). SeeNEMUEL, (2). Multi-Version Concordance Nemuelites (1 Occurrence)....
Korah's (4 Occurrences)
... Korah, and all their goods. (See NIV). Numbers 26:9 And the sons of Eliab:
Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and...
Nem'uelites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: ofNemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of...
Nemuelite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: ofNemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of...
Nemesis (1 Occurrence)
Jakinite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: ofNemuel, the family of
the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of...
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