Nahash
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nahash in the Bible?
Nahash appears in the biblical narrative as a king of Ammon who besieged Jabesh-gilead and was defeated by Saul, and is also identified in 1 Chronicles as the father of Zeruiah and Abigail, the sisters of King David.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nahash clarifies the complex political relationships between Israel and Ammon, while his identification as the father of David's sisters suggests a familial or diplomatic alliance between the Davidic line and the Ammonite royal house.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nahash reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nahash in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nahash clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nahash." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nahash/