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Nemuel

biblical_person theological_term standard

Nemuel is a biblical personal name borne by more than one Old Testament figure, including a Simeonite and a Reubenite.

At a Glance

A Hebrew personal name appearing in Old Testament tribal lists.

Key Points

Description

Nemuel is a biblical personal name found in Old Testament tribal and genealogical material. The name is used for more than one individual, including a Simeonite listed among the sons of Simeon and a Reubenite named in tribal records. Because the term identifies persons rather than a doctrine, institution, or theological theme, it should be treated as a proper-name entry. The main interpretive task is simply to distinguish the different bearers of the name within their respective textual settings.

Biblical Context

Old Testament genealogies and census lists preserve family and tribal identity within Israel. Nemuel appears in that setting as a personal name attached to different men in different tribal contexts.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern world, tribal and clan records mattered for inheritance, lineage, and covenant identity. Biblical lists often preserve names that would otherwise be forgotten, even when they do not carry doctrinal significance on their own.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Second Temple and later Jewish readers would have recognized these lists as part of Israel’s covenant memory and tribal identity. The name itself is not a theological category, but the preservation of names reflects the importance of ancestry and belonging in Israel.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

A Hebrew personal name. The entry functions as a proper name; detailed etymology is not essential for basic identification.

Theological Significance

Nemuel has no standalone doctrinal significance. Its value is textual and historical: it helps identify individuals within Israel’s tribal records and reminds readers that Scripture preserves real family and covenant history.

Philosophical Explanation

Proper names in Scripture point to concrete persons, not abstract ideas. A dictionary entry for Nemuel should therefore clarify identity and context rather than attempt to build doctrine from the name itself.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse different men who bear the same name. Do not read theological meaning into the name beyond what the text itself states. Keep the entry focused on identification and biblical context.

Major Views

There is no major doctrinal dispute about the name itself. The only practical issue is distinguishing the individuals named Nemuel in different passages and textual contexts.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to support speculative symbolism or hidden meanings. It is a historical-biblical name entry, not a doctrinal locus.

Practical Significance

Nemuel illustrates the importance of careful reading in biblical genealogies and lists. Even brief names in Scripture contribute to the Bible’s broader account of Israel’s history and covenant life.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Nemuel

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