נַחֲלָה
Properly, something inherited , i.e. (abstractly) occupancy , or (concretely) an heirloom ; generally an estate , patrimony or portion
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What does נַחֲלָה (naḥalah) mean in the Bible?
נַחֲלָה (naḥalah) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, something inherited , i.e. (abstractly) occupancy , or (concretely) an heirloom ; generally an estate , patrimony or portion". properly, something inherited, i. The settlement of towns reflects continuity with God’s promised inheritance. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Full entry for נַחֲלָה (H5159) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Inherited land or property securing family continuity and identity within Israel's covenant promise and tribal allocation system.
properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion BDB: possession Usage: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare 5158.
Why This Word Matters
The settlement of towns reflects continuity with God’s promised inheritance. Isaiah 19:23-25
Its threatened loss underscores the covenant dimension of exile; what God granted can be forfeited through rebellion. Micah 1:10-16
Israel’s designation underscores covenant continuity within expanded mercy. Nehemiah 11:25-36
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Showing 8 of 222 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.