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נֹעַם

𐤍𐤏𐤌

nôʻam

H5278 noun

SILEX Entry

Root נעם to be pleasant, to be delightful, to be sweet

Definition

A state or quality of pleasantness, loveliness, or charm, especially as experienced in interaction (interpersonal favor, graciousness), or observed aesthetically (beauty, attractiveness). The term often describes the quality of being pleasing, either physically, emotionally, or in manner. In some contexts, it can denote favor shown by another, or the sense of delightfulness and graciousness in speech or circumstance.

Semantic Range

pleasantness, charm, loveliness, delightful quality, graciousness, agreeable manner, beauty, favor, attractive speech or conduct

Root / Etymology

Root: נעם, which carries the core sense 'to be pleasant, delightful, sweet.' נֹעַם is a nominal form indicating the abstract quality—'pleasantness' or 'delight.' The noun forms from the root often express states or conditions deriving from the verbal action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, נֹעַם is found in poetic, wisdom, and liturgical contexts, describing the pleasantness or charm both of people and situations. For example, Proverbs and Psalms use נֹעַם to denote the gentle, attractive quality of speech, wisdom, or life circumstances. It may refer to gracious favor extended to others (e.g., interpersonal favor or charm) or to aesthetic loveliness (e.g., pleasantness of paths, beauty). Nehemiah employs the term to describe the goodness or benevolent favor from a sovereign. Later translations, especially in English traditions, at times render נֹעַם as 'grace' or 'beauty,' but these may narrow the word’s scope. Unlike חֵן (ḥēn), which more specifically denotes favor or charm that elicits positive response from others, נֹעַם can be used for inner pleasantness or intrinsic delight, not only relational charm.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from נָעֵם; agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace; beauty, pleasant(-ness).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

נעם (n-ʿ-m) — to be pleasant, to be delightful, to be sweet

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4516 מַנְעַם in their delights
H5273 נָעִים in pleasant ones
H5276 נָעֵם you were pleasant
H5277 נַעַם and Pleasantness
H5279 נַעֲמָה Pleasantness

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5278-02 נֹ֨עַם֙ noam HNcmsa Favor pleasantness 6
H5278-01 בְּ/נֹֽעַם benoam HR/Ncmsc the beauty in pleasantness of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5278-02 Zechariah 11:7 נֹ֨עַם֙ noam HNcmsa Favor pleasantness
H5278-02 Zechariah 11:10 נֹ֔עַם noam HNcmsa Favor pleasantness
H5278-01 Psalms 27:4 בְּ/נֹֽעַם benoam HR/Ncmsc the beauty in pleasantness of
H5278-02 Psalms 90:17 נֹ֤עַם noam HNcmsc favor pleasantness
H5278-02 Proverbs 3:17 נֹ֑עַם noam HNcmsa pleasantness pleasantness
H5278-02 Proverbs 15:26 נֹֽעַם noam HNcmsa pleasantness pleasantness
H5278-02 Proverbs 16:24 נֹ֑עַם noam HNcmsa pleasant pleasantness
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