Who was Naasson?

Naasson (Greek: Ναασσών, Naassōn) is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Nahshon (נַחְשׁוֹן, Nachshon), which means enchanter, diviner, or possibly serpent. Naasson appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 1:4, where he is listed as an ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus Himself. In the Old Testament, he is more fully known as Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, and is a prominent figure in the early history of Israel’s wilderness journey.

Biblical References

• Matthew 1:4 – “Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon.”

• Luke 3:32-33 – Naasson (as Nahshon) appears in the reverse genealogy of Jesus.

• Numbers 1:7 – Nahshon is appointed as the leader of the tribe of Judah.

• Numbers 2:3 – He leads the camp of Judah in the wilderness.

• Exodus 6:23 – His sister Elisheba marries Aaron, the high priest.

• Ruth 4:20 – Part of the genealogy from Judah to David.

• 1 Chronicles 2:10-11 – Listed in the genealogies of Judah.

Naasson in the Bible

Naasson (Nahshon) was a prince of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness period following the Exodus. As the son of Amminadab and a direct descendant of Judah, he held a significant leadership position among the tribes of Israel. When Moses conducted the census of the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 1), Nahshon was appointed as the tribal leader of Judah, the most prominent of the twelve tribes.

During the encampments and movements of the Israelites, Judah’s tribe, led by Nahshon, camped on the east side of the tabernacle and marched at the forefront (Numbers 2:3). This shows both the preeminence of the tribe of Judah and the importance of Nahshon’s role in leading God‘s people during a formative stage in their national identity.

Furthermore, Nahshon‘s family ties are notable. His sister Elisheba married Aaron, the high priest (Exodus 6:23), making Nahshon a relative by marriage to the priestly line. His son, Salmon, would become the father of Boaz, who married Ruth and fathered Obed, the grandfather of David (Ruth 4:21-22).

What Naasson’s Life Means for Today’s Christians

Naasson may seem like a minor character, but his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving the Messianic line. God used individuals from different eras and with varying levels of biblical prominence to weave together the lineage that would lead to the Savior.

His leadership role among the Israelites reminds believers that faithfulness in seemingly ordinary or administrative tasks has lasting significance in God’s redemptive story. While Naasson himself may not have performed great miracles or delivered prophetic messages, his obedience and position served God‘s purposes in shaping Israel’s destiny and preparing the way for Christ.

For Christians today, Naasson is a reminder that faithful service, even if it seems behind the scenes, is not forgotten by God. His name is eternally recorded in Scripture as part of Jesus’ family line—a testimony that God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Naasson stands in the royal and redemptive line that culminates in Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Through Naasson’s descendants—Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David—the Davidic covenant would unfold, leading ultimately to the fulfillment of God’s promise of an eternal King.

By including Naasson in the genealogy of Jesus, Matthew highlights the continuity of God‘s redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New. The gospel does not begin with Jesus in a vacuum—it is rooted in God‘s covenantal promises to Abraham, Moses, David, and their descendants. Naasson helps bridge that story.

His presence in the genealogy reminds believers that God‘s plan of salvation is historical, intentional, and rooted in real people and real history.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty in Genealogy

God carefully preserved the lineage that would lead to the Messiah. Naasson’s placement in the genealogical record is part of God’s sovereign plan, illustrating that no person in that line was accidental.

2. The Prominence of Judah

As a leader of the tribe of Judah, Naasson reinforces the theme of Judah’s ascendancy among the tribes of Israel. Genesis 49:10 foretold that the scepter would not depart from Judah, and Naasson is one link in the fulfillment of that prophecy.

3. Faithfulness in Leadership

Naasson’s faithful leadership during the wilderness years reflects the importance of godly leadership. Though his deeds are not detailed extensively, his status among the tribes speaks to his reliability and the trust placed in him.

4. Continuity Between Covenants

Naasson connects the story of the Exodus generation to the Davidic covenant and ultimately to the new covenant in Christ. This continuity testifies to God’s unchanging nature and His unfolding plan through time.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Naasson’s presence in the genealogy of Jesus teach us about God’s long-term plans?

2. How can we be faithful in the roles God has given us, even if they seem unnoticed?

3. What encouragement can we find in knowing that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes?

4. How does tracing the ancestry of Jesus through people like Naasson deepen our appreciation for the Old Testament?

5. In what ways does God use our family legacies—both spiritual and biological—for His glory?

Naasson may not be a household name among biblical characters, but his faithful presence in Scripture is a vital link in the lineage that brought the world its Redeemer. His life points to the truth that every believer, no matter their role, has a place in the unfolding story of God’s grace.