Who was Nohah?

Nohah was one of the sons of Benjamin, listed in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin in 1 Chronicles 8:2. His name appears only once in Scripture, and he is part of the long ancestral line that traces the descendants of Jacob’s youngest son. The Hebrew name Nohah (נוֹחַ) likely means rest, quiet, or settled, sharing a root with the more familiar name Noah. Though little is said of Nohah’s life or deeds, his inclusion in the genealogy of Benjamin holds significance in the broader scope of Scripture.

Biblical Reference

• 1 Chronicles 8:1-2 (NIV): “Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second son, Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.”

Cross-References

• Genesis 46:21 – Lists the sons of Benjamin, though with some variation, emphasizing the complexity and development of tribal family records.

• Numbers 26:38-41 – Chronicles the clans of Benjamin during the wilderness census.

• 1 Chronicles 7:6-12; 8:1-40 – Offers expanded genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, showing the prominence of this tribe in Israel’s history.

Nohah in the Biblical Record

Nohah is mentioned without additional biographical details, accomplishments, or tribal roles. His appearance in the genealogical record serves a foundational purpose—he represents a line of descent within the tribe of Benjamin. As the fourth son of Benjamin listed in 1 Chronicles 8:2, he is part of the structured order that helps Israel trace inheritance, identity, and covenantal faithfulness.

Though the Bible does not elaborate on Nohah’s descendants or deeds, the Chronicles were compiled during or after the exile to remind Israel of its roots and to re-establish tribal and familial identity. This means that even brief mentions, like that of Nohah, affirm God‘s sovereignty in preserving His people and the importance of every individual in His redemptive plan.

What This Means for Christians Today

Nohah may seem insignificant at first glance, but his inclusion in Scripture reminds us that every person has a place in God‘s story. The genealogies in the Bible show that God is deeply concerned with history, lineage, and identity. For Christians, this teaches that God values every individual—not just the heroes of faith, but also those whose names are only briefly recorded.

Just as Nohah had a name and a position in the family of Benjamin, every believer today has a name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). In Christ, even the seemingly “forgotten” are remembered. Every part of the body of Christ matters (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), and every person plays a role in God’s redemptive plan.

How Nohah’s Story Points to Jesus

The genealogies of the Old Testament ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose own genealogy is meticulously recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. These genealogies emphasize God’s sovereign orchestration of history. Though Nohah is not in the direct lineage of Christ, his place in Benjamin’s line connects to the broader story of Israel—out of which the Messiah would come.

Jesus’ inclusion of people from all tribes of Israel—and His welcome of the overlooked and forgotten—mirrors the way the chronicler includes Nohah. Christ honors every lineage and fulfills every promise made to the tribes of Israel, including Benjamin. Furthermore, the apostle Paul, a Benjamite (Philippians 3:5), became one of the most important figures in spreading the gospel, showing again that God works mightily through every tribe and family.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty in History

Genealogies, including Nohah’s mention, affirm that history unfolds under God’s control. Each person, clan, and tribe serves a role in His covenant plan.

2. The Value of Every Person

Even unnamed deeds or forgotten individuals in Scripture have worth because they are remembered by God. The inclusion of Nohah testifies that God’s eyes are on every one of His people.

3. The Lineage of God’s People

Genealogies form the backbone of Scripture’s redemptive narrative, from Adam to Abraham, to the tribes of Israel, and finally to Christ. Nohah is a small but real link in that great chain.

4. Rest and Fulfillment in Christ

Nohah’s name, meaning “rest” or “settled,” echoes the ultimate rest that believers find in Christ (Hebrews 4:9–10). His name becomes a shadow pointing forward to the gospel promise of rest from sin and striving.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Nohah’s brief mention in Scripture encourage you about your own place in God’s plan?

2. What does the faithfulness of God in preserving genealogies teach us about His attention to detail in our lives?

3. In what ways do you see your spiritual identity as part of a larger, God-ordained story?

4. How can you find rest—like the meaning of Nohah’s name—in your relationship with Christ?

5. Are there “small” roles in your life that you’ve overlooked but that God may be using for His greater purposes?

Though Nohah is a minor figure, his presence in the biblical record is a reminder of God’s care for every name, every lineage, and every believer. In Christ, no one is forgotten.