Bible Person

Nahash

Meaning: snake; serpent · Male · 3 cross references

This Nahash entry refers to the Ammonite king who is father of Hanun in David's time, not the earlier Nahash opposed by Saul. He appears mainly through the memory of David's diplomatic goodwill toward his house. First appears in 2 Sam 10:2.1

AI summary: This Nahash matters because the cross references frame him as the deceased ruler whose past kindness prompts David's attempt at honorable condolence. The tragedy of the scene is that David's gesture is misread under Hanun, turning possible peace into humiliation and war. Taken together, the material presents this Nahash as a remembered Ammonite king whose legacy becomes the hinge between diplomacy and conflict.1

Central Figure

Nahash

Meaning: snake; serpent