The Hebrew proper name Nachbiy (Nahbi) means "hidden" or "timid," derived from the root chabah (to hide). Nahbi son of Vophsi was the spy sent from the tribe of Naphtali to explore the land of Canaan. He was one of the twelve men chosen to reconnoiter the Promised Land before Israel's planned conquest.
Nahbi was among the ten spies who brought back a fearful report, saying the land's inhabitants were too powerful to conquer. The irony of his name ("hidden" or "timid") may reflect his character in the narrative. Of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb trusted God's power over the apparent obstacles, while the remaining ten, including Nahbi, allowed fear to overrule faith — a sobering warning against letting visible circumstances eclipse trust in God's promises.