☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H5278 · Hebrew · Old Testament
נָעִים
Naim
Adjective
Pleasant / Lovely / Delightful

Definition

The Hebrew adjective naim means pleasant, lovely, delightful, agreeable, or beautiful. It describes both sensory pleasantness (the taste of food, the sound of music) and relational or spiritual beauty (brotherly unity, God's dwelling). From the root neum (H5276), to be pleasant or beautiful.

Usage & Theological Significance

David's final words begin by calling him 'the pleasant (naim) psalmist of Israel' (2 Samuel 23:1). Psalm 133 opens with 'How good and pleasant (naim) it is when God's people live together in unity' — a vision of shalom and community that resonates through church history. Psalm 135:3 declares it is 'pleasant to praise Him.' In Proverbs 22:18, wisdom's words are called pleasant when kept within. The concept connects to the Hebrew vision of shalom — wholeness, flourishing, beauty — as the mark of God's presence and blessing. Heaven itself will be marked by an eternal naim in the presence of God.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant (naim) it is when God's people live together in unity!
2 Samuel 23:1 These are the last words of David: The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel's songs (naim).
Psalm 135:3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant (naim).
Proverbs 22:18 For it is pleasing (naim) when you keep them (wisdom's words) in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
Song of Solomon 1:16 How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming (naim)! And our bed is verdant.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️