Menahem is a Hebrew name meaning "comforter", derived from the root נָחַם (naḥam) meaning "to comfort". In the Old Testament, Menahem (Hebrew: מְנַחֵם; also spelled Menachem) was the sixteenth king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, whose ten-year reign (c. 752–742 BCE) is recorded in 2 Kings 15:14–22. He came to power by assassinating King Shallum in Samaria, and his rule was marked by brutality, including the massacre of civilians in the city of Tiphsah. Etymology and Variants The name Menahem is a theophoric element often associated with comfort and consolation. Its popularity among Jewish communities is reflected in its long-standing use, and it remains a common Hebrew name. Variants include Menachem (the standard Hebrew transliteration), Manaem (Biblical Greek), Naoum (Biblical Greek), Menachem (Biblical Hebrew), Nachum (Biblical Hebrew), Manahem (Biblical Latin), and Naum (Russian). Historical and Biblical Context Menahem was the son of Gadi, and he founded the dynasty known as the House of Gadi or House of Menahem. According to the biblical narrative, he initially served as a captain in the army of King Zechariah. After Shallum murdered Zechariah and usurped the throne, Menahem marched from Tirzah to Samaria, killed Shallum, and became king. His reign was characterized by the payment of tribute to the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III (called Pul in the Bible) to secure his position, a heavy burden on the wealthy residents of Israel. Cultural Significance The name Menahem embodies the concept of consolation, which resonates deeply in Jewish tradition, often given to a child born after a period of grief or loss. It appears in various historical contexts beyond the Bible, including the Talmudic period and modern times. The name is also found in Christian contexts through the Latin Vulgate and the Septuagint. Meaning: "Comforter" (derived from Hebrew root meaning "to comfort") Origin: Hebrew Type: First name Usage regions: Hebrew, English Bible