Meaning & History
Manaem is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Menahem, used in the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) to render the name of the sixteenth king of Israel. The name derives from the Hebrew root naḥam, meaning “to comfort,” with Menahem meaning “comforter.” In the Septuagint, the name appears as Manaem (Μαναημ), while other Greek translations, such as Aquila, render it as Manaen.
Biblical Context
According to 2 Kings 15:14–22, Menahem son of Gadi reigned over the northern Kingdom of Israel for ten years after assassinating the usurper Shallum. His rule was marked by brutality, including the massacre of Tiphsah and its surroundings. To secure his throne, he allied with the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III (Pul), imposing heavy tribute on the wealthy landowners of Israel. This act ultimately confirmed Assyrian suzerainty over the kingdom.
Related Names
Manaem shares its root with several biblical and post-biblical names. The Hebrew Menahem remains the standard modern form, while Menachem is common among Jewish communities. The related name Nahum (as in the prophet) also derives from the same root. In other languages, the name appears as Manahem (Biblical Latin), Naum (Russian), and Nachum (Hebrew variant).
Historical Significance
Manaem’s reign (circa 746–736 BCE) occurred during a period of Assyrian expansion. The tribute he paid to Tiglath-Pileser III is documented in Assyrian records, confirming the biblical account. His dynasty, sometimes called the House of Gadi, did not long survive him; his son Pekahiah was assassinated after two years. The name continues to be used primarily in religious and historical contexts, especially as a transliteration of the Greek Old Testament form.
- Meaning: Comforter
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Biblical
- Usage Regions: Greek (Septuagint), early Christian
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Menahem