Biblical Hebrew Forum

[David Kolinsky <hadeesh AT sbcglobal.net>]

Karl,

NaXNuW and ?aNaXNuW both probably come from the verb XaNaH meaning "to encamp," thus referring to the group "we, of the camp / group / community."

Related to MaXaNeH  = camp, encampment. 

to all a joyful Lag b'Omer,

david kolinsky

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From: K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>
To: B-Hebrew <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Sat, April 27, 2013 12:14:28 PM
Subject: [b-hebrew] נחנו NXNW usually stated as a short form for אנחנו )NXNW “we”

While reading through Exodus 16, verses 7–8, and the complaints lodged against Moses and Aaron, I came to question whether נחנו NXNW is a shortened form for “we”, or is it from the verb נחה NXH “to lead”?

This particular form is found in only five verses, Exodus 16:7–8, Numbers 32:32, 2 Samuel 17:12, and Lamentations 3:42. While Numbers 32:32 and Lamentations 3:42 seem to mean “we” at first blush, they can also mean “our leading” as a noun. The Exodus verses seem to mean “what is our leading”, for if people were meant, shouldn’t “who are we” be used?

What do you all think?

Karl W. Randolph.