נ
Final form: ן
Nun
Fish, activity, life, heir, faithfulness
Nun (נ) is the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and its ancient pictographic form was a fish or sprouting seed — both symbols of life, multiplication, and activity beneath the surface. Joshua, who led Israel into the Promised Land, was called 'Yehoshua bin Nun' (Joshua son of Nun), connecting this letter to faithful leadership and new beginnings. Nun also means 'heir' and 'to flourish,' representing the continuation of legacy from one generation to the next. In Psalm 119, the Nun section (verses 105-112) contains the famous verse 'Your word is a lamp to my feet,' connecting Nun to faithful guidance.
How to Pronounce Nun
Nun makes an 'N' sound, like the N in 'now.' It has a final form (ן) used at the end of words.
“Your word is a lamp (ner) to my feet and a light to my path.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient Nun resembled a fish or a sprouting seed. It evolved into the Greek Nu (Ν) and the Latin N.
Pictograph: A fish or sprouting seed
Spiritual Significance
Nun represents faithfulness, continuity, and the hidden life of the soul. Its value of 50 connects to Jubilee (the 50th year of freedom) and Pentecost (Shavuot, 50 days after Passover). The final Nun (ן) extends below the line, reaching into hidden depths.
Connection to Scripture
Joshua bin Nun led Israel into the Promised Land. 'Your word is a lamp (ner) to my feet' (Psalm 119:105) begins the Nun section. The 50th year is Jubilee — freedom and restoration.
Words That Begin with Nun
Ner
Candle, lamp
Navi
Prophet
Nefesh
Soul
Netzach
Eternity, victory
Nachalah
Inheritance
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Nun appears in words like נֵר (ner, candle/lamp), נָבִיא (navi, prophet), נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, soul), and נֵצַח (netzach, eternity/victory).
People Also Ask
What does the Hebrew letter Nun symbolize?
Nun symbolizes faithfulness, the soul, and continuation of life. Its pictograph was a fish/seed, representing life beneath the surface. Its value of 50 connects to Jubilee and Pentecost — times of freedom and spiritual outpouring.
Who was 'Nun' in the Bible?
Nun was the father of Joshua (Yehoshua bin Nun), who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land. The name Nun means 'fish' or 'heir,' and Joshua's role as Nun's son symbolizes faithful succession and new beginnings.
Fun Fact
In Jewish tradition, the 'Nun miracle' refers to the fact that the letter Nun is 'missing' from Psalm 145 (an alphabetical acrostic) — the sages say it was omitted to avoid referencing 'nefilah' (falling), teaching that God lifts up those who fall.
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