from בֵּן and אֲבִימֶלֶךְ; (the) son of Abinadab; Ben-Abinadab, an Israelite; the son of Abinadab.
Transliteration:Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb
Pronunciation:ben-ab-ee''-naw-dawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב (Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H1125}}`) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a patronymic. It is formed from two distinct elements: בֶּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), meaning "son of," and אֲבִינָדָב (ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H40}}`), a proper name. The name אֲבִינָדָב itself is composed of אָב (ʼav, "father") and נָדָב (nadab, "willing," "generous," or "noble"), thus meaning "my father is noble," "my father is willing," or "father of generosity." Therefore, בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב literally translates to "Son of Abinadab," or more expansively, "Son of 'my father is noble/willing'." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual through his lineage, rather than conveying a broader concept or quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב (Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H1125}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically in [[1 Kings 4:11]]. In this passage, he is listed among the twelve district governors appointed by King Solomon to administer the various regions of Israel. His specific charge was the district of Dor, encompassing "all the region of Dor, having Taphath the daughter of Solomon as his wife."
The context of [[1 Kings 4]] describes the extensive administrative structure established by Solomon during his reign, designed to provide for the king and his household. Each governor was responsible for supplying provisions for one month out of the year. Ben-Abinadab's inclusion in this elite group signifies his significant position of authority and trust within Solomon's kingdom. The mention of his marriage to Solomon's daughter, Taphath, further underscores his elevated status and the king's strategy of consolidating power and loyalty through familial ties with key officials. This administrative system facilitated the unprecedented prosperity and peace enjoyed by Israel under Solomon, as described in [[1 Kings 4:20]] and [[1 Kings 4:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב (Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H1125}}`) is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **בֶּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`):** This is the fundamental Hebrew word for "son" or "child." Its pervasive use in patronymics throughout the Old Testament highlights the importance of lineage, family identity, and tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society.
* **אֲבִינָדָב (ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H40}}`):** This is the proper name of the father of the individual in question. Several figures in the Bible bear this name, including the man from Kiriath-jearim who housed the Ark of the Covenant for many years ([[1 Samuel 7:1]]) and one of Jesse's sons, a brother of David ([[1 Samuel 16:8]]). While the specific father of Solomon's governor is not further identified, the name itself carries the connotation of nobility or willingness, reflecting a positive attribute.
* **נָדָב (nadab, `{{H5071}}`):** The root of the second part of the name Abinadab, meaning "to impel, to make willing, to be noble." This root is associated with generosity, voluntary offerings, and noble character.
* **Administrative Structure:** The appointment of district governors like Ben-Abinadab reflects the sophisticated governmental organization that characterized Solomon's reign. This system was crucial for managing resources, collecting taxes (in kind), and maintaining order across the unified kingdom.
* **Royal Marriages:** The marriage of Ben-Abinadab to Solomon's daughter Taphath illustrates the strategic use of royal marriages to solidify political alliances and ensure loyalty among high-ranking officials.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב (Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H1125}}`) does not directly convey theological doctrine. However, his existence and role within the biblical narrative carry indirect theological significance:
* **Divine Blessing and Wisdom:** The detailed account of Solomon's administrative organization, including the appointment of governors like Ben-Abinadab, underscores the period of unprecedented peace and prosperity that Israel experienced under Solomon. This era is consistently presented as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises and a manifestation of the divine wisdom granted to Solomon ([[1 Kings 3:9-12]], [[1 Kings 4:29-30]]). Ben-Abinadab's service is thus a testament to the practical outworking of God's blessings upon His chosen king and nation.
* **Order and Governance:** The meticulous organization of the kingdom reflects God's own character as a God of order, not chaos. The establishment of stable governance through figures like Ben-Abinadab ensured the well-being and provision of the kingdom, mirroring divine care for His people.
* **Human Responsibility in Leadership:** While God provides wisdom and blessing, human agents like Ben-Abinadab are entrusted with the responsibility of stewardship and diligent service. His role as a provider for the king's house highlights the reciprocal relationship between the ruler and the ruled, and ultimately, the dependence of all on God's sustaining hand through human labor and administration.
* **Importance of Lineage:** The use of a patronymic emphasizes the significance of family and ancestral identity in Israelite society, which often intersected with covenantal identity and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific lineages.
### Summary
בֶּן־אֲבִינָדָב (Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb, `{{H1125}}`) is a Hebrew patronymic meaning "Son of Abinadab," where Abinadab signifies "my father is noble/willing." This proper noun appears uniquely in [[1 Kings 4:11]], identifying one of King Solomon's twelve district governors. Ben-Abinadab was responsible for provisioning the royal household from the region of Dor for one month each year, and his elevated status was further cemented by his marriage to Solomon's daughter, Taphath. His role highlights the sophisticated administrative structure and the era of peace and prosperity that characterized Solomon's divinely blessed reign. The study of this name, though brief in its biblical occurrence, illuminates the practical outworking of God's wisdom and blessing through ordered human governance, the importance of lineage in Israelite society, and the responsibility of leadership in ensuring the well-being of the kingdom.
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