### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼAddân**, represented by `{{H135}}`, means **firm** and identifies an Israelite. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, and its significance is tied to its context among those returning from the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for **ʼAddân** `{{H135}}` is [[Ezra 2:59]]. Here, he is named as part of a group who **went up** `{{H5927}}` from Babylonian locations like Telmelah `{{H8528}}`, Telharsa `{{H8521}}`, and Cherub `{{H3743}}`. The crucial point of this passage is that these individuals **could not** `{{H3201}}` **shew** `{{H5046}}` their ancestral records. They were unable to prove their **father's** `{{H1}}` **house** `{{H1004}}` or their **seed** `{{H2233}}`, which left their status as members of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` unconfirmed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Addan's story is clarified by several words from the surrounding passage:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house, family): This word is central to the group's dilemma, as they were unable to prove their "father's **house**," a key marker of lineage [[Ezra 2:59]].
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed, posterity): Along with their family house, the group's inability to identify their **seed** was the second component of their unproven heritage [[Ezra 2:59]].
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able, could): This term emphasizes the group's powerlessness in this situation; they **could** not produce the required evidence of their ancestry [[Ezra 2:59]].
* `{{H5046}}` **nâgad** (to announce, shew, declare): This specifies the nature of their failure; they were unable to **shew** or formally declare their lineage, which was a requirement for full inclusion in the community [[Ezra 2:59]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H135}}` is derived entirely from its context:
* **Genealogical Identity:** The challenge faced by Addan's group underscores the critical importance of lineage for identity in the post-exilic community. The ability to demonstrate one's **father's** `{{H1}}` **house** `{{H1004}}` and **seed** `{{H2233}}` was essential for formal recognition as part of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`.
* **The Reality of Restoration:** The group, including Addan, **went up** `{{H5927}}` from Babylon, participating in the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. Their story highlights the practical difficulties, such as lost records and uncertain heritage, that accompanied this restoration.
* **Defining the Covenant Community:** The question of whether these individuals were "of **Israel**" `{{H3478}}` reflects the larger theme of defining the nation after exile. Their inability to **shew** `{{H5046}}` their heritage created an ambiguity that shows how carefully the restored community guarded its covenant identity.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAddân** `{{H135}}` is not a theological term but a personal name whose importance is found in its singular context. Its mention in [[Ezra 2:59]] serves to illustrate a significant historical and spiritual challenge during the return from exile: the vital necessity of proving one's lineage. Through this brief account, the story of Addan provides a clear example of how critical heritage and identity were to the people of **Israel** as they sought to re-establish their nation.
TRV