### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name מַכְנַדְבַי (Maknadbay, `{{H4367}}`) is a fascinating construct, derived from the interrogative particle מָה (mah, `{{H4100}}`, "what?") and the root נָדַב (nadab, `{{H5068}}`, "to incite, be willing, offer freely, give oneself willingly, be noble, princely, liberal"). The Strong's definition aptly captures this formation, rendering the name as a rhetorical question: "what (is) like (a) liberal (man)?" or "what is like one who is willing/noble?" As a proper name, its semantic range is fixed to its etymological meaning and the individual it identifies. It functions as a descriptive appellation, implicitly highlighting a desirable quality or expressing an admiration for a particular kind of character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Maknadbay (transliterated as Machnadebai in some versions) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 10:40]]: "Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasai, Bani, Binnui, Shimei, Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, Shallum, Amariah, Joseph."
This passage lists the names of men who had taken foreign wives and, following Ezra's fervent call for repentance and covenant renewal, committed to putting them away. Maknadbay is enumerated among those who participated in this difficult but crucial act of obedience to God's law. The context is one of national repentance, purification, and a renewed commitment to the Mosaic covenant after the return from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of Maknadbay in this list underscores his personal involvement in this significant spiritual and social reform. His name, "What is like a willing/liberal man?", takes on particular resonance here, suggesting that he embodied the very spirit of willingness and nobility required to undertake such a challenging act of faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Maknadbay is deeply rooted in significant Hebrew concepts:
* **מָה (mah, `{{H4100}}`):** This interrogative pronoun, "what?", introduces a rhetorical question. In the context of the name, it elevates the quality being described, implying that a "willing" or "liberal" person is exceptional or highly commendable. It suggests a unique and admirable characteristic.
* **נָדַב (nadab, `{{H5068}}`):** This verb is central to the name's meaning. It conveys the idea of acting freely, willingly, or generously. Its derivatives and related concepts are prevalent in the biblical text:
* **Willingness and Generosity:** Often used in the context of voluntary offerings or contributions to the Lord (e.g., [[Exodus 35:21]], [[Exodus 35:29]] regarding the tabernacle materials; [[1 Chronicles 29:9]] concerning temple contributions, where the people "offered willingly").
* **Nobility and Principality:** The root can also denote a "noble" or "princely" character, someone who acts with inherent dignity and generosity of spirit (e.g., [[Psalm 110:3]], "Your people will offer themselves willingly").
* **Free-will Offering (nedabah, `{{H5071}}`):** This noun, derived from the same root, refers to a voluntary sacrifice given out of a willing heart, beyond what is strictly commanded (e.g., [[Leviticus 7:16]]).
The combination of "what?" and "willing/noble" in Maknadbay's name therefore points to the profound value placed upon a person who acts with a free, generous, and noble spirit, particularly in devotion and obedience to God.
### Theological Significance
The name Maknadbay, "What is like a willing/liberal man?", carries significant theological weight, particularly in its singular biblical appearance. In the context of [[Ezra 10:40]], the men listed were confronting a deeply personal and culturally ingrained issue: their foreign marriages. To put away their wives and children was an act of immense personal sacrifice, demanding profound commitment to the covenant. Maknadbay's name implicitly commends the very quality required for such obedience: a willing and noble heart.
The theological significance can be understood on several levels:
1. **Value of Willing Obedience:** The name highlights that God values not just obedience, but *willing* obedience. It underscores the biblical principle that true devotion stems from a heart freely given, not from coercion or mere obligation. This resonates with passages that emphasize the heart's disposition in worship and service (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 30:19-20]], choose life; [[Psalm 51:12]], "uphold me with a willing spirit").
2. **Exemplary Character:** The rhetorical question "What is like a willing/liberal man?" suggests that such a person is rare and highly commendable. Maknadbay, by being named in this list, stands as an example of an individual who embodied this ideal, demonstrating a "noble" spirit in choosing covenant fidelity over personal comfort.
3. **Generosity in Repentance:** The "liberal" aspect of the name can be extended to a generosity of spirit in repentance. It implies a readiness to give up what is cherished for the sake of God's command, a true "free-will offering" of one's life and choices.
4. **Divine Approval:** The very existence of such a name, with its admiring tone, suggests a divine perspective that honors those who willingly align themselves with God's purposes, even when it demands great personal cost. Maknadbay's name serves as a quiet theological statement about the kind of heart God seeks and values in His people.
### Summary
Maknadbay (`{{H4367}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "What is like a willing/liberal man?" or "What is like one who is noble?" This unique name appears only once in the Bible, in [[Ezra 10:40]], where Maknadbay is listed among those who courageously put away their foreign wives in an act of national repentance and covenant renewal. His name, derived from the roots for "what?" and "to be willing/noble/liberal," serves as an implicit commendation of the character required for such difficult obedience. Theologically, Maknadbay's name underscores the profound value God places on a willing heart and spirit of generosity in obedience, highlighting that true devotion is marked by a free and noble commitment to His commands, even when costly. He stands as a quiet testament to the virtue of a heart freely given to God's purposes.
TRV