a primitive root; to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously; offer freely, be (give, make, offer self) willing(-ly).
Transliteration:nâdab
Pronunciation:naw-dab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root נָדַב (nâdab), Strong's `{{H5068}}`, is a primitive root carrying the core sense of being "impelled" from within, leading to spontaneous and uncoerced action. Unlike actions performed under duress or obligation, nâdab signifies a voluntary, self-initiated movement. Its semantic range extends to:
1. **Volunteering:** Particularly in contexts of military service or communal labor, nâdab describes individuals who willingly offer themselves for a task or cause, without being conscripted or commanded. This implies a readiness and eagerness to serve.
2. **Spontaneous Offering/Giving:** It frequently denotes the act of presenting gifts, contributions, or offerings freely and generously, without compulsion. These are "freewill offerings," born out of a generous spirit rather than a legal requirement.
3. **Being Willing/Generous:** Beyond specific actions, nâdab can describe the internal disposition of a person—a heart that is willing, noble, and generous. This willingness is an internal prompting, a disposition of the spirit.
The essence of nâdab is an inner drive towards beneficence, service, or devotion, characterized by freedom, generosity, and an absence of external pressure. It contrasts sharply with actions performed out of duty alone or under compulsion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root nâdab appears in various forms and contexts throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its core meaning:
* **Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle/Temple:** One of the most prominent uses is in the context of contributions for sacred construction. In [[Exodus 35:21]], "everyone whose heart stirred him up and everyone whose spirit made him willing (נָדַב)" brought their offerings for the Tabernacle. Similarly, in [[Exodus 35:29]], "the sons of Israel, all the men and women whose heart made them willing (נָדַב) to bring for all the work which the LORD had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the LORD." This highlights the uncoerced nature of the giving, emphasizing that the gifts were an expression of devotion arising from an inner prompting. Later, in [[1 Chronicles 29:9]], concerning the temple contributions under David, it is recorded, "Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly (נָדַב), for with a whole heart they offered freely to the LORD." This passage underscores the joy and wholeheartedness associated with nâdab.
* **Volunteering for Military Service/Divine Cause:** In the Song of Deborah, nâdab describes those who willingly offered themselves for battle against the oppressors. [[Judges 5:2]] declares, "That the leaders led in Israel, That the people offered themselves willingly (נָדַב), Bless the LORD!" And again in [[Judges 5:9]], "My heart is with the commanders of Israel, Who offered themselves willingly (נָדַב) among the people; Bless the LORD!" Here, nâdab denotes a courageous and spontaneous enlistment for a divine purpose, indicating a commitment beyond mere obligation.
* **General Willingness and Nobility:** In [[Psalm 110:3]], a messianic psalm, it is prophesied, "Your people will offer themselves willingly (נָדַב) in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew." This verse paints a picture of a future people eagerly and spontaneously aligning themselves with God's kingly rule, characterized by a spirit of eager devotion.
Across these contexts, nâdab consistently points to actions that spring from an internal, uncoerced desire, whether it be giving of possessions, offering oneself for service, or demonstrating a spirit of devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root nâdab is closely linked to several important cognates and broader theological concepts:
* **נְדָבָה (nᵉdāḇâ) `{{H5071}}`:** This is the direct noun derivative, meaning "freewill offering," "voluntariness," or "generosity." It is frequently used to describe offerings made to God that are not prescribed by law but are given out of a willing heart (e.g., [[Leviticus 7:16]], [[Deuteronomy 12:6]]). This noun perfectly encapsulates the concept of spontaneous giving.
* **נָדִיב (nāḏîḇ) `{{H5081}}`:** This adjective or noun refers to someone who is "noble," "generous," or "willing." It describes a person whose character is marked by an inherent disposition to give freely and act magnanimously (e.g., [[Psalm 34:8]], [[Isaiah 32:8]]). The "noble" person is one who acts with an nâdab spirit.
* **Voluntariness vs. Obligation:** nâdab stands in stark contrast to actions compelled by law or external force. While the Torah prescribed many offerings, the "freewill offering" (nᵉdāḇâ) was distinct, signifying a higher level of devotion. This distinction highlights the biblical emphasis on the heart's disposition in worship and service.
* **Generosity and Liberality:** The concept of nâdab is foundational to biblical teachings on generosity. It moves beyond mere compliance to a spirit of open-handed giving that reflects God's own nature as a giver.
* **Devotion and Commitment:** When individuals nâdab themselves for service or battle, it speaks to a deep level of devotion and commitment to God's purposes, prioritizing His will above personal comfort or safety.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nâdab is profound, shaping our understanding of human response to God and the nature of true worship:
1. **The Ideal of Worship:** nâdab reveals that God desires not merely outward compliance but heartfelt, willing devotion. True worship and service are not to be coerced but should spring from an inner impulse of love, gratitude, and commitment. The freewill offering, characterized by nâdab, is presented as a particularly pleasing sacrifice to God because it emanates from a pure and unburdened heart.
2. **Reflection of God's Character:** While nâdab primarily describes human action, it implicitly reflects God's own character. God's grace and blessings are not compelled but are freely given. As recipients of God's generous love, humanity is called to respond in kind, with a spirit of willing generosity.
3. **Authenticity of Faith:** Actions rooted in nâdab demonstrate the authenticity of one's faith. When people volunteer their resources, time, or very selves without external pressure, it is a powerful testament to their trust in God and their alignment with His purposes. It shows that the heart is truly engaged.
4. **Community and Unity:** The collective nâdab spirit, as seen in the building of the Tabernacle or going to war, fosters unity and shared purpose within the community. It creates an environment where individuals are eager to contribute to the common good and God's work, strengthening the bonds of fellowship.
5. **Spiritual Vitality:** A people characterized by nâdab is spiritually vibrant and dynamic. It suggests an active, responsive relationship with God, where individuals are sensitive to divine prompting and eager to participate in His redemptive plans. This is the ideal state of the covenant people, offering themselves willingly in the day of God's power ([[Psalm 110:3]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew root נָדַב (nâdab), `{{H5068}}`, fundamentally describes an action or disposition that arises from an internal, uncoerced impulse. It signifies the act of volunteering, spontaneously offering, or possessing a willing and generous spirit. Throughout the Old Testament, nâdab is consistently associated with freewill offerings for sacred purposes, the eager volunteering of oneself for divine service or battle, and the general characteristic of nobility and generosity. Theologically, nâdab underscores God's desire for heartfelt, authentic worship and service, emphasizing that true devotion is not compelled but springs from a willing and joyful heart. It serves as a powerful reminder that our most pleasing offerings to God are those given freely, out of an inner prompting of love and commitment.
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