(Aramaic) corresponding to נָדַב; be (or give) liberal(-ly); (be minded of...own) freewill (offering), offer freely (willingly).
Transliteration:nᵉdab
Pronunciation:ned-ab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb נְדַב (nᵉdab, `{{H5069}}`) functions as the direct counterpart to the more frequently occurring Hebrew נָדַב (nadab, `{{H5068}}`). Its core meaning centers on the concept of uncoerced willingness and generosity. The semantic range of נְדַב (nᵉdab) encompasses:
* **To be willing or disposed:** Indicating an internal readiness or inclination to act.
* **To give liberally or freely:** Denoting an act of generosity that is spontaneous and not compelled by external force or obligation.
* **To offer as a freewill offering:** Specifically referring to contributions made voluntarily for sacred purposes, distinguishing them from mandatory tithes or sacrifices.
The essence of נְדַב (nᵉdab) is therefore a spirit of open-handedness and a heart that is eager to contribute or participate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, נְדַב (nᵉdab, `{{H5069}}`) is found exclusively within the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, specifically in chapter 7. Its occurrences consistently highlight the theme of voluntary action and generous provision in the context of the post-exilic return and temple reconstruction.
* **[[Ezra 7:13]]**: "I make a decree that anyone of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom who is willing to go to Jerusalem, may go with you." Here, נְדַב (nᵉdab) describes the internal disposition of the exiles who are "willing" to return to Jerusalem. This willingness is crucial, as the return was not a forced migration but an opportunity for those whose hearts were stirred by God to participate in the restoration.
* **[[Ezra 7:15]]**: "and to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem." In this instance, נְדַב (nᵉdab) is used to characterize the "freely offered" contributions from King Artaxerxes and his counselors. This highlights a remarkable act of generosity from a pagan monarch towards the God of Israel, emphasizing that even non-believers can be moved by divine providence to act with liberality.
* **[[Ezra 7:16]]**: "with all the silver and gold that you may find in all the province of Babylonia, with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, which they offer willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem." This verse reiterates the dual aspect of נְדַב (nᵉdab): both the "freewill offerings" (a noun derived from the same root) and the act of "offering willingly." It underscores that the support for the temple was not solely from the king but also from the voluntary contributions of the returning exiles themselves, reflecting their devotion and commitment.
Across these contexts, נְדַב (nᵉdab) consistently portrays actions and dispositions that are spontaneous, uncoerced, and motivated by a generous spirit, often in direct relation to the worship and service of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to the Aramaic נְדַב (nᵉdab, `{{H5069}}`) is its Hebrew cognate, נָדַב (nadab, `{{H5068}}`). This Hebrew verb carries the identical core meaning of "to be willing" or "to offer freely" and is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in contexts of temple construction (e.g., [[Exodus 35:21]], [[1 Chronicles 29:9]]) and military service (e.g., [[Judges 5:2]]).
Other related terms from the same root include:
* נְדָבָה (nedabah, `{{H5071}}`): The noun form, meaning "freewill offering," "voluntary gift," or "spontaneous contribution." This term frequently appears in cultic contexts, emphasizing the non-obligatory nature of certain sacrifices or gifts to God (e.g., [[Leviticus 7:16]], [[Deuteronomy 12:6]]).
* נָדִיב (nadiyb, `{{H5081}}`): An adjective meaning "noble," "generous," or "willing." It can also function as a noun, referring to a "prince" or "nobleman," implying that true nobility is characterized by generosity and a willing spirit (e.g., [[Psalm 110:3]], [[Isaiah 32:8]]).
Collectively, these terms highlight a pervasive biblical concept: the value of actions that stem from a willing heart. This stands in contrast to actions performed out of compulsion, duty, or self-interest. Key concepts associated with נְדַב (nᵉdab) include liberality, spontaneity, devotion, cheerful giving, and uncoerced obedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְדַב (nᵉdab, `{{H5069}}`) is profound, despite its limited occurrences. It reinforces a foundational biblical principle: God values and desires service and offerings that arise from a willing and generous heart, not from compulsion. This concept is deeply embedded in the divine economy of grace and covenant.
In the Ezra narrative, the "willingness" of the exiles to return (Ezra 7:13) is not merely a logistical detail but a testament to their faith and response to God's call. Their voluntary participation underscores the idea that true worship and obedience are acts of love and devotion, freely given. Similarly, the "freely offered" contributions from King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:15) and the people (Ezra 7:16) demonstrate God's sovereign ability to move even the hearts of foreign rulers and diverse peoples to accomplish His purposes. This highlights divine providence and the truth that God can orchestrate events and dispose hearts to provide for His people and His temple.
The emphasis on "freewill" giving prefigures New Testament teachings on generosity, such as the principle articulated by Paul: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" [[2 Corinthians 9:7]]. Thus, נְדַב (nᵉdab), though an Aramaic term, contributes to the overarching biblical theology that genuine devotion is characterized by a spirit of eager and uncoerced generosity, reflecting the very nature of God's own gracious giving.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb נְדַב (nᵉdab, `{{H5069}}`) signifies "to be willing," "to give freely," or "to offer as a freewill offering." As the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew נָדַב (nadab, `{{H5068}}`), it consistently appears in the book of Ezra (e.g., [[Ezra 7:13]], [[Ezra 7:15]], [[Ezra 7:16]]) to describe actions and dispositions that are uncoerced and flow from a generous spirit. Its usage highlights the voluntary return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the liberal contributions of both King Artaxerxes and the people towards the rebuilding and support of the temple. Theologically, נְדַב (nᵉdab) underscores the biblical principle that God delights in service and offerings that are given from a willing and cheerful heart, rather than under compulsion, demonstrating His divine providence in moving hearts for His redemptive purposes.
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