from נָדַב; liberal; Nadab, the name of four Israelites; Nadab.
Transliteration:Nâdâb
Pronunciation:naw-dawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun נָדָב (Nâdâb, `{{H5070}}`) is derived from the root נָדַב (nâdab, `{{H5068}}`), which signifies "to incite," "to be willing," "to offer freely," or "to volunteer." Consequently, the name Nadab inherently carries the semantic range of "liberal," "willing," "generous," or "noble." It suggests a disposition of readiness and spontaneity in action, particularly in giving or serving. While the root verb emphasizes the act of free will and voluntary offering, the proper noun encapsulates this characteristic as an identity. The name itself, therefore, evokes a sense of benevolence and uncoerced readiness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nadab appears in the Old Testament referring to four distinct individuals, each contributing to the contextual understanding of the name:
1. **Nadab, Son of Aaron:** This is the most prominent figure bearing the name. He was the eldest son of Aaron and Elisheba, and thus a grandson of Amram and Jochebed ([[Exodus 6:23]]). As one of the consecrated priests, Nadab, along with his father, brother Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, ascended Mount Sinai to behold the glory of God ([[Exodus 24:1]], [[Exodus 24:9]]). However, his priestly service was tragically cut short. Nadab, along with Abihu, offered "strange fire" before the Lord, fire which He had not commanded them. For this act of disobedience and presumption, fire consumed them, and they died before the Lord ([[Leviticus 10:1-2]]). Their death is recounted as a stark warning against unauthorized worship and the violation of divine protocol ([[Numbers 3:2-4]], [[Numbers 26:61]]). The irony of a name meaning "willing" or "liberal" in the context of an act of unauthorized worship, which suggests a self-willed rather than God-willed offering, is profound.
2. **Nadab, Son of Jeroboam I:** This Nadab was the son and successor of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He reigned for only two years, in the second year of Asa, king of Judah ([[1 Kings 15:25]]). Like his father, Nadab "did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in his sin which he made Israel sin" ([[1 Kings 15:26]]). During a siege against Gibbethon, Nadab was assassinated by Baasha, son of Ahijah, who then usurped the throne and utterly destroyed Jeroboam's house, fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite ([[1 Kings 15:27-31]]). This Nadab's reign exemplifies the rapid decline and instability of the early northern kingdom, marked by idolatry and violence.
3. **Nadab, a Descendant of Judah:** This individual is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. He was a son of Shammai, of the family of Jerahmeel ([[1 Chronicles 2:28]]). His mention is purely genealogical, providing a link in the tribal lineage.
4. **Nadab, a Descendant of Benjamin:** This Nadab is listed among the descendants of Benjamin, specifically as a son of Jeiel, the "father of Gibeon," and an ancestor of King Saul ([[1 Chronicles 8:30]], [[1 Chronicles 9:36]]). Like the Nadab from Judah's lineage, his inclusion is primarily for genealogical record-keeping, tracing the lineage of important tribal figures.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word נָדָב (Nâdâb, `{{H5070}}`) is intrinsically linked to its root verb נָדַב (nâdab, `{{H5068}}`), which is frequently used to describe a "willing heart" or "voluntary offering." This root is foundational to understanding concepts such as:
* **Freewill offerings (נדבה - n'dabah, `{{H5071}}`):** Sacrifices and gifts given to God not out of obligation but out of a willing and generous spirit ([[Leviticus 7:16]], [[Deuteronomy 12:6]]).
* **Voluntary service:** The readiness to serve God or His people without compulsion, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 35:21]], [[Exodus 35:29]]) or the Temple ([[1 Chronicles 29:9]]).
* **Generosity and liberality:** The disposition to give freely and abundantly, reflecting a heart aligned with divine principles of provision and stewardship.
The actions of the Nadabs in the biblical narrative, particularly Aaron's son, highlight the tension between the ideal meaning of "willingness" and the reality of human will, which can be either submissive to God or presumptuously rebellious. The concept of obedience is therefore paramount, as true willingness in God's eyes is always coupled with adherence to His commands.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Nadab is most profoundly illustrated through the narrative of Aaron's son. His tragic death underscores several critical theological principles:
* **God's Holiness and Demands for Proper Worship:** The incident with Nadab and Abihu serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness. His presence is not to be approached casually or presumptuously. Worship must be conducted according to His explicit commands, not human innovation or convenience. This emphasizes the principle that God defines the terms of worship, not humanity.
* **The Seriousness of Priestly Office:** As consecrated priests, Nadab and Abihu held a unique position of proximity to God. Their judgment highlights the higher standard of accountability for those entrusted with sacred duties. Their failure was not merely a mistake but a violation of a sacred trust, demonstrating that privilege entails greater responsibility.
* **The Danger of Presumption and Disobedience:** Despite a name that suggests "willingness," Nadab's act was one of self-will rather than divine will. This illustrates that a "willing" heart must be willing to obey, not to innovate. Disobedience, even if seemingly well-intentioned, carries severe consequences in the presence of a holy God.
The Nadab who was king of Israel further contributes to the theological landscape by demonstrating the consequences of inherited sin and the recurring cycle of idolatry and divine judgment in the northern kingdom. His brief and wicked reign serves as a negative example of leadership that disregards God's covenant.
Collectively, the occurrences of the name Nadab, especially the two prominent figures, serve as powerful reminders of the tension between human will and divine command, emphasizing that true "willingness" in the biblical sense is always characterized by humble obedience and reverence for God's holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָדָב (Nâdâb, `{{H5070}}`) means "liberal" or "willing," derived from the root signifying free will and voluntary offering. While the name itself suggests a positive disposition of generosity and readiness, its most significant biblical occurrences present a complex theological picture. Nadab, son of Aaron, tragically died for offering "strange fire," illustrating God's absolute holiness, the critical importance of strict obedience in worship, and the severe consequences of priestly presumption. Nadab, son of Jeroboam, met a violent end, continuing his father's idolatry and demonstrating the cycle of divine judgment upon disobedient leadership. The other two occurrences are genealogical. The study of Nadab thus highlights the profound biblical truth that true "willingness" before God is not a matter of human initiative or self-will, but an obedient and reverent submission to His divine commands and established protocols for worship and conduct.
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