from נָדַב and יָהּ; largess of Jah; Nedabjah, an Israelite; Nedabiah.
Transliteration:Nᵉdabyâh
Pronunciation:ned-ab-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh), Strong's number `{{H5072}}`, is a compound name derived from two elements: the verb root נָדַב (nādab) and the divine name suffix יָהּ (Yah). The root נָדַב (nādab) `{{H5068}}` carries the core meaning of "to incite, to offer freely, to volunteer, to be willing, to be generous." It denotes a spontaneous, uncoerced act of giving or willingness. The suffix יָהּ (Yah) is a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, referring to the God of Israel.
Therefore, the name נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh) literally translates to "largess of Yah," "Yah has given freely," "Yah is willing," or "Yah is generous." The semantic range points directly to the character of God as a benevolent, unreserved, and willing giver. It emphasizes divine generosity and the spontaneous nature of God's provision and grace, not as a response to human merit, but as an outflow of His very being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 3:18]]: "And Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah."
This sole occurrence places Nedabiah within a genealogical list. He is identified as one of the sons of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), a king of Judah who was exiled to Babylon. The context is purely genealogical, providing no narrative details about Nedabiah himself or his actions. His inclusion in this lineage, however, is significant. The list in 1 Chronicles 3 traces the Davidic line through the period of exile, affirming the continuity of the covenant promises even amidst national judgment and displacement. The presence of a name like Nedabiah, meaning "largess of Yah," within this post-exilic lineage, subtly testifies to God's enduring faithfulness and generosity towards His people, even in their darkest hours. It suggests that even when human kingship failed and the nation suffered, God's character as a benevolent provider remained unchanged.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root נָדַב (nādab) `{{H5068}}` is foundational to understanding נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh). This root is frequently used in the context of:
* **Freewill offerings:** The noun form נְדָבָה (nᵉdabah) `{{H5071}}` specifically denotes a "freewill offering" or "voluntary gift" (e.g., [[Exodus 35:29]], [[Leviticus 7:16]], [[Deuteronomy 12:6]]). This highlights the uncoerced and generous nature of the gift.
* **Willingness and spontaneity:** The verb itself describes people who "offered willingly" or "volunteered themselves" (e.g., [[Judges 5:2]], [[Psalm 110:3]]). This emphasizes an inner disposition towards generous action.
* **Generosity:** Instances like [[Exodus 35:21]] and [[1 Chronicles 29:9]] speak of hearts "stirred up" to give generously for the tabernacle or temple.
Other biblical names incorporating the root נָדַב include Nadab `{{H5070}}` (e.g., Aaron's son, [[Exodus 6:23]]) and Abinadab `{{H40}}` ("my father is willing/generous," e.g., [[1 Samuel 7:1]]). The inclusion of יָהּ (Yah) as a theophoric element is common in Hebrew names, signifying a direct connection to God and often expressing a theological statement about His character or actions (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah). Thus, Nedabiah stands alongside a host of names that serve as miniature confessions of faith, proclaiming God's attributes.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence and the lack of narrative about the person, the name נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh) carries significant theological weight. "Largess of Yah" speaks profoundly to the character of God as revealed throughout Scripture.
* **God as the Ultimate Giver:** The name underscores God's inherent nature as the generous provider of all good things. [[James 1:17]] affirms, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." God's giving is not conditional upon human merit but flows from His own abundant love and grace.
* **Divine Grace and Providence:** The name points to the concept of divine grace, God's unmerited favor. His "largess" is an act of sovereign will and love. In the context of the Davidic lineage during the exile, the name Nedabiah serves as a quiet but powerful testimony to God's continued providence and covenant faithfulness, even when His people are in a state of judgment and dispersion. It suggests that even in adversity, God's willingness to bless and sustain His people endures.
* **A Statement of Faith:** The naming of a child Nedabiah by his parents would have been an act of faith, acknowledging God's benevolent hand in their lives and expressing hope in His continued generosity, perhaps particularly poignant during the challenging times of the Babylonian exile.
### Summary
The name נְדַבְיָה (Nᵉdabyâh), meaning "largess of Yah" or "Yah is generous," is a profound theological statement embedded within a biblical genealogy. While Nedabiah himself is only a name in [[1 Chronicles 3:18]], his designation speaks volumes about the character of God. Derived from the root נָדַב (nādab) `{{H5068}}`, signifying voluntary and generous giving, and combined with the divine name Yah, the name proclaims God's inherent nature as the ultimate, uncoerced giver. It highlights divine generosity, spontaneous grace, and unwavering providence, especially significant within a lineage that endured exile. Thus, Nedabiah's name serves as a quiet yet powerful testimony to God's enduring faithfulness and His boundless willingness to bestow blessings upon His people, irrespective of their circumstances.
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