English · KJV
H5081

נָדִיב

nâdîyb /naw-deeb'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom נָדַב
Meaningproperly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
KJV usagefree, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of nâdîyb — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word nâdîyb, represented by H5081, refers to that which is voluntary or generous. Appearing 28 times across 25 unique verses, its meaning extends from a magnanimous character to a noun for a grandee, noble, or prince. The term captures a dual sense of both high social rank and a noble, willing-hearted disposition.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H5081 is frequently used to identify powerful figures such as princes and nobles. The term often appears in contexts that either describe their status or warn against placing trust in them. For example, God raises the poor to sit among princes 1 Samuel 2:8, yet the Psalms caution against putting trust in princes, in whom there is no help Psalms 146:3. In a different context, the word describes an inner quality of generosity. The people who brought offerings for the tabernacle were those with a willing heart Exodus 35:5, and David prays for God to uphold him with a free spirit Psalms 51:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the dual meanings of H5081:

  • H8269 sar (captain, chief, prince, ruler): This word is often used in parallel with H5081 to describe civic and military leaders who exercise dominion. In Proverbs, it is said that by wisdom, princes rule and nobles judge the earth Proverbs 8:16.
  • H1800 dal (lean, needy, poor (man), weaker): This term provides a stark contrast to the power and status of a prince. It highlights God's power to reverse earthly fortunes by raising the poor from the dust to set them among princes 1 Samuel 2:8.
  • H7307 rûwach (spirit): This word is paired with H5081 to move the concept of nobility from an external rank to an internal quality. In his plea for restoration, David asks for a "free spirit," connecting a willing and generous nature directly to the work of God within a person Psalms 51:12.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H5081 is centered on the contrast between human authority and divine character.

  • Sovereignty Over Rulers: Scripture repeatedly shows that the status of earthly princes is subject to God's authority. God is the one who sets the poor among princes 1 Samuel 2:8 and who also pours contempt upon them Job 12:21. This establishes that ultimate trust should be in God, not in powerful men Psalms 118:9.
  • The Generous Heart: The concept of the willing or free heart is fundamental to true worship and giving. The offerings for the tabernacle and temple were brought by those whose hearts were willing and free (Exodus 35:22, 2 Chronicles 29:31), emphasizing that God values voluntary devotion over mere obligation.
  • True Nobility: The word elevates the concept of nobility beyond lineage or title to a matter of character. Isaiah states that the liberal man devises liberal things, and by these he shall stand Isaiah 32:8. This connects a person's standing to their generous and righteous actions, not just their social position.

Summary

In summary, H5081 is a multifaceted word that encompasses both worldly status and spiritual virtue. It is used to describe earthly princes and nobles, often to highlight their limitations and subordination to God. Simultaneously, it defines a noble character, one that is willing, generous, and free. The word illustrates a key biblical principle: true nobility is not found in power or position, but in a generous spirit that reflects the character of God.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as an adjective and a noun across 28 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • נְדִיבִים
  • נָדִיב
  • נְדִיבֵי
  • נְדִיב
  • נְדִיבוֹת
  • נְדִיבָה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H8269 שַׂר from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, H1800 דַּל from דָּלַל; properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or thin; lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. H7307 רוּחַ from רוּחַ; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubs

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 25 verses across 10 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Psalms (7 verses); never once in the other 29.

2
Exodus
1
Numbers
1
1 Samuel
1
1 Chronicles
1
2 Chronicles
3
Job
7
Psalms
5
Proverbs
1
Song of Solomon
3
Isaiah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.