The Hebrew word nâdân, represented by H5083, means a present (for prostitution) or gift. It is an exceptionally rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, yet it carries significant weight in its sole context. The word is derived from a root meaning "to give."
The single appearance of H5083 is in Ezekiel 16:33. In this passage, God uses a powerful metaphor to condemn Israel's spiritual infidelity. He contrasts the typical practice of prostitutes receiving payment with Israel's unique sin. While others "give gifts to all whores," Israel is accused of doing the opposite: "but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers." This startling reversal highlights the depth of Israel's desire to commit spiritual "whoredom" H8457, actively paying for the privilege of being unfaithful to God.
Several related words in the surrounding passage illuminate the meaning of H5083:
- H5078 nêdeh (gifts): This word, meaning "a bounty (for prostitution)," is used in the same verse to describe the payment a normal prostitute receives. Its use in direct contrast with H5083 emphasizes the perversity of Israel's actions Ezekiel 16:33.
- H2181 zânâh (to commit adultery): The root of the chapter's allegory, this word describes Israel's act of figurative idolatry. The nation has "played the harlot" with many lovers, forsaking God Jeremiah 3:1.
- H157 ʼâhab (to have affection for): This word identifies the recipients of Israel's misguided "gifts" as her "lovers." This points to the foreign nations and false gods Israel pursued instead of loving God as commanded Deuteronomy 6:5.
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This is the action word used for both the giving of gifts to whores and Israel's giving of its own gifts. The contrast shows how the act of giving has been corrupted by Israel Ezekiel 16:33.
- H7809 shâchad (to donate, i.e. bribe): The verse states that Israel "hirest" its lovers, reinforcing that H5083 is a payment made to solicit sin, not a gift received from it Ezekiel 16:33.
The theological weight of H5083 is concentrated in its singular, powerful usage.
- Perversion of Divine Gifts: The word illustrates a profound spiritual corruption. Rather than receiving good things from God, who promises to "give you an expected end" Jeremiah 29:11, Israel uses its resources as a gift to pursue idolatry.
- The Cost of Idolatry: H5083 shows that spiritual adultery is not a passive falling away but an active, costly endeavor. Israel is portrayed as paying a price and hiring lovers "on every side" H5439 in its rebellion against its covenant with God Ezekiel 16:33.
- Unique Depravity: The use of this specific term highlights the uniqueness of Israel's sin. It is not just common "whoredom" H8457, but a self-funded campaign of unfaithfulness that is unparalleled and unnatural in its structure.
In summary, while appearing only once, nâdân H5083 serves as a critical theological marker. It defines a "gift" not as something received, but as a payment made to solicit sin. Its use in Ezekiel 16:33 powerfully illustrates the depth of Israel's spiritual rebellion, portraying the nation as so eager for idolatry that it inverts the natural order and pays dearly for its own unfaithfulness.
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