probably from an unused root meaning to give; a present (for prostitution); gift.
Transliteration:nâdân
Pronunciation:naw-dawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) is derived from an unused root that is understood to convey the meaning "to give." While the broader semantic range of the root points to the act of giving, the specific noun נָדָן carries a highly specialized and negative connotation within its biblical usage. Its primary definition is "a present (for prostitution)," extending to a more general "gift" but always colored by the context of illicit exchange. This suggests something given not necessarily as a benevolent offering, but as a payment or bribe in a morally compromised transaction, particularly one related to sexual or spiritual harlotry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) is remarkably rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 16:33]]**: "They give gifts to all harlots, but you gave your gifts (נָדָן) to all your lovers and bribed them to come to you from every side for your harlotry."
In this singular occurrence, the prophet Ezekiel employs נָדָן within a scathing indictment of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry. The context is a vivid and extended allegory where God portrays Israel as an unfaithful wife, a prostitute who not only abandons her husband (YHWH) for other lovers (pagan nations and their idols) but, shockingly, *pays* them for their illicit favors. This inversion of the typical practice of prostitution, where the harlot receives payment, underscores the extreme depravity and unique nature of Jerusalem's sin. The use of נָדָן here emphasizes that these were not merely general "gifts" (מַתָּנָה, mattânâh, `{{H4976}}`, as used earlier in the same verse), but specific "presents" or "bribes" offered by the "harlot" (Jerusalem) to entice her "lovers" (idolatrous nations) into deeper spiritual and political alliances, thereby reinforcing her covenant infidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The underlying concept of "giving" inherent in נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) connects it to a broader semantic field of Hebrew words for "gift" or "to give." The most common verb for "to give" is נָתַן (nātan, `{{H5414}}`). Other words for "gift" include:
* מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4976}}`): A general term for a gift, offering, or present.
* מִנְחָה (minḥāh, `{{H4503}}`): Often refers to a tribute, offering (especially grain), or present.
* שַׁי (shay, `{{H7862}}`): A present, gift, or tribute.
However, what distinguishes נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) is its specific, pejorative nuance in its sole biblical appearance. It stands in stark contrast to נֵדָה (nēdāh, `{{H5078}}`), which explicitly means "harlot's hire" or "wages of prostitution"—that which the harlot *receives*. In Ezekiel 16:33, נָדָן highlights that Jerusalem, the spiritual harlot, was *giving* (bribing) rather than *receiving*, demonstrating an unparalleled level of self-degradation and zeal in her pursuit of idolatry and unholy alliances.
### Theological Significance
The singular deployment of נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) in [[Ezekiel 16:33]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the extreme nature of Israel's covenant infidelity. By portraying Jerusalem as a prostitute who not only engages in harlotry but actively *pays* her lovers, God emphasizes several critical points:
1. **Unparalleled Depravity:** Israel's sin was not merely a passive falling away from God, but an active, zealous, and costly pursuit of idolatry and unholy alliances, surpassing even the conventional wickedness of common prostitution.
2. **Inversion of Norms:** The use of נָדָן highlights how Israel had inverted the very nature of sin, becoming so consumed by her unfaithfulness that she bore the financial burden of her own spiritual adultery, rather than profiting from it. This illustrates the depth of her self-debasing rebellion against YHWH.
3. **Divine Indictment:** The term contributes to the severity of God's indictment, revealing the shocking extent to which His chosen people had defiled themselves and despised His covenant love. It portrays a people so enamored with false gods and human alliances that they would expend their resources to secure them, rather than relying on the gracious provision of their divine Husband.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָדָן (nâdân, `{{H5083}}`) is a rare and potent term, appearing exclusively in [[Ezekiel 16:33]]. Derived from a root meaning "to give," its specific biblical usage denotes a "present" or "bribe" given in the context of prostitution, particularly by the prostitute herself. In its singular occurrence, נָדָן powerfully illustrates the unique and profound depth of Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry. It highlights how Israel, as the unfaithful wife, actively paid her pagan "lovers" to engage in idolatry and unholy alliances, thus inverting the typical practice of prostitution. Theologically, this term underscores the unparalleled depravity, self-debasing nature, and zealous pursuit of sin that characterized Israel's covenant infidelity against YHWH, revealing the severity of God's righteous judgment.
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