of uncertain derivation; a sheath (of a sword); sheath.
Transliteration:nâdân
Pronunciation:naw-dawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נָדָן (nâdân), transliterated as *nâdân* and identified by Strong's H5084, carries the primary and singular meaning of "sheath" or "scabbard." Its derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting it may be a loanword or an isolated term within the Hebrew lexicon, lacking clear etymological connections to other common roots. Semantically, a sheath is a protective covering for a blade, typically a sword. Its function is multifaceted: it safeguards the weapon from damage, protects the wielder from accidental injury, and serves as a container that keeps the weapon ready for deployment while simultaneously concealing its full destructive potential. Thus, *nâdân* inherently speaks to containment, protection, and the readiness or restraint of a powerful instrument.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word נָדָן (nâdân) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, which underscores its unique and concentrated significance. This solitary occurrence is found in [[1 Chronicles 21:27]]: "Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath." This verse is situated within the narrative of David's census, which provoked divine judgment in the form of a devastating plague upon Israel. David's repentance and the offering of sacrifices at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (which would later become the site of the Temple) lead to the cessation of the plague. The command for the angel of the Lord to return his sword to its *nâdân* (sheath) marks the definitive end of the divine judgment. The sword, previously drawn as an instrument of divine wrath, is now contained, signifying the withdrawal of God's punitive action and the restoration of His favor. The imagery is profoundly powerful: the visible instrument of judgment is put away, signaling mercy and an end to destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
While נָדָן (nâdân) itself has an uncertain derivation and stands somewhat isolated in its singular occurrence, its function and the context of its use connect it to several significant biblical concepts and related terms. Most directly, it is linked to the "sword" (חֶרֶב, `{{H2719}}`, *ḥerev*), which is the weapon it contains. The sword in biblical literature often symbolizes divine judgment, war, or the instrument of God's justice (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:25]], [[Isaiah 34:5-6]], [[Jeremiah 12:12]]). The act of putting the sword *into* its sheath thus relates to the *cessation* of judgment, the *restraint* of divine wrath, and the *restoration* of peace (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`, *shalom*). Conceptually, it aligns with themes of divine mercy, God's sovereignty over life and death, and His ultimate control over the instruments of His will. It also implicitly connects to the idea of a "covering" or "container," though its specific application to a sword sheath makes it distinct from general terms for vessels or coverings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָדָן (nâdân) is immense, despite its singular appearance. In [[1 Chronicles 21:27]], the sheath serves as a powerful symbol of divine *restraint* and *mercy*. God, in His sovereign power, wields the sword of judgment, but He also commands its return to the sheath. This act signifies the immediate cessation of His wrath and the granting of relief to His people. It underscores the truth that divine judgment is not arbitrary or unending, but is always under God's perfect control and can be averted or ended through repentance and propitiation. The sheathing of the sword is a visual and theological declaration of God's compassion prevailing over judgment. It points to a God who, even in His righteous anger, is quick to show grace and bring an end to suffering when His purposes are fulfilled or His people turn to Him. This moment in 1 Chronicles 21 foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of God's willingness to provide atonement and salvation, turning away His just wrath.
### Summary
The Hebrew word נָדָן (nâdân), meaning "sheath," is a rare but profoundly significant term, appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 21:27]]. Though its etymology is uncertain, its contextual meaning is crystal clear: it is the container for a sword. In its sole biblical occurrence, it symbolizes the divine cessation of judgment. When the angel of the Lord is commanded to return his sword to its *nâdân*, it marks the end of the plague brought about by David's sin, signifying God's mercy and the withdrawal of His wrath. Theologically, *nâdân* stands as a powerful emblem of God's sovereign control over judgment, His willingness to show restraint, and His ultimate desire for reconciliation and peace after discipline. It is a poignant image of divine compassion, demonstrating that even when God's righteous anger is manifest, it is always bounded by His perfect will and can be turned away by repentance and atonement.
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