from נָתַן; given; Nathan, the name of five Israelites; Nathan.
Transliteration:Nâthân
Pronunciation:naw-thawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Nâthân (נָתָן, `{{H5416}}`) is a proper noun derived directly from the active verb nâthan (נָתַן, `{{H5414}}`), meaning "to give, place, set, put." As a passive participle, Nâthân thus signifies "given" or "bestowed." The name inherently carries a theological nuance, implying that the individual bearing it is a gift from God, or that their existence and purpose are divinely appointed or granted. It speaks to the concept of divine initiative and provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nâthân appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to at least five distinct individuals, and once in the New Testament within a genealogy.
The most prominent figure is **Nathan the Prophet**, a key advisor and messenger of God during the reign of King David:
* In [[2 Samuel 7:2-17]] and [[1 Chronicles 17:1-15]], Nathan initially encourages David's desire to build a temple for the Lord, but then, after receiving a divine revelation, delivers God's covenant promise to David, establishing an eternal dynasty. Here, Nathan is the conduit for God's momentous "giving" of a lasting kingdom.
* In [[2 Samuel 12:1-15]], Nathan courageously confronts David regarding his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, using a powerful parable. This demonstrates Nathan's role in delivering God's "given" judgment and call to repentance.
* In [[1 Kings 1:8-45]], Nathan plays a crucial role in securing Solomon's succession to the throne, actively participating in the anointing and proclamation. His counsel and actions are instrumental in fulfilling God's "given" plan for the Davidic line.
Other individuals named Nathan include:
* A son of Attai, a descendant of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 2:36]]).
* One of David's mighty men, the father of Igal ([[2 Samuel 23:36]], [[1 Chronicles 11:38]]).
* A leading man sent by Ezra to Iddo to gather Levites for temple service during the post-exilic period ([[Ezra 8:16]]). His leadership implies a "given" authority or influence.
* One of the men who stood beside Ezra when he read the Law to the people ([[Nehemiah 8:4]]).
* In the New Testament, Nathan appears in Luke's genealogy of Jesus, as an ancestor through Mary's line ([[Luke 3:31]]). This connection subtly links the name "given" to the ultimate "gift" of the Messiah.
Across these contexts, the name "Nathan" consistently appears in roles of significance, whether prophetic, ancestral, or leadership-oriented, reinforcing the idea of a divinely "given" individual or purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which Nâthân is derived: nâthan (נָתַן, `{{H5414}}`). This root verb is one of the most common in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing a wide semantic range related to giving, placing, setting, allowing, and delivering. The passive form inherent in the name Nâthân emphasizes the *recipient* of the divine action.
Theological concepts closely associated with Nâthân include:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** God is the ultimate Giver, and all things, including individuals and their destinies, are ultimately "given" by Him.
* **Covenant:** God "gives" covenants, such as the Davidic Covenant, which are unilateral promises of His grace and faithfulness.
* **Prophecy:** Prophets like Nathan are divinely "given" the word of the Lord to deliver to His people.
* **Grace:** God's unmerited favor and blessings are "given" to humanity.
* **Gift (מַתָּנָה, mattanah `{{H4991}}`):** While not directly related by root, the concept of a divine gift is central to the meaning of Nathan.
* **Theophoric Names:** Many Hebrew names incorporate divine elements (e.g., "El" or "Yah"). While Nâthân itself does not contain a divine element, its meaning "given" strongly implies divine agency. The longer form "Nethaniah" (נְתַנְיָה, `{{H5418}}`), meaning "Yahweh has given," explicitly links the giving to God.
### Theological Significance
The name "Nathan," meaning "given," carries profound theological weight, reflecting core biblical truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity.
1. **God as the Ultimate Giver:** The very existence of individuals named Nathan serves as a constant reminder that all life, purpose, and ability are ultimately *given* by God. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of divine providence, where God actively sustains and directs creation and history.
2. **Prophetic Ministry as a Divine Bestowal:** The prophet Nathan's ministry powerfully illustrates this. His capacity to speak God's word, to confront kings, and to guide the nation was not self-generated but a direct *gift* from Yahweh. His messages, whether of promise or rebuke, were divinely *given*.
3. **Covenantal Gifting:** Nathan is central to the establishment of the Davidic Covenant ([[2 Samuel 7]]), where God unilaterally *gives* an eternal dynasty to David. This highlights God's initiative in establishing and maintaining His relationship with humanity through unconditional promises and blessings.
4. **Grace and Forgiveness as Gifts:** In his confrontation with David over sin ([[2 Samuel 12]]), Nathan not only delivers God's judgment but also the promise of forgiveness upon David's repentance. Even the path to restoration and the consequences that refine are, in a sense, *given* by God for ultimate good.
5. **The Messiah as the Ultimate Gift:** The inclusion of a Nathan in Jesus's genealogy ([[Luke 3:31]]) is particularly noteworthy. It subtly points to Jesus Himself as the ultimate "gift" from God to humanity, the "given" Messiah who brings salvation and eternal life.
### Summary
The Hebrew name "Nathan" (`{{H5416}}`), derived from the verb `{{H5414}}` (to give), signifies "given" or "bestowed." While primarily a proper noun, its etymological root imbues it with deep theological resonance. The most prominent biblical figure bearing this name, the prophet Nathan, exemplifies divine gifting in his role as God's trusted messenger, delivering pivotal prophecies concerning the Davidic covenant and confronting royal sin. Other biblical figures named Nathan further reinforce the concept of individuals "given" by God for specific purposes within His divine plan. Ultimately, the name "Nathan" serves as a constant reminder of God's active sovereignty, His generosity in bestowing gifts of prophecy, covenant, grace, and indeed, the ultimate gift of the Messiah. It underscores a theology where all good things, including human existence and purpose, originate from the benevolent and giving hand of the Divine.
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