xlit Nᵉthanêʼl corrected to Nᵉthanʼêl; from נָתַן and אֵל; given of God; Nethanel, the name of ten Israelites; Nethaneel.
Transliteration:Nᵉthanʼêl
Pronunciation:neth-an-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name נְתַנְאֵל (Nᵉthanʼêl, `{{H5417}}`) is a composite theophoric name, deriving its meaning from two distinct elements. The first component is the verb נָתַן (nathan, `{{H5414}}`), meaning "to give" or "to place." The second element is אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), which is the common Semitic word for "God." Thus, the name literally translates to "God has given" or "Given of God." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific meaning, serving as a declarative statement about the individual's origin, purpose, or the divine favor bestowed upon them. It reflects a common practice in ancient Israelite culture of embedding theological affirmations within personal names, thereby making the individual's very identity a testament to God's character and action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nethanel appears multiple times throughout the Old Testament, attributed to at least ten different individuals, highlighting its popularity and the widespread affirmation of its underlying theological concept.
1. **Nethanel, Son of Zuar (Prince of Issachar):** This is the most prominent Nethanel, frequently mentioned in the Book of Numbers. He served as the leader (נָשִׂיא, nasi) of the tribe of Issachar during the wilderness wanderings. He is listed in the tribal census ([[Numbers 1:8]], [[Numbers 2:5]]) and played a significant role in the dedication of the tabernacle, being the second prince to present his offering on the second day ([[Numbers 7:18]], [[Numbers 7:23]]). His tribe marched second in the wilderness procession ([[Numbers 10:15]]), following Judah. His leadership role underscores God's provision of capable individuals for the governance and organization of His people.
2. **Nethanel, Son of Jesse:** He is listed as the fourth son of Jesse, King David's father ([[1 Chronicles 2:14]]). While no specific actions are recorded for him, his inclusion in David's lineage connects the name to the royal house, implying God's hand in the establishment of the monarchy.
3. **Nethanel, a Levite Scribe:** During David's reign, a Levite scribe named Nethanel was instrumental in the division of the priestly courses, recording the names of the heads of the priestly and Levitical families ([[1 Chronicles 24:6]]). This Nethanel's role points to the divine ordering and administration of worship and service within the tabernacle/temple.
4. **Nethanel, a Gatekeeper:** Among the gatekeepers of the temple, a Nethanel is mentioned as the fourth son of Obed-Edom ([[1 Chronicles 26:4]]). Gatekeepers were responsible for the security and access to the sacred precincts, a vital role in maintaining the sanctity of God's house.
5. **Nethanel, a Levite Teacher under Jehoshaphat:** During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, a Nethanel, identified as a Levite, was part of a group of princes and Levites sent throughout Judah to teach the Law of the Lord to the people ([[2 Chronicles 17:7]]). This highlights the divine provision of teachers and the importance of instructing God's people in His ways.
6. **Nethanel, a Chief Levite under Josiah:** Another Nethanel is mentioned as one of the chief Levites who generously provided for the Passover sacrifices during King Josiah's great Passover celebration ([[2 Chronicles 35:9]]). This demonstrates the divine enablement of leaders to facilitate worship and obedience.
7. **Nethanel, a Priest in Ezra's Time:** Among those priests who had married foreign wives during the time of Ezra, a Nethanel is listed ([[Ezra 10:22]]). This occurrence, though in a context of disobedience, still notes an individual bearing a name that speaks of God's giving.
8. **Nethanel, a Priestly Head in Nehemiah's Time:** In the priestly lineage recorded in Nehemiah, Nethanel is identified as the head of the priestly house of Jedaiah in the days of Joiakim ([[Nehemiah 12:21]]).
9. **Nethanel, a Musician/Priest in Nehemiah's Time:** During the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, a priest named Nethanel was among those who played musical instruments in the procession led by Ezra ([[Nehemiah 12:36]]). This showcases the divine gift of music and the role of worship in celebrating God's faithfulness.
Across these various individuals, the name Nethanel consistently appears among those serving in leadership, administrative, priestly, or teaching capacities within the Israelite community, reinforcing the idea that their very existence and function were gifts from God for the benefit of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Nethanel is deeply connected to its constituent parts:
* **נָתַן (nathan, `{{H5414}}`):** The verb "to give." This root is foundational to understanding God's character as a giver – of life, blessings, laws, promises, and ultimately, salvation. Other names incorporating this root include Nathan (`{{H5416}}`, "He has given"), Jonathan (`{{H3083}}`, "Yahweh has given"), and Elnathan (`{{H494}}`, "God has given").
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** The generic term for "God." This element is ubiquitous in Hebrew names, signifying a direct relationship with or attribute of the divine. Examples include Israel ("He strives with God"), Samuel ("Heard of God"), Daniel ("God is my judge"), Gabriel ("God is my strength"), and Michael ("Who is like God?").
The concept of "gift" (מַתָּנָה, mattanah, `{{H4979}}`) is central to biblical theology, encompassing God's gifts to humanity (e.g., the land, the Law, wisdom, the Holy Spirit) and human gifts to God (e.g., offerings, service). Nethanel, as a name, encapsulates the divine initiative in bestowing gifts upon humanity, particularly individuals for specific purposes within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name Nethanel ("Given of God") is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Benevolence:** The name fundamentally declares God's active involvement in human lives. It is a testament to His sovereignty, indicating that individuals are not merely products of chance but are purposefully "given" by a benevolent Creator. This implies that God initiates, provides, and sustains life and purpose.
2. **Affirmation of God's Provision:** The various Nethanels in the biblical narrative, serving in diverse and crucial roles—from tribal prince to temple gatekeeper, from scribe to teacher—underscore God's faithful provision of individuals equipped for the needs of His people. Their very existence and function are seen as divine gifts, enabling the smooth operation of the covenant community, the administration of justice, and the promotion of worship and instruction.
3. **Theophoric Names as Confessions of Faith:** For parents naming their child Nethanel, it was likely a powerful confession of their faith and reliance on God. It expressed gratitude for the gift of the child and perhaps a hope that the child's life would be a manifestation of God's ongoing generosity. Such names served as constant reminders within the family and community of God's character and His intimate relationship with His people.
4. **Identity Rooted in Divine Grace:** For the individual bearing the name, Nethanel could serve as a lifelong reminder that their identity, abilities, and destiny were not self-derived but originated from God's grace. This fosters humility, dependence, and a sense of stewardship over the life and gifts God has bestowed.
### Summary
Nethanel (`{{H5417}}`), meaning "Given of God," is a prominent Hebrew theophoric name that powerfully communicates the divine initiative and benevolence in the lives of individuals. Composed of the verb "to give" (`{{H5414}}`) and the noun "God" (`{{H410}}`), it serves as a theological statement embedded within personal identity. The numerous biblical occurrences of individuals named Nethanel, serving in diverse capacities such as tribal prince, Levite teacher, scribe, and priest, consistently highlight God's faithful provision of gifted individuals for the welfare and service of His covenant people. The name underscores the theological concepts of divine sovereignty, God's active involvement in human affairs, and the truth that every life and every gift for service ultimately originates from the gracious hand of God.
TRV