from עֲדִי and אֵל; ornament of God; Adiel, the name of three Israelites; Adiel.
Transliteration:ʻĂdîyʼêl
Pronunciation:ad-ee-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun ʻĂdîyʼêl (`{{H5717}}`) is a compound word, rich in theological meaning. It is formed from two distinct elements: ʻădî (`{{H5716}}`) and ʼêl (`{{H410}}`). The first component, ʻădî (`{{H5716}}`), carries the semantic range of "ornament," "jewel," "finery," or "splendor." It refers to something beautiful, valuable, or that enhances appearance and status. The second component, ʼêl (`{{H410}}`), is a common Semitic word for "God," specifically referring to the God of Israel in the biblical context. Therefore, ʻĂdîyʼêl literally translates to "Ornament of God" or "My Ornament is God." The former interpretation suggests a person who is an adornment *to* God or a precious possession *of* God, while the latter implies a personal declaration that God Himself is the source of one's beauty, honor, or worth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂdîyʼêl (`{{H5717}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance referring to a different individual, primarily within the genealogical records of the book of Chronicles:
1. **A Simeonite Chief:** [[1 Chronicles 4:36]] lists Adiel as one of the prominent chiefs of the tribe of Simeon. He is mentioned among those who, during the reign of King Hezekiah, expanded their territory to Gedor, seeking pasture for their flocks. In this context, Adiel could be seen as an "ornament" to his tribe, a leader whose actions brought honor and prosperity, possibly through divine favor. His leadership contributed to the glory and strength of God's people.
2. **A Priestly Ancestor:** [[1 Chronicles 9:12]] identifies Adiel as the father of Maasai, a priest who resided in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Maasai is described as "a mighty man of valor for the work of the house of God." As an ancestor in a priestly lineage, the name "Ornament of God" is particularly fitting. Priests were consecrated to God's service, and their lives and ministry were intended to reflect God's holiness and glory, thus serving as an "ornament" to Him and His sanctuary.
3. **Father of a Royal Official:** [[1 Chronicles 27:25]] mentions Adiel as the father of Azmaveth, who was in charge of King David's royal treasuries. This Adiel is associated with the administration of the kingdom's wealth and resources. Even in such a secular-seeming role, the name "Ornament of God" could signify that the individual or his descendant was a valuable asset in God's kingdom, contributing to its stability and prosperity, which ultimately redounded to God's glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the components of ʻĂdîyʼêl:
* **ʻădî (`{{H5716}}`):** This noun appears in various contexts, often referring to physical adornments like jewelry or beautiful garments ([[Ezekiel 16:11]], [[Proverbs 25:12]]). Metaphorically, it can denote honor, glory, or splendor, as seen in [[Isaiah 61:10]] where the bride is adorned with jewels.
* **ʼêl (`{{H410}}`):** This fundamental term for "God" forms the suffix of many Hebrew names (known as theophoric names), signifying a connection to the divine. Examples include Israel (`{{H3478}}`), Samuel (`{{H8050}}`), Daniel (`{{H1840}}`), and Gabriel (`{{H1403}}`). The presence of ʼêl in a name often reflects a parent's faith, a prayer for the child, or a characteristic attributed to God in relation to the child.
* **Theophoric Names:** ʻĂdîyʼêl is a classic example of a theophoric name, prevalent in ancient Israelite culture. Such names served as miniature confessions of faith, embedding theological truths within personal identity. They often expressed attributes of God, a relationship with God, or a hope for divine favor.
* **Beauty and Glory:** The concept of "ornament" intrinsically links to biblical themes of beauty, glory (kābôd `{{H3519}}`), and honor. God Himself is often described in terms of magnificent glory and splendor ([[Exodus 24:16]], [[Ezekiel 1:28]]). Humans, made in God's image, are called to reflect His glory.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻĂdîyʼêl (`{{H5717}}`) carries profound theological implications, revealing an Israelite worldview where God is central to identity and value.
* **God as the Source of True Worth:** The name inherently suggests that true worth, beauty, and honor do not originate from human achievement or material possessions but from God alone. In a society that valued external adornments, ʻĂdîyʼêl redirects focus to the divine as the ultimate source of splendor. A person bearing this name might be understood as one whose life or character reflects God's glory, or one who finds their ultimate beauty and significance *in* God.
* **Divine Ownership and Purpose:** As "Ornament of God," the name can signify that the individual is a precious possession of the Almighty, consecrated for His purposes. The three biblical figures named Adiel, despite their different roles (tribal leader, priest, royal administrator), each served in capacities that could be seen as "adorning" God's people or kingdom, bringing honor to God through their service. They were instruments through whom God's presence and blessing were manifested.
* **Personal Piety and Devotion:** If interpreted as "My Ornament is God," the name becomes a powerful declaration of personal faith and devotion. It echoes the sentiment of the psalmist who declares God to be his portion ([[Psalm 73:26]]) or his glory ([[Psalm 3:3]]). It signifies a deep reliance on God as the ultimate good and the sole source of true adornment and fulfillment.
### Summary
ʻĂdîyʼêl (`{{H5717}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Ornament of God" or "My Ornament is God," derived from ʻădî (`{{H5716}}`, "ornament") and ʼêl (`{{H410}}`, "God"). This theophoric name appears three times in the Old Testament, designating a Simeonite chief ([[1 Chronicles 4:36]]), a priestly ancestor ([[1 Chronicles 9:12]]), and the father of a royal treasurer ([[1 Chronicles 27:25]]). The name profoundly expresses the idea that true beauty, value, and honor originate from God. It suggests that the individual bearing the name is either a reflection of God's glory, a precious possession of God, or one who finds their ultimate adornment and worth in God Himself. It underscores a theological perspective where God is the supreme source of all that is beautiful, valuable, and purposeful in human existence.
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