the same as עָדִין; Adin, the name of two Israelites; Adin.
Transliteration:ʻÂdîyn
Pronunciation:aw-deen'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָדִין (ʻÂdîyn), designated as `{{H5720}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its primary meaning is simply "Adin," serving as the personal name for two distinct Israelites or, more commonly, as the eponymous ancestor of a significant family line. While the provided Strong's definition notes "the same as עָדִין," this likely alludes to its linguistic connection with the adjective עָדִין (ʻâdîn, `{{H5727}}`), meaning "delicate," "luxurious," or "soft." If this etymological connection holds, the name might subtly convey a sense of refinement or perhaps a less robust nature, though such connotations are not explicitly developed in the biblical narrative concerning these individuals. In practice, the semantic range of עָדִין is restricted to its nominative function, identifying individuals and their descendants within the post-exilic community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עָדִין (Adin, `{{H5720}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which document the return of the exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
1. **Ezra 2:15**: "The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four." Here, Adin is listed as a family head whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian captivity. This verse is part of a detailed roster of returnees, emphasizing the meticulous record-keeping of lineage and tribal identity crucial for the re-establishment of the community.
2. **Ezra 8:6**: "Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males." This passage, part of a later return with Ezra, identifies a specific individual, Ebed, as belonging to the family of Adin, highlighting the continued presence and participation of this lineage in the restoration efforts. The mention of "fifty males" indicates a significant contingent from this family.
3. **Nehemiah 7:20**: "The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five." This verse is a parallel account to Ezra 2:15, found within Nehemiah's own census of those who returned. The slight discrepancy in numbers (454 in Ezra vs. 655 in Nehemiah) is common in ancient records and may reflect different stages of return, different methods of counting, or the inclusion of additional family members. It nonetheless confirms the prominence of Adin's family.
4. **Nehemiah 10:16**: "Adin," among those who sealed the covenant. In this instance, "Adin" likely represents the head or a leading member of the family who, along with other prominent individuals and priests, solemnly committed themselves to obey God's law and live according to the Mosaic covenant. This demonstrates the family's active participation in the spiritual renewal and re-dedication of the post-exilic community.
Across these occurrences, עָדִין consistently denotes a significant family or clan within the returning exiles, playing a role in the demographic, social, and spiritual reconstitution of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, עָדִין (Adin, `{{H5720}}`) does not possess direct synonyms or antonyms. However, its usage is contextually related to several key concepts and other biblical terms:
* **Etymological Connection:** As noted, עָדִין (Adin, `{{H5720}}`) is likely connected to the adjective עָדִין (ʻâdîn, `{{H5727}}`), meaning "delicate," "luxurious," or "soft." While this connection is not explicitly stated as the name's meaning, it provides a potential semantic background. Other related terms might include עֶדֶן (ʻeden, `{{H5731}}`), meaning "delight" or "pleasure," as in the Garden of Eden, suggesting a possible root shared by words related to pleasantness or refinement.
* **Genealogical Lists:** The occurrences of Adin are primarily within genealogical or census lists (e.g., the "sons of" formula), linking it to other family names like "sons of Parosh" (`{{H6551}}`) or "sons of Pahath-moab" (`{{H6355}}`). This highlights the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel.
* **Post-Exilic Restoration:** The context of Ezra and Nehemiah places Adin within the broader narrative of the return from Babylonian exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the spiritual renewal of the covenant community. Concepts such as "restoration," "rebuilding," "return," and "re-establishment" are intrinsically linked to the appearances of this name.
* **Covenant Renewal:** Adin's participation in the covenant-sealing ceremony in Nehemiah 10 connects the name to the concept of communal commitment to God's law and the re-affirmation of the covenant relationship between God and His people.
### Theological Significance
While עָדִין (Adin, `{{H5720}}`) is a proper noun and thus does not carry inherent theological doctrine in the manner of abstract concepts, its consistent appearance within the post-exilic narratives imbues it with significant theological resonance:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration:** The very existence of lists containing names like Adin's serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the judgment of exile, God preserved a remnant and orchestrated their return to the land, fulfilling His word concerning the restoration of His people. The return of Adin's family underscores this divine commitment.
2. **Corporate Identity and Continuity:** The meticulous recording of families like Adin's emphasizes the importance of corporate identity within the covenant community. It affirms the continuity of God's chosen people through generations, demonstrating that even after severe dispersion, the lineage and heritage of Israel were preserved by divine providence.
3. **Active Participation in God's Plan:** The inclusion of Adin (or his representative) in the covenant renewal ceremony in Nehemiah 10 illustrates the necessity of human response and active participation in God's redemptive plan. The family of Adin was not merely a passive recipient of divine grace but an active participant in the spiritual re-dedication of the nation, signifying a corporate commitment to live in obedience to God's commands.
4. **Foundation for Future Generations:** These families, including Adin's, formed the foundational demographic and spiritual core of the renewed community in Judah. Their return and commitment were essential for the re-establishment of temple worship, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the preservation of the Messianic line, all crucial elements in God's overarching plan of salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun עָדִין (ʻÂdîyn, `{{H5720}}`) designates the name "Adin," primarily identifying a prominent family head whose descendants played a notable role in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. Appearing exclusively in Ezra and Nehemiah, the name is consistently found within lists of returnees from Babylonian captivity and among those who sealed the covenant with God. While its etymological root may suggest a connection to "delicate" or "luxurious" (`{{H5727}}`), its biblical function is purely nominative. The theological significance of עָדִין lies not in its etymology, but in its context: it serves as a tangible marker of God's faithfulness in restoring His people, highlights the importance of corporate identity and continuity within the covenant community, and underscores the active participation of individuals and families in the spiritual renewal and re-establishment of the nation after exile.
TRV