probably from עָדִין in the original sense of slender (i.e. a spear); his spear; Adino.
Transliteration:ʻădîynôw
Pronunciation:ad-ee-no'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw), Strong's H5722, is derived from the root עָדִין (`{{H5720}}`), which carries the primary sense of "delicate," "slender," or "luxurious." The suffix -ôw is a possessive pronominal suffix, typically meaning "his." Thus, based on its etymological root, ʻădîynôw could literally mean "his slender one" or "his delicate one." The Strong's definition interprets this as "his spear," inferring that a spear is a slender object. However, the word is also presented as a proper noun, "Adino," suggesting it functions as a personal name or epithet. The singular occurrence of this word in the Hebrew Bible makes its precise semantic range difficult to ascertain solely from internal biblical evidence, relying heavily on contextual and comparative textual analysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 23:8]]. The verse reads: "These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite, chief of the three; he was Adino the Eznite, who wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time."
This single occurrence is notably problematic and subject to significant textual debate among scholars. The phrase עֲדִינוֹ הָעֶצְנִי (ʻădîynôw hāʻeṣnî) is often understood in two primary ways:
1. **As a proper noun/epithet:** "Adino the Eznite" is a descriptive name for Josheb-basshebeth, highlighting his unique prowess. Many English translations (e.g., KJV, NKJV) retain "Adino" as a proper name.
2. **As a textual corruption/variant:** Many scholars and modern translations (e.g., ESV, NIV, NASB) consider this phrase to be a scribal error or corruption. They often emend the text based on the parallel passage in [[1 Chronicles 11:11]], which describes the same individual, Jashobeam the son of Hachmoni, as "the chief of the thirty; he wielded his spear against three hundred whom he killed at one time." In this parallel, the problematic עֲדִינוֹ הָעֶצְנִי is absent, and the action "he wielded his spear" is explicitly stated. Some proposed emendations for עֲדִינוֹ הָעֶצְנִי in [[2 Samuel 23:8]] include הוּא עוֹרֵר אֶת חֲנִיתוֹ ("he brandished his spear") or similar phrases.
Given this textual difficulty, the contextual analysis of H5722 is primarily an exercise in textual criticism. If understood as "Adino," it adds a unique, perhaps honorific, name to the list of David's mighty warriors. If understood as a descriptive phrase related to a spear, it emphasizes the warrior's skill and the instrument of his prowess. The discrepancy in the number of slain (800 vs. 300) further underscores the textual challenge in this specific passage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is עָדִין (`{{H5720}}`), the root from which עֲדִינוֹ is derived. עָדִין means "delicate," "soft," or "luxurious," and is used in contexts describing fine clothing, pampered individuals, or delicate conditions. The connection to "spear" is an interpretative leap based on the idea of a spear being a "slender" object.
Other related concepts include:
* **David's Mighty Men:** The context places H5722 within the illustrious list of David's elite warriors (e.g., [[2 Samuel 23:8-39]], [[1 Chronicles 11:10-47]]), highlighting their exceptional strength and valor.
* **Textual Criticism:** The word's unique and problematic occurrence makes it a prime example for studying textual variants and the process of reconstructing the most probable original biblical text.
* **Weapons and Warfare:** The implied meaning "spear" connects it to the broader biblical theme of ancient warfare and the specific armaments used. Other Hebrew words for "spear" include חֲנִית (`{{H2595}}`) and רֹמַח (`{{H7420}}`).
* **Jashobeam/Josheb-basshebeth:** The individual to whom H5722 refers is a key figure among David's mighty men, and understanding this word contributes to his characterization.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw) is primarily indirect, stemming from its context rather than the word itself.
1. **Divine Enablement in Warfare:** Regardless of whether "Adino" is a name or a description of a spear, the surrounding narrative consistently attributes the extraordinary feats of David's mighty men to divine empowerment. Their strength and success in battle were not merely human prowess but a reflection of God's hand upholding David's kingdom and fulfilling His promises. The ability to "wield his spear" against hundreds speaks to a strength beyond the ordinary, often understood as divinely bestowed.
2. **The Importance of David's Kingdom:** The detailed enumeration of David's warriors underscores the strength and stability of his kingdom, established by God. These men were instrumental in securing the land and maintaining peace, vital for the trajectory of God's covenant with David.
3. **Textual Integrity and Preservation:** The textual difficulty surrounding H5722 serves as a reminder of the human element in the transmission of the biblical text. While minor variations exist, the overall message and core theological truths of Scripture remain remarkably consistent and preserved across manuscripts. Scholars' diligent work in textual criticism, often highlighted by such passages, helps to clarify the inspired Word, demonstrating God's providence even in the meticulous details of textual preservation.
4. **Human Valor as a Reflection of God's Design:** The valor and skill of these warriors, whether named "Adino" or described by their use of a "spear," exemplify human excellence. In a theological sense, such capabilities, when used in service of God's purposes (like establishing a righteous kingdom), can be seen as expressions of God's design for humanity and His gifting.
### Summary
עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw), Strong's H5722, is a unique and challenging word in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in [[2 Samuel 23:8]]. Derived from עָדִין (`{{H5720}}`) meaning "slender" or "delicate," its base definition suggests either "his spear" or the proper noun "Adino." The latter interpretation treats it as an epithet for Josheb-basshebeth, one of David's mighty men. However, the passage is widely recognized as textually problematic, with many scholars preferring an emendation based on the parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 11:11]], which describes the warrior's action with a spear rather than using "Adino" as a name. Therefore, H5722 stands as a significant point of interest for biblical textual criticism. While its precise meaning remains debated, its context highlights the extraordinary valor of David's warriors, understood as divinely enabled, and underscores the meticulous work of textual scholars in seeking to understand the biblical narrative.
TRV