from עָדַן; pleasure; Adna, the name of two Israelites; Adna.
Transliteration:ʻAdnâʼ
Pronunciation:ad-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5733}}`, transliterated ʻAdnâʼ, functions primarily as a proper noun, designating the name of two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. Its etymological root, however, provides a rich semantic background. ʻAdnâʼ is derived from the verb `{{H5730}}` (ʻâdan), which signifies "to be delicate, luxurious, or to delight oneself." This root is also the source of `{{H5727}}` (ʻêden), famously translated as "Eden," the primordial garden of delight and abundance. Thus, the name ʻAdnâʼ inherently carries the connotation of "pleasure," "delight," or "luxury," reflecting a hope or characteristic associated with the individual or their birth. While ʻAdnâʼ itself is a personal name, its underlying meaning connects it to broader biblical themes of joy, prosperity, and divine favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5733}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two different individuals, both within the post-exilic period, primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
1. **Ezra 10:30**: "Of the sons of Pahath-Moab: Adna and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh."
* Here, Adna is listed among the "sons of Pahath-Moab" who had taken foreign wives during the period of restoration after the Babylonian exile. This list is part of Ezra's efforts to purify the community and re-establish covenant fidelity. The context is one of repentance and separation from practices contrary to God's law. The name "Adna" (pleasure) stands in ironic contrast to the difficult and painful actions required by Ezra to address the sin of intermarriage. The individual's name does not directly inform the narrative, but it places him within a significant moment of communal spiritual renewal.
2. **Nehemiah 12:15**: "of Harim, Adna;" (part of a longer list of priests and Levites).
* In Nehemiah, Adna is identified as a priest, specifically "of Harim," during the time of Joiakim, the high priest, in the generation following Jeshua. This chapter lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and later those who served in the time of Joiakim and Nehemiah. This Adna is part of the established religious leadership, contributing to the re-establishment of temple service and the spiritual life of the restored community. His name, "pleasure," might subtly reflect the joy and delight associated with priestly service and the worship of God, or perhaps the hope that such service would bring delight to God and His people.
In both instances, ʻAdnâʼ functions solely as a personal identifier, and its inherent meaning does not drive the narrative directly. However, the etymological root provides a layer of subtle resonance within the historical contexts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connections for `{{H5733}}` are to its root and related forms:
* `{{H5730}}` (ʻâdan): The verb from which ʻAdnâʼ is derived, meaning "to be delicate, to live luxuriously, to delight oneself." This verb is used, for example, in [[Isaiah 58:11]] to describe God's leading and satisfying the soul, making bones strong, and being like a well-watered garden. It conveys a sense of rich enjoyment and well-being.
* `{{H5727}}` (ʻêden): The noun form, signifying "delight," "pleasure," or "luxury." Most famously, it is the name of the Garden of Eden (Gan-Eden), the primordial paradise described in [[Genesis 2:8]] as a place of perfect delight and abundance. This word encapsulates the ideal state of human existence in harmony with God.
Beyond these direct lexical links, ʻAdnâʼ resonates with broader biblical concepts:
* **Joy (`{{H8057}}` - simchah; `{{H1523}}` - gil):** The experience of profound happiness, often linked to God's presence, salvation, or blessings.
* **Delight in God (`{{H2654}}` - chephets; `{{H2620}}` - chaphēts):** The concept of finding satisfaction and pleasure in the Lord, His law, and His ways, as seen in [[Psalm 1:2]] or [[Psalm 37:4]].
* **Prosperity and Blessing:** While not always material, biblical "pleasure" and "delight" are often associated with God's favor and the flourishing of life.
* **Comfort and Ease:** The root ʻâdan can imply a state of physical ease or luxury, though its primary theological thrust leans towards spiritual delight.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, `{{H5733}}` (ʻAdnâʼ) does not carry direct theological doctrine. Its significance lies in its etymological root and the broader biblical theology of "pleasure" and "delight."
The very concept of "delight" in the Bible originates in God Himself and His creation. The Garden of Eden (ʻêden) is the archetype of God's perfect provision and the ideal state of human existence, a place designed for human delight in fellowship with their Creator. This primordial "pleasure" was marred by sin, introducing toil and sorrow.
However, the pursuit and experience of true "pleasure" remain a significant biblical theme. It is not found in fleeting worldly enjoyments but ultimately in God. [[Psalm 16:11]] declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This verse highlights that ultimate and enduring pleasure is found in God's presence.
The individuals named Adna, living in the post-exilic period, were part of a community striving to rebuild their lives and spiritual identity after immense hardship. While one Adna was associated with a communal sin (Ezra), and the other with priestly service (Nehemiah), the very name "pleasure" serves as a subtle reminder of God's ultimate desire for His people: that they might find true delight in Him, in His covenant, and in the restoration of His dwelling among them. Even amidst the challenges of repentance and rebuilding, the underlying hope for a life of divine blessing and joy, reminiscent of Eden, would have resonated with the community. The name, therefore, implicitly points to the enduring biblical hope for a renewed state of delight, ultimately fulfilled in God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
`{{H5733}}` (ʻAdnâʼ) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "pleasure" or "delight," derived from the root `{{H5730}}` (ʻâdan) and closely related to `{{H5727}}` (ʻêden), the name for the Garden of Eden. It appears twice in the Old Testament, referring to two different Israelites in the post-exilic period: one who had taken a foreign wife ([[Ezra 10:30]]) and another who was a priest ([[Nehemiah 12:15]]). While the name itself does not drive the narrative in these contexts, its etymological meaning subtly connects these individuals to the broader biblical themes of joy, delight, and God's provision. The theological significance of ʻAdnâʼ lies not in the persons named but in the profound biblical concept of "pleasure" and "delight" originating from God and found supremely in His presence and His redemptive purposes, echoing the primordial joy of Eden and pointing towards the ultimate joy found in Him.
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