from עַם and נָדַב; people of liberality; Amminadab, the name of four Israelites; Amminadab.
Transliteration:ʻAmmîynâdâb
Pronunciation:am-mee-naw-dawb'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עַמִּינָדָב (ʻAmmîynâdâb, `{{H5992}}`) is a proper noun, a compound name derived from two Hebrew roots. The first element is עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`), meaning "people" or "nation." The second element is נָדַב (nâdab, `{{H5068}}`), a verb meaning "to incite," "to offer freely," "to be willing," or "to be noble/generous." Thus, the name ʻAmmîynâdâb literally translates to "my people are willing" or "people of liberality/nobility." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by its etymological meaning and the specific individuals who bore the name in biblical history, primarily reflecting a characteristic of willingness, generosity, or nobility associated with the individual or their lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Amminadab appears fourteen times in the Hebrew Bible and twice in the New Testament Greek genealogies, referring to at least three distinct individuals. The most prominent and frequently mentioned Amminadab is a key figure in the lineage of Judah, directly preceding Nahshon.
1. **Amminadab, Father of Nahshon (Tribe of Judah):** This Amminadab is central to the messianic lineage. He is identified as the son of Ram and the father of Nahshon, who was a prince of the tribe of Judah and a leader during the wilderness wanderings [[Numbers 1:7]], [[Numbers 2:3]], [[Numbers 7:12]], [[Numbers 7:17]], [[Numbers 10:14]]. His daughter, Elisheba, married Aaron, the first high priest of Israel [[Exodus 6:23]]. This connection underscores the interweaving of the priestly and royal lines. Amminadab's place in the Davidic line is explicitly stated in the genealogies of Ruth [[Ruth 4:19-20]] and 1 Chronicles [[1 Chronicles 2:10]], and subsequently in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ in Matthew [[Matthew 1:4]] and Luke [[Luke 3:33]]. His significance here is not due to any recorded deeds but solely to his vital position in the divinely ordained lineage leading to the Messiah.
2. **Amminadab, a Kohathite Levite (Son of Izhar):** Another Amminadab is mentioned in the Levitical genealogies as a son of Izhar and a descendant of Kohath, one of Levi's sons [[1 Chronicles 6:22]]. This places him within the prominent Kohathite clan, responsible for carrying the sacred articles of the Tabernacle.
3. **Amminadab, a Kohathite Levite (Chief of the Sons of Uzziel):** A third Amminadab is identified as a chief of the sons of Uzziel, another branch of the Kohathite Levites. He participated in the solemn procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem during the reign of King David [[1 Chronicles 15:10]]. This Amminadab, along with his brethren, was sanctified to carry the Ark, a task requiring ritual purity and careful adherence to divine instructions. While potentially distinct from the Amminadab son of Izhar, both belong to the Kohathite lineage and serve in the sacred duties of the Levites.
The consistent appearance of the name in genealogies highlights its importance in tracing specific family lines, particularly the line of Judah leading to the Davidic monarchy and the priestly line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of ʻAmmîynâdâb connects it directly to core biblical concepts:
* **עַם (ʻam, `{{H5971}}`):** "People," "nation," "kinsmen." This root emphasizes community, identity, and belonging within the covenant people of God. In the context of "my people are willing," it speaks to the collective disposition of God's chosen.
* **נָדַב (nâdab, `{{H5068}}`):** "To be willing," "to volunteer," "to offer freely," "to be noble/generous." This verb is frequently used in contexts of freewill offerings and willing service to God (e.g., [[Exodus 35:21]], [[Exodus 35:29]], [[1 Chronicles 29:9]]). It denotes a spirit of uncoerced generosity and readiness to serve. The noun form, נְדָבָה (nᵉdabah, `{{H5071}}`), refers to a freewill offering.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The prominence of Amminadab in biblical genealogies (e.g., תּוֹלְדֹת, `{{H8435}}`) links him to the broader concept of divine preservation of family lines for the fulfillment of covenant promises. This includes the Abrahamic covenant and the Davidic covenant.
* **Covenant and Promise:** Amminadab's inclusion in the messianic line underscores God's faithfulness in bringing about His promised salvation through a specific human lineage.
* **Leadership and Service:** As the father of Nahshon (a tribal prince) and as Levites involved in sacred service, the individuals named Amminadab are associated with roles of leadership and dedicated service within Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Amminadab, particularly the ancestor of Nahshon, is profound, primarily due to his position in the messianic lineage:
1. **Divine Providence in the Messianic Line:** Amminadab's inclusion in the genealogies of David and Jesus demonstrates God's meticulous and sovereign plan for salvation. His existence, though not marked by specific deeds, was crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive history. It highlights that even seemingly ordinary individuals play a vital role in God's overarching purposes.
2. **Thematic Resonance of the Name:** The name "my people are willing" or "people of liberality" carries a subtle theological weight. It may implicitly speak to the character desired in God's people—a willingness to obey, to serve, and to offer themselves freely to God. In the context of the Davidic line, it foreshadows the willing and obedient heart of David and ultimately, the perfect willingness and sacrifice of Christ.
3. **Connection of Priesthood and Kingship:** Through his daughter Elisheba marrying Aaron, Amminadab's family links the royal line of Judah with the priestly line of Levi, symbolizing the future unity of these roles in the person of Jesus Christ, who is both King and High Priest.
4. **Levitical Dedication:** The Levite Amminadabs underscore the importance of dedicated and pure service in worship. Their involvement in transporting the Ark of the Covenant signifies the sacredness of God's presence and the necessity of proper, reverent handling of divine things. This reflects the willing and consecrated service expected of those who minister before God.
### Summary
Amminadab (עַמִּינָדָב, `{{H5992}}`), meaning "my people are willing" or "people of liberality," is a proper noun borne by at least three distinct individuals in the Bible. The most significant is Amminadab, the father of Nahshon, who holds a crucial position in the lineage of Judah, directly connecting to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ. His presence in the genealogies underscores God's precise and providential orchestration of history to fulfill His covenant promises. Additionally, two Levites named Amminadab appear, one as a son of Izhar and another as a chief of the sons of Uzziel, both involved in the sacred duties of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. The name itself, signifying willingness and generosity, subtly reflects the ideal disposition for those within God's covenant community and foreshadows the willing obedience and noble sacrifice embodied by the Messiah.
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