from עַם and נָדִיב; my people (is) liberal; Ammi-Nadib, probably an Israelite; Amminadib.
Transliteration:ʻAmmîy Nâdîyb
Pronunciation:am-mee' naw-deeb'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5993}}` עַמִּי נָדִיב (ʻAmmîy Nâdîyb) is a proper noun, a compound name derived from two significant Hebrew roots. The first component, עַמִּי (ʻammî), is formed from עַם (ʻam) `{{H5971}}`, meaning "people" or "nation," with the first common singular possessive suffix "-i," rendering it "my people." The second component is נָדִיב (nâdîyb) `{{H5081}}`, an adjective meaning "noble," "willing," "generous," or "liberal." Therefore, the name fundamentally signifies "My people is noble" or "My people is willing/generous." As a proper name, its semantic range is tied to this inherent descriptive meaning, reflecting a desired quality or a statement about the individual's community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5993}}` עַמִּי נָדִיב (ʻAmmîy Nâdîyb) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the enigmatic passage of the Song of Solomon:
* **[[Song of Solomon 6:12]]**: "Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib." (KJV)
This verse is notoriously difficult to interpret, and the phrase "chariots of Amminadib" has invited various scholarly proposals. While some translations render it as "chariots of a noble prince" or "chariots of my willing people," the Strong's number specifically identifies it as a proper name, "Amminadib" or "Ammi-Nadib."
If understood as a proper name, Amminadib could refer to a historical figure known for his swift or noble chariots, or perhaps a legendary figure whose chariots were renowned for their speed, readiness, or elite status. The context in Song of Solomon 6 describes the beloved's sudden, overwhelming experience of being drawn into a state of exaltation or swift movement, akin to being transported by such magnificent chariots. The specific identity of this "Amminadib" remains elusive in biblical records, differentiating it from the more frequently occurring name "Amminadab" (`{{H5992}}`), though the etymological roots are closely related. The phrase might evoke a sense of the divine Beloved's glorious and swift approach, or the bride's sudden, divinely-inspired elevation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of `{{H5993}}` offer rich connections to broader biblical themes:
* **עַם (ʻam) `{{H5971}}`**: This foundational term denotes a people or nation, often used in the context of Israel as God's chosen "people" (e.g., "my people Israel"). It speaks to identity, community, and covenant relationship.
* **נָדִיב (nâdîyb) `{{H5081}}`**: This adjective describes one who is noble, generous, or willing. It is often associated with leaders, princes, or those who give freely and willingly, particularly in the context of offerings to God (e.g., "freewill offerings" from the root נָדַב nâdab `{{H5068}}`).
* **נָדַב (nâdab) `{{H5068}}`**: The verbal root from which nâdîyb is derived, meaning "to volunteer," "to offer willingly," or "to impel." This concept is central to Israelite worship and ethical conduct, emphasizing a heart-level willingness in service to God and community.
* **עַמִּינָדָב (ʻAmmiynâdâb) `{{H5992}}`**: This is a very closely related name, meaning "my people is willing/generous." It appears frequently in the Old Testament as the name of a prominent ancestor in the lineage of Aaron and David (e.g., [[Exodus 6:23]], [[Numbers 1:7]], [[Ruth 4:19]]). While etymologically similar, `{{H5993}}` is distinct in its sole occurrence and precise form, suggesting either a variant spelling or a deliberate, albeit obscure, distinction.
The concepts interwoven with `{{H5993}}` thus include communal identity, noble character, willing service, and a sense of swift, perhaps divinely-ordained, movement or elevation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5993}}` stems primarily from its components and its singular, evocative appearance in the Song of Solomon.
If "Amminadib" is understood as a proper name, its association with "chariots" in [[Song of Solomon 6:12]] suggests speed, power, and perhaps a glorious or princely status. Theologically, this could symbolize the swift and majestic coming of the divine Beloved, or the rapid transformation and elevation of the soul in response to divine grace. It hints at a profound and immediate spiritual experience, where the beloved is suddenly transported into a state of joy and communion.
More broadly, the underlying meaning "My people is noble/willing" carries significant theological weight. It reflects an ideal for God's covenant people – not merely a people chosen, but a people characterized by nobility of spirit and a willing heart. This resonates with the call for Israel to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([[Exodus 19:6]]), embodying divine virtues. The concept of "willingness" (nâdîb) is crucial in biblical theology, emphasizing that true obedience and worship arise from a free and generous heart, not compulsion. This is evident in the freewill offerings and the eager response to God's commands. Thus, even if a proper name, "Amminadib" encapsulates a theological aspiration for God's people: to be characterized by spiritual nobility and a ready, willing spirit in their relationship with the divine.
### Summary
`{{H5993}}` עַמִּי נָדִיב (ʻAmmîy Nâdîyb) is a unique Hebrew proper name meaning "My people is noble" or "My people is willing/generous." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Song of Solomon 6:12]], where it describes "chariots of Amminadib," a phrase that has generated much scholarly discussion regarding whether it refers to a specific individual or a descriptive quality. While the precise identity of Amminadib remains a mystery, the name's components, ʻam (people) and nâdîb (noble/willing), are rich in theological meaning. They point to the core identity of God's covenant people and the desired qualities of a willing heart and noble character in their walk with the Divine. The phrase in Song of Solomon 6:12, therefore, alludes to a profound, swift, and perhaps divinely-enabled elevation or transformation, reflecting the majestic and willing interaction between the Beloved and the soul.
TRV