from פָּדָה; ransom; Padon, one of the Nethinim.; Padon.
Transliteration:Pâdôwn
Pronunciation:paw-done'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H6303}}`, "פָּדוֹן" (Pâdôwn), is primarily a proper noun, designating an individual or, more accurately, a family line. Its profound significance, however, derives from its etymological root, the verb `{{H6299}}` "פָּדָה" (padah). This root verb carries the semantic range of "to ransom," "to redeem," "to deliver," or "to buy back." Therefore, while "Padon" itself is a name, its underlying meaning points to the concept of redemption, liberation, or a price paid for release. The name likely signifies "Ransom" or "Redemption," potentially indicating a person or family whose lineage was connected to an act of divine or human redemption, or who were themselves "redeemed" in some significant way.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6303}}` appears exclusively as a proper noun, "Padon," in the Old Testament. It is found in the post-exilic lists of those who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel, specifically among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants.
* **[[Ezra 2:44]]**: "The children of Padon, the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan," are listed among the Nethinim.
* **[[Nehemiah 7:47]]**: "The children of Padon, the children of Ami, the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar," also enumerated among the Nethinim.
In both instances, "Padon" refers to a family head whose descendants were part of the Nethinim. The Nethinim were often non-Israelites or those dedicated to temple service, and their inclusion in these meticulous records highlights the comprehensive re-establishment of the community and its sacred functions in Jerusalem after the exile. The presence of a family named "Ransom" or "Redemption" among those dedicated to the temple could be seen as a poignant reminder of God's redemptive act in bringing His people back from exile and re-establishing His worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related term to `{{H6303}}` is its root verb:
* **`{{H6299}}` "פָּדָה" (padah)**: This verb is central to the concept of redemption in the Old Testament. It describes God's act of delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt ([[Exodus 6:6]], [[Deuteronomy 7:8]]), from the hand of enemies ([[Psalm 107:2]]), or from the power of death ([[Psalm 49:15]]). It also refers to the redemption of firstborns or dedicated things.
Other related nouns derived from this root include:
* **`{{H6302}}` "פִּדְיוֹן" (pidyon)**: Refers to the "ransom" or "redemption price" itself, such as the ransom for a life ([[Exodus 21:30]]) or the redemption money for the firstborn ([[Numbers 3:49]]).
* **`{{H6306}}` "פְּדוּת" (pedut)**: Denotes "redemption" or "deliverance," often in the context of God's mighty acts ([[Psalm 130:7]]).
Broader concepts related to redemption in the Hebrew Bible include:
* **`{{H1350}}` "גָּאַל" (ga'al)**: This verb also means "to redeem," but often carries the nuance of acting as a "kinsman-redeemer" (go'el), emphasizing family ties, inheritance, and justice (e.g., redeeming land or a relative from slavery).
* **`{{H3722}}` "כָּפַר" (kaphar)**: "To atone," "to cover," or "to make propitiation." While distinct, atonement is often a necessary component of the broader redemptive process, dealing with the removal of sin.
* **The Nethinim:** The context of "Padon" within the Nethinim lists connects it to the theme of temple service and the restoration of God's people and worship after the exile, which itself was an act of divine redemption.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H6303}}` "Padon" is a proper noun, its etymological link to "פָּדָה" (padah) imbues it with profound theological resonance, pointing to the core biblical doctrine of redemption.
* **God as the Redeemer:** The concept of "פָּדָה" primarily underscores God's character as the ultimate Redeemer. He is the one who actively intervenes to "buy back" His people from various forms of bondage—whether physical slavery, spiritual oppression, or the dominion of death and sin. This divine initiative demonstrates His sovereign power, unwavering love, and covenant faithfulness.
* **The Cost of Redemption:** The very notion of "ransom" implies a price paid. In the Old Testament, this is seen in the sacrificial system and the redemption of the firstborn, foreshadowing the ultimate, incomparable price paid for humanity's redemption in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([[1 Peter 1:18-19]], [[Mark 10:45]]).
* **Redemption and Covenant Faithfulness:** God's acts of redemption are never arbitrary; they are deeply rooted in His covenant promises to Israel. He redeems His people because He is faithful to His word and His loving commitment to them. The return from exile, which "Padon" represents, was a monumental act of redemption, fulfilling prophetic promises and demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness.
* **Redemption and Service:** The inclusion of "Padon" among the Nethinim, those dedicated to the sacred service of the temple, can be seen as a tangible manifestation of a "redeemed" people serving their Redeemer God. Their very existence and function in the restored community were a testament to God's saving work and the appropriate response of grateful service.
### Summary
`{{H6303}}`, "פָּדוֹן" (Pâdôwn), is a proper noun, identifying a family of Nethinim who returned from the Babylonian exile, as recorded in [[Ezra 2:44]] and [[Nehemiah 7:47]]. Its true depth of meaning, however, is revealed through its etymological connection to the Hebrew verb `{{H6299}}` "פָּדָה" (padah), which signifies "to ransom," "to redeem," or "to deliver." This linguistic root transforms "Padon" from a mere name into a subtle yet powerful echo of God's foundational work of redemption. The concept of "redemption" (פָּדָה) is a cornerstone of biblical theology, portraying God as the faithful and powerful deliverer who pays a "ransom" to liberate His people from all forms of bondage. Thus, while "Padon" refers to a specific individual or family, its name inherently points to the overarching divine narrative of redemption that permeates the biblical text, underscoring God's sovereign power, covenant faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to buying back His beloved creation.
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