נָדִיב
na.div (H5081H)
noble: willing
AI Word Study
# נָדִיב (nadiv): Noble and Willing The Hebrew word *nadiv* encompasses two interconnected meanings: "noble" and "willing." This dual sense reveals how the word functions in biblical vocabulary—it describes both a person's social status (nobility) and their disposition toward action (willingness). The term appears 23 times in the Hebrew Bible, suggesting it held meaningful but not dominant presence in biblical discourse. The pairing of "noble" with "willing" is significant: it suggests that biblical authors associated nobility not merely with rank or birth, but with a demonstrated readiness or inclination to act. A *nadiv* is someone of standing who actively chooses to do something, combining social prominence with voluntary commitment. This makes the term useful for describing both the character of individuals and the quality of their choices—whether in offering gifts, providing leadership, or demonstrating generosity. The word's modest frequency (23 occurrences) indicates it served a specific descriptive function rather than being foundational to biblical theological vocabulary. It likely appeared in contexts where the text needed to emphasize that an action came from someone of prominence and free choice, lending weight to their decision or contribution.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
the well, which the princes dug, which the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, and with their poles.” From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah;
He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are Yahweh’s. He has set the world on them.
For you say, ‘Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?’
The princes of the peoples are gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God. He is greatly exalted!
Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in a trackless waste.
that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princes.
Don’t put your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no help.
By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
How beautiful are your feet in sandals, prince’s daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skillful workman.
Set up a banner on the bare mountain! Lift up your voice to them! Wave your hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
But the noble devises noble things; and he will continue in noble things.