עֲדִינָא
Adina, an Israelite
Definition
Adina is a proper name given to one of King David's mighty warriors, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:42. The name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'delicate' or 'voluptuous,' which may have described a personal characteristic or been an aspirational name. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual, Adina the son of Shiza, a Reubenite who was counted among David's elite military commanders. The single biblical occurrence provides no further narrative about his specific deeds, but his inclusion in this list signifies his recognized valor and loyalty to David.
Biblical Usage
The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 11:42. It appears in a genealogical and military context within a list of David's most valiant warriors, following the more famous 'Thirty' and 'Three.' This usage pattern is typical for many proper names found in Chronicles, serving to document the composition of David's loyal fighting force.
Etymology
The name Adina (עֲדִינָא) is derived from the Hebrew root עָדִין (ʿādîn, H5719), which carries the sense of being 'delicate,' 'soft,' or 'voluptuous.' It is related to the adjective meaning 'dainty' or 'effeminate.' As a personal name, it likely functioned as a descriptive epithet or a hopeful attribute, a common practice in Hebrew onomastics (name-giving), where names often reflected a quality or a prayer.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its bearer's context is significant. Adina is listed among David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:42), a group that exemplifies loyalty, courage, and divine empowerment in establishing David's kingdom—a precursor to the messianic kingdom. Understanding that even a briefly mentioned individual like Adina played a part in this foundational era highlights the biblical value of faithful service and God's use of a collective people for His purposes.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. A name meaning 'delicate' given to a renowned warrior might seem ironic, suggesting it could have been a childhood name that stuck, a family name, or perhaps it highlighted a contrast—a fierce fighter with a refined or graceful aspect. Being listed among David's mighty men was a high honor, denoting elite military status and unwavering personal loyalty to the king.
As a proper noun referring to a specific individual, Adina has no direct synonyms. It is related etymologically to the root: עָדִין (ʿādîn, H5719) — an adjective meaning 'delicate' or 'voluptuous,' from which the name is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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