עֲדִינוֹ
his spear
Definition
The Hebrew word עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw) is a proper noun referring to a warrior named Adino, specifically identified as 'Adino the Eznite.' It appears only in 2 Samuel 23:8, where he is listed as the chief of King David's mighty men. The text states he wielded his spear against eight hundred men at one time. The word itself is derived from a root meaning 'slender' or 'delicate,' which poetically describes a spear. In this single biblical occurrence, it functions as a personal name, not a common noun for 'spear.'
Biblical Usage
This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 23:8, within the list of David's mighty men (the 'Thirty'). It is used as a proper name, 'Adino,' identifying an individual renowned for his military prowess. The context is a historical record of elite warriors who served King David, highlighting their legendary feats. Some textual traditions and translations (like the KJV) render the phrase as 'he lifted up his spear,' treating it as a common noun, but most modern scholars and translations understand it as the warrior's name.
Etymology
The name עֲדִינוֹ (ʻădîynôw) is likely derived from the root עָדִין (ʻādîn, H5719), which carries the sense of being 'slender,' 'delicate,' or 'dainty.' This root meaning was applied to describe a spear, a slender weapon. Thus, the personal name 'Adino' essentially means 'His Spear' or 'Spear-like,' characterizing the bearer by his primary weapon or his slender, piercing nature. It is a nominal form, possibly a construct state, meaning 'his spear.'
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a proper name, its context in 2 Samuel 23:8 is theologically significant. It is part of the record of God's faithfulness in establishing David's kingdom, providing him with loyal and divinely empowered warriors. These 'mighty men' are examples of human courage and skill used in God's service to secure the Davidic covenant. Understanding this name reminds readers that God works through specific, named individuals in history to accomplish His purposes, valuing their unique contributions.
In ancient Israelite culture, a warrior's name was often descriptive of his character, weapon, or a notable feat. The name 'Adino' ('His Spear') immediately identifies him by his weapon of choice and his martial role. The feat of defeating eight hundred men single-handedly, whether literal or hyperbolic, was a cultural marker of legendary, heroic status, placing him at the pinnacle of military honor in David's court. This reflects the high value placed on personal bravery and loyalty to the king in that warrior society.
חֲנִית (ḥănîṯ, H2595) — the standard Hebrew word for 'spear' or 'lance,' a more common term for the weapon itself. רֹמַח (rōmaḥ, H7420) — another word for 'spear' or 'javelin,' often used in military contexts. שֶׁלַח (šelaḥ, H7973) — a broader term for a missile weapon like a 'dart' or 'javelin.'
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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