עַמִּינָדָב
Amminadab, the name of four Israelites
Definition
Amminadab is a Hebrew proper name meaning 'my people are generous' or 'people of liberality.' It refers to four distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The most prominent is the father of Nahshon, a prince of the tribe of Judah (Numbers 1:7, 2:3), and the father-in-law of Aaron the high priest (Exodus 6:23). Another Amminadab appears in the genealogy of King David (Ruth 4:19-20) and ultimately Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:33). The name also belongs to a Levite in 1 Chronicles 15:10-11 who assisted in transporting the Ark of the Covenant.
Biblical Usage
The name Amminadab is used exclusively for individuals within Israelite tribal and priestly lineages. It appears in narrative contexts in Exodus and Numbers concerning the wilderness period, specifically in tribal leadership and census lists (Numbers 1:7, 7:12). It is also used in the genealogical records of Ruth and 1 Chronicles, establishing important familial connections within the tribes of Judah and Levi. Its usage consistently associates the bearers with positions of honor or key roles in Israel's communal and religious structure.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'am (H5971), meaning 'people,' and nadab (H5068), a verb meaning 'to be willing, incite, or offer freely.' Thus, the name literally translates to 'my people are generous' or 'people of liberality.' It reflects a positive characteristic attributed to the bearer's clan or lineage.
Semantic Range
Amminadab is theologically significant due to his placement in the messianic lineage. As the father of Nahshon, the tribal prince of Judah, and the ancestor of David and Jesus, he forms a crucial link in the genealogy that fulfills the promises to Judah (Genesis 49:10) and David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). His connection to Aaron through marriage (Exodus 6:23) also symbolically unites the royal (Judah) and priestly (Levi) lines, a union perfectly fulfilled in Christ as King and High Priest (Hebrews 7:14). Understanding this name enriches the reading of biblical genealogies, revealing them as theological narratives of God's covenant faithfulness.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often conveyed meaning about character, destiny, or divine action. A name like Amminadab, highlighting the generosity of one's people, likely served to honor the clan's reputation or express a hopeful ideal for the child. Its use in priestly and royal lines suggests these families valued and perhaps were known for qualities of noble willingness and liberality.
Nahshon (H5177) — Amminadab's son, the prince of Judah; Aaron (H175) — Amminadab's son-in-law, the first high priest; David (H1732) — A royal descendant of Amminadab.
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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