נְדַב
be (or give) liberal(-ly)
Definition
The Aramaic noun נְדַב (nᵉdab) refers to a voluntary, freewill offering, given willingly and without compulsion. It specifically denotes a generous, spontaneous gift, often in a religious context, such as contributions for the temple or its services. In the book of Ezra, it describes the offerings that King Artaxerxes and the Israelites were willing to give for the house of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:13, 7:15, 7:16). The term emphasizes the internal motivation of the giver rather than the external form of the gift.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, specifically in the official decree of King Artaxerxes concerning the temple in Jerusalem. In all three occurrences (Ezra 7:13, 7:15, 7:16), it describes the voluntary offerings of silver, gold, and goods that the king and the people of Israel were to contribute for the worship and maintenance of the house of God. The usage highlights a pattern of royal and communal generosity motivated by devotion.
Etymology
נְדַב is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew verb נָדַב (nāḏaḇ, H5068), which means 'to be willing, to volunteer, to offer freely.' The root concept across both languages is that of a free, spontaneous, and generous impulse. The Aramaic noun form directly corresponds to the idea of a 'freewill offering' found in Hebrew cultic terminology, showing the shared religious vocabulary between the two closely related languages.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures the heart of acceptable worship: voluntary, joyful generosity motivated by love for God. It contrasts with obligatory or reluctant giving. The use of this term in a royal decree (Ezra 7:13-16) underscores that true provision for God's work flows from a willing spirit, whether from a pagan king or God's people. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting that God values the motive behind the gift as much as the gift itself.
In the ancient Near East, including Persian and Israelite culture, 'freewill offerings' were a standard category of religious contribution, distinct from mandatory tithes or sin offerings. They expressed personal devotion, gratitude, or vows. The Persian king's endorsement of such offerings for the Jerusalem temple (Ezra 7:15-16) reflects a policy of supporting local cults, but the biblical text frames it as a result of God moving the king's heart, showing divine sovereignty over human generosity.
תְּרוּמָה (tᵊrûmâ, H8641) — a 'contribution' or 'heave offering'; often a specific, dedicated portion, whereas נְדַב is more broadly voluntary. נֶדֶר (neder, H5088) — a 'vow'; a solemn promise that often involved an offering, carrying a stronger sense of obligation once pledged compared to the spontaneous נְדַב. קָרְבָּן (qorbān, H7133) — a general term for 'offering' or 'gift,' which can include both voluntary and mandatory sacrifices.
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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