אֲבִינָדָב (a.vi.na.dav)
a.vi.na.dav
Abinadab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Abinadab means "my father is noble" or "my father is willing." It appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Samuel and Chronicles. The name identifies three distinct men who played significant roles during Israel’s transition from the period of judges to the United Monarchy.
One Abinadab lived in Gibeah and is best known for keeping the ark of the covenant safe after it was returned by the Philistines. His sons, Eleazar and Uzzah, are mentioned when David later attempts to move the ark to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:3-4). Another man with this name was a son of King Saul who died alongside his father at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:2). A third Abinadab was one of Jesse’s sons and thus an older brother of David, appearing in lists of royal family members (1 Chronicles 2:13-15).
Though the name itself carries a positive meaning, the biblical record does not focus on the character of these individuals. Instead, it uses their names to anchor specific events in Israel’s history, particularly regarding the care of sacred objects and the lineage of its kings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abinadab means "my father is noble" or "my father is willing." While we do not get long biographies of these men, their lives show us that God uses ordinary people in significant moments. One Abinadab kept the ark safe on his hill for twenty years. His home became a place where Israel remembered God’s presence. This reminds us that faithful stewardship in quiet places matters deeply to God.
Another Abinadab was a son of Saul, and another was a brother of David. Their names appear in lists of family lines, showing how God keeps track of every person. Even when history seems chaotic, God preserves the records of His people. We are part of a larger story that He is writing.
When we read these names, we see that nobility comes from being willing to serve God where He places us. Whether keeping sacred things safe or standing in line for a call that never comes, our willingness pleases Him. May we find joy in doing small things with great love for the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Abinadab10×
- and/ Abinadab1×
- [was] Abinadab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲבִינָדָ֖ב3×
- אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב3×
- אֲבִינָדָ֛ב2×
- וַ/אֲבִינָדָב֙1×
- אֲבִינָדָ֑ב1×
- אֲבִֽינָדָב֙1×
- אֲבִֽינָדָ֖ב1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 7:1
The men of Kiriath Jearim came and took Yahweh’s ark, and brought it into Abinadab’s house on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep Yahweh’s ark.
This verse shows Abinadab’s house becoming a sanctuary where Israel waited patiently for God’s guidance after a long period of silence.
-
II Samuel 6:3
They set God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
Here, Abinadab’s sons are entrusted with moving the ark, highlighting the family’s role in preserving Israel’s worship during King David’s reign.
-
I Samuel 16:8
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”
Abinadab passes before Samuel but is not chosen, illustrating that God’s selection often differs from human expectations of status or appearance.
-
I Chronicles 2:13
and Jesse became the father of his firstborn Eliab, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third,
This genealogy places Abinadab as David’s brother, anchoring the royal lineage in a specific family structure that connects to Jesus’ ancestry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abinadab mean?
How many different men named Abinadab are in the Bible?
Why is Abinadab important in 1 Samuel?
Is Abinadab related to King David?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
I Samuel 4 verses
The men of Kiriath Jearim came and took Yahweh’s ark, and brought it into Abinadab’s house on the hill, and consecrated…
I Samuel 16:8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”
I Samuel 17:13The three oldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle; and the names of his three sons who went to the…
I Samuel 31:2The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of…