לַעְדָּן (la.dan)
la.dan
Ladan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Laadan, derived from a root meaning "to put in order" or "arrange," appears five times in the Hebrew Bible within genealogical records. It identifies two distinct individuals who played minor but specific roles in Israel’s tribal history. The first is an Ephraimite ancestor of Joshua son of Nun, linking the future leader to his broader family line.
The second Laadan is a Levite, specifically a son of Gershom and brother of Shimei. He is listed among the descendants of Levi in Exodus 6:17 and again in 1 Chronicles 6:43, where he is also referred to as Libni. These brief mentions serve to preserve his place within the priestly lineage without offering further narrative detail about his personal life or deeds.
Translators typically render this name simply as Laadan or Libni depending on the passage. The consistency of the spelling in Chronicles highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping in maintaining tribal identities during the post-exilic period. This word does not carry theological weight beyond its function as a proper noun, yet it anchors the historical continuity of the Levitical families.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often feel like distant footnotes, yet they carry a quiet dignity that connects us to the broader family of faith. Laadan appears in genealogies as both an Ephraimite ancestor and a Levitical servant. These records remind us that God values order and lineage, preserving the identity of families who served in His temple and led His people.
For your daily walk, this word invites reflection on your own place within the community of believers. Just as Laadan’s name was carefully kept in the records of Israel, your life is known and valued by God. You are part of a larger story that extends beyond your immediate circumstances, anchored in a history of faithfulness.
This sense of belonging offers comfort when you feel isolated or insignificant. Your contributions, whether seen or unseen, matter to the whole body. Trust that God has placed you where you are, with purpose and care, just as He preserved these names for future generations to remember His steady hand in history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ladan4×
- of/ Ladan3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַעְדָּ֥ן2×
- לַעְדָּ֗ן1×
- לַ֠עְדָּן1×
- לְ/לַעְדָּֽן\׃\ \ס1×
- לְ/לַעְדָּ֥ן1×
- לְ/לַעְדָּ֗ן1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 23:7
Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.
This verse identifies Laadan as a Gershonite Levite, establishing his specific role in the temple service lineage alongside his brother Shimei.
-
I Chronicles 23:8
The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, Zetham, and Joel, three.
Here, the text details the sons of Laadan, showing how the family structure was organized for leadership within the priestly duties.
-
I Chronicles 7:26
Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,
This occurrence links Laadan to the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting a separate ancestral line that connects to broader tribal history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Laadan mean?
Who was Laadan in the Bible?
Why is Laadan mentioned multiple times?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
I Chronicles 5 verses
Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son,
I Chronicles 23:7Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.
I Chronicles 23:8The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, Zetham, and Joel, three.
I Chronicles 23:9The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers’ households of Ladan.
I Chronicles 26:21The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to…