מִגְדָּנָה (mig.da.nah)
mig.da.nah
precious thing
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun migdana refers to a choice or excellent thing, denoting an object of high value and careful selection. It appears in four verses across Genesis, Ezra, and II Chronicles, always describing items that were not merely useful but prized for their quality.
In these texts, the word highlights the deliberate gathering of fine materials for sacred purposes. For instance, it describes the precious things brought to Jerusalem during the return from exile (Ezra 1:7) and the valuable offerings set aside by King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:27). The term underscores that these were not common goods, but selected treasures intended for significant use.
Its root suggests something picked out or distinguished. Translators typically render it as "precious thing" or "choice thing," capturing the sense of rarity and worth. This usage distinguishes such items from ordinary possessions, marking them as set apart for important roles in Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word migdana points to something chosen for its excellence, not just its utility. In Scripture, it describes items set apart with care—whether gifts given to a bride or treasures offered in the temple. This distinction reminds us that God values intentionality. When we bring our best to Him, we acknowledge His worth through deliberate acts of honor.
Consider the return from exile. The people did not just send back ordinary goods; they brought precious things alongside their voluntary offerings (Ezra 1:6). This shows that worship involves more than duty—it involves recognizing value. Similarly, Hezekiah received such gifts, which elevated his standing among nations (2 Chronicles 32:23). These moments reveal how material blessings can serve spiritual purposes when offered with reverence.
For your daily life, this word invites reflection on what you consider truly valuable. Are your resources used merely for convenience, or do they reflect a deeper commitment to God’s glory? Migdana encourages us to select and offer our best, trusting that even small acts of intentional giving honor the One who gave everything for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ with <the>/ precious things1×
- and/ to/ excellent things1×
- and/ precious gifts1×
- and/ excellent things1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת1×
- וּ/מִ֨גְדָּנ֔וֹת1×
- וּ/לְ/מִגְדָּנ֔וֹת1×
- וּ/בַ/מִּגְדָּנ֑וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 1:6
All those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with precious things, in addition to all that was willingly offered.
This verse shows migdana as part of the voluntary offerings that supported the temple restoration, highlighting how precious items accompanied spiritual renewal.
-
II Chronicles 32:23
Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from then on.
Here, precious things brought to Hezekiah demonstrate how divine favor can be reflected through tangible honors received by a faithful leader.
-
Genesis 24:53
The servant brought out jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and her mother.
The servant’s gift of migdana to Rebekah’s family illustrates how valuable offerings can cement covenant relationships and bless future generations.