מַעֲדַי (ma.a.day)
ma.a.day
Maadai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Maadai appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Ezra 10:34 as one of the men from the tribe of Bani who ended their foreign marriages during the post-exilic reform. The name itself carries a distinct theological weight, translating to "ornament of Jehovah." This meaning transforms a simple genealogical record into a statement of identity, suggesting that belonging to God is what gives a person their true value and distinction.
While Maadai does not speak or act in the narrative, his inclusion in this list highlights the collective nature of the community’s repentance. The text notes him as part of the "sons of Bani," indicating he was one among many who made difficult personal choices to align their families with the covenant. His name serves as a quiet reminder that faithfulness in this period involved both public commitment and private sacrifice, marking those who returned from exile as a people set apart.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Maadai means "ornament of Jehovah." In a list that might otherwise seem like dry genealogy, this title reminds us that our true value comes from belonging to God. It is not our achievements or status that define us, but our identity as His people.
When Ezra records the men who ended foreign marriages, he includes Maadai among them. This act was a significant step in restoring the community's covenant relationship with the Lord. His name serves as a quiet witness to the idea that faithfulness involves both public commitment and personal sacrifice.
For your life today, this offers encouragement. You are adorned by God’s love and chosen for His purposes. When you feel overlooked or insignificant, remember that you are an ornament of Jehovah. Your worth is secure in Him, not in the eyes of the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Maadai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעֲדַ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 10:34
Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel,
This verse lists Maadai among the sons of Bani who participated in the post-exilic reform, showing how his name signifies belonging to God within a community restoring its covenant.