נְבוּזַרְאֲדָן (ne.vu.zar.a.dan)
ne.vu.zar.a.dan
Nebuzaradan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Nebuzaradan is a proper name found in the Old Testament, appearing fifteen times primarily within Jeremiah and 2 Kings. The Hebrew form, Nebuzaradan, carries the meaning "Nebo has given seed," referencing the Babylonian deity Nebo. He serves as a historical figure rather than a theological concept, identified specifically as an official in the army of King Nebuchadnezzar.
His most significant role occurs during the fall of Jerusalem. The texts describe him as a captain of the guard who executes the orders of the Babylonian king to dismantle the city’s defenses and temples. This narrative marks the culmination of Judah’s exile, with Nebuzaradan acting as the instrument of divine judgment through foreign conquest.
While his name appears frequently in these accounts, the texts focus on his actions rather than his character. He is portrayed not as a villain in a personal sense, but as a high-ranking commander carrying out a geopolitical shift that reshaped the history of Israel. His presence anchors the biblical narrative in specific historical events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Nebuzaradan appears in Scripture not as a theological symbol, but as a historical figure who carried out the Babylonian king’s orders to dismantle Jerusalem. His name means “Nebo has given seed,” linking him to pagan deities, yet the biblical narrative uses his actions to show how God’s judgment was executed through foreign armies. This reminds us that history is shaped by real people making difficult choices under pressure.
Despite his role in destruction, Nebuzaradan also shows a complex humanity. In Jeremiah 39:10, he leaves the poorest residents in Judah with vineyards and fields, allowing them to survive the aftermath of exile. This detail suggests that even in times of severe judgment, there are moments of unexpected provision. It invites us to look for God’s care in the midst of hardship, trusting that He remains sovereign over both destruction and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nebuzaradan14×
- Nebuzar-1×
- -adan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֖ן5×
- נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָן֙3×
- נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֥ן2×
- נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֧ן1×
- נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֣ן1×
- נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֛ן1×
- נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֣ן1×
- נְבֽוּזַר\־1×
- אֲדָ֥ן1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 25:8
Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem.
This verse introduces Nebuzaradan as captain of the guard arriving in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the city’s destruction.
-
Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, who had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
Here Nebuzaradan shows mercy by leaving the poor with land, highlighting a moment of provision amid judgment.
-
Jeremiah 40:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were carried away captive to Babylon.
This verse records Nebuzaradan releasing Jeremiah from chains, showing his role in the prophet’s freedom after captivity.
-
Jeremiah 52:16
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poorest of the land to be vineyard keepers and farmers.
Nebuzaradan leaves the poorest to tend vineyards, emphasizing the survival of a remnant in Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nebuzaradan in the Bible?
What does the name Nebuzaradan mean?
Why does Nebuzaradan appear in both 2 Kings and Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 2 books)
II Kings 3 verses
Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of…
II Kings 25:11Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive the rest of the people who were left in the city and those…
II Kings 25:20Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.