נָדַב (na.dav)
na.dav
be willing
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nadav describes a spontaneous willingness to give or act, particularly in the context of worship and building. It appears fifteen times in the Old Testament, with significant occurrences in Exodus, Ezra, and I Chronicles, where it characterizes those who contribute resources without being compelled by law or coercion.
Its core sense is that of being impelled from within rather than forced from without. In the Hithpael stem, it specifically means to volunteer, highlighting a personal decision to offer free-will gifts. This distinguishes it from mandatory tithes or taxes; the giver’s heart drives the action.
The word carries theological weight by framing generosity as an act of eager devotion. When the Israelites built the tabernacle or later restored the temple, nadav describes their enthusiastic contributions. Translators often render it as "willing" or "freely," capturing the voluntary nature of the offering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nadav points to a generosity that springs from the heart rather than obligation. When the Israelites built the tabernacle, they did not give because they had to, but because their spirits were stirred by gratitude. This distinction matters for us today. It reminds us that God values the motive behind our giving more than the amount itself.
In 1 Chronicles 29:17, David notes that he offered with an upright heart, seeing the people do the same. This was not a tax or a forced tithe. It was a free response to God’s goodness. We are invited to look at our own resources—time, money, and energy—and ask if we are holding back out of duty or giving out of delight.
True worship often looks like this spontaneous willingness. It is not about keeping score or meeting a quota. It is about recognizing that everything we have comes from God. When we give freely, we acknowledge His ownership and trust His provision. This kind of generosity brings joy to the giver and honors the Giver.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- who/ volunteered2×
- to/ make a contribution2×
- it impelled2×
- when/ volunteers1×
- those/ [who] volunteered1×
- they offered freewill offerings1×
- they had made a contribution1×
- it will impel/ him1×
- had made a contribution/ they1×
- ering of freewill offerings1×
- and/ they made a contribution1×
- [one who] offered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָדַ֣ב1×
- נָדְבָ֨ה1×
- מִתְנַדֵּ֥ב1×
- מִתְנַדֵּ֔ב1×
- לְ/הִתְנַדֵּ֖ב1×
- לְ/הִֽתְנַדֶּב\־1×
- יִדְּבֶ֣/נּוּ1×
- וַ/יִּֽתְנַדְּבוּ֩1×
- הַ/מִּתְנַדֵּ֖ב1×
- הַ/מִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֖ים1×
- הַ/מִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֔ים1×
- הִתְנַדַּ֣בְתִּי1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 25:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take my offering.
This verse establishes the principle that God’s offering must come from anyone whose heart makes them willing, setting the standard for voluntary devotion.
-
I Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that you try the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now I have seen with joy your people, who are present here, offer willingly to you.
David connects his own upright heart to the people's willingness, showing that genuine giving is a reflection of inner integrity and joy.
-
Judges 5:2
“Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, Yahweh!
The song of Deborah praises those who offered themselves willingly, linking this voluntary spirit to leadership and communal blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nadav mean in the Bible?
How is nadav different from tithing?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 6 books)
Exodus 3 verses
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you…
Exodus 35:21They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought Yahweh’s…
Exodus 35:29The children of Israel brought a free will offering to Yahweh; every man and woman whose heart made them willing to…