נְדַב (ne.dav)

ne.dav

be willing

H5069 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb nedav appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within the book of Ezra. In its sole form, the Hithpael, it describes a voluntary act of willingness, specifically regarding contributions to God’s work. It does not imply obligation or command, but rather a free and eager desire to give.

This word captures the spirit of those who responded to Zerubbabel’s call to rebuild the temple. The sources highlight that these individuals gave "freely" or "willingly," distinguishing their gifts from mandatory taxes or tithes. Their motivation was internal conviction rather than external pressure, marking a unique moment of collective generosity in Israel’s history.

Understanding nedav helps readers see the difference between duty and devotion. While the Law required specific offerings, this term points to the heart behind the gift. It reminds us that some of the most significant acts of faith are those offered without compulsion, arising from a genuine willingness to support what God is doing.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word nedav describes a heart that moves toward God without being pushed. It appears only three times in Scripture, all within Ezra chapter 7. In these verses, it highlights those who chose to support the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple not because they had to, but because they wanted to. This distinction matters. Duty keeps us compliant; willingness makes us joyful participants in God’s work.

When you give your time, resources, or energy out of sheer delight rather than obligation, something shifts inside you. You stop seeing service as a burden and start seeing it as an honor. The people in Ezra did not wait for a mandate. They saw a need and responded with open hands and eager hearts.

God looks at the posture behind the gift. He values the spontaneous act of love more than the forced compliance. Let your own life reflect this spirit. When you serve, let it be because your heart is full of gratitude, not because you feel trapped by rules. That kind of freedom blesses everyone around you.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

they have offered freely1×
[who] have offered freely1×
[the] freewill offering of1×
[one who] volunteers1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

מִתְנַדַּ֣ב1×
מִֽתְנַדְּבִ֔ין1×
הִתְנַדָּב֨וּת1×
הִתְנַדַּ֙בוּ֙1×

Key Verses

Ezra 7:13
I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.

This verse uses the form to describe people who intend to go to Jerusalem of their own free will, showing that willingness drives mission.
Ezra 7:15
and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

Here the term qualifies the silver and gold offered by the king and counselors, emphasizing that their contribution came from a voluntary heart rather than royal decree.
Ezra 7:16
and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the people and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem.

The text mentions the free will offering of the people and priests, distinguishing these spontaneous gifts from mandatory taxes or tithes required by the Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nedav mean in the Bible?

Nedav is a Hebrew verb that means to be willing or voluntary. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all in Ezra chapter 7. It describes people who give or act out of genuine desire rather than external pressure or legal requirement.

How is nedav different from obedience?

Obedience often follows a command or law. Nedav describes an internal motivation that goes beyond what is required. While obedience keeps us in step with God’s rules, willingness reflects a heart that loves God enough to give freely without being told.

Why does this word matter for Christians today?

It reminds us that God values the attitude behind our actions. When we serve or give out of love rather than duty, we reflect the character of Christ. It encourages believers to look for opportunities to help others not because they have to, but because they want to.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Ezra 3 verses

Ezra 7:13

I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…

Ezra 7:15

and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose…

Ezra 7:16

and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…