נְדָבָה (ne.da.vah)
ne.da.vah
voluntariness
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun nedabah describes a gift given from a willing heart, translating literally to "voluntariness" or "spontaneity." It appears twenty times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Leviticus and Ezra. The word captures the spirit behind an action rather than just the object itself, emphasizing that the giver’s readiness is as important as the gift. This distinguishes it from a vow, which is a binding promise; nedabah is an offering made freely, without prior obligation.
Its root verb conveys the idea of being noble or generous, suggesting that true voluntariness involves a large-hearted response. In Exodus 35:29, the Israelites bring their nedabot to build the tabernacle with such enthusiasm that Moses must tell them to stop. The term also extends beyond religious rituals; in Psalm 68:10, it describes abundant rain falling freely upon the land, showing how the concept of generous, unforced giving applies to nature as well.
Translators often render nedabah as "free-will offering," but this English phrase can sound like a specific category of sacrifice rather than the attitude behind it. The sources highlight that the word covers both the internal state of willingness and the external result of an abundant gift. Whether referring to materials for worship or rain for crops, nedabah points to a life characterized by spontaneous generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nedabah reminds us that God values the heart behind the gift more than the gift itself. It describes a spontaneous generosity that flows from a willing spirit, rather than a duty performed out of obligation. When we give freely, whether it is time, resources, or praise, we reflect the generous nature of God who gives to us without being asked.
This concept invites you to look at your own life with fresh eyes. Are there areas where you feel forced to serve, or can you rediscover the joy of giving because your heart desires it? The Bible shows that when people give from a place of genuine love, like the Israelites building the tabernacle, their generosity becomes a powerful testimony of faith.
Let this truth encourage you today. You do not need to strive for perfection in your giving to be accepted by God. Instead, focus on cultivating a heart that is eager to respond to His goodness. May your actions always flow from a place of gratitude and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a freewill offering5×
- and/ freewill offerings/ your3×
- to/ a freewill offering2×
- [the] freewill offerings of2×
- the/ freewill offering1×
- freewill offerings/ your1×
- freewill offerings/ their1×
- freewill offerings1×
- a freewill offering of1×
- [will be] freewill offerings1×
- [are] a freewill offering1×
- <in>/ a freewill offering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְדָבָ֖ה3×
- נִדְב֣וֹת2×
- נִדְבוֹתָ֔/ם1×
- נִדְבַ֥ת1×
- נִדְב֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם1×
- נְדָבֹת֮1×
- נְדָבָה֙1×
- נְדָבָ֗ה1×
- נְדָבָ֔ה1×
- נְדָב֖וֹת1×
- לִ/נְדָבָ֥ה1×
- לִ/נְדָבָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 35:29
The children of Israel brought a free will offering to Yahweh; every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Yahweh had commanded to be made by Moses.
This verse highlights the overwhelming enthusiasm of the people, whose willing hearts led them to bring so many gifts that Moses had to intervene.
-
Psalms 110:3
Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
Here the term describes the voluntary surrender of God's people on the day of His power, emphasizing their eager response to His authority.
-
Psalms 119:108
Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.
The psalmist offers his words and actions as a willing sacrifice, showing that nedabah applies to personal devotion and prayer.
-
Leviticus 7:16
“‘But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow, or a free will offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice. On the next day what remains of it shall be eaten,
This passage distinguishes a free will offering from a vow by noting the specific timing for eating the sacrifice, underscoring its voluntary nature.