נָדִיב (na.div)
na.div
noble: willing
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nadiyb describes a person who is noble in character, generous in spirit, and ready to act. Derived from a root meaning "to volunteer," it captures the idea of willing generosity rather than obligation. In the Old Testament, it frequently appears as an adjective for those with a "willing heart" who contribute freely to God’s work, such as when the Israelites brought offerings for the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:5 and 2 Chronicles 29:31.
As a noun, nadiyb refers to a prince or nobleman, highlighting how leadership was ideally linked with magnanimity. The sources note that while it can describe high social rank, as seen in Psalm 113:8 where God lifts the poor from the dust to sit with princes, it also carries moral weight. Isaiah 32:5 contrasts the worthless with the nadiyb, defining nobility by generous deeds rather than mere birthright.
This term distinguishes itself from similar words for leaders by emphasizing the inner disposition of the heart. While other terms might focus on authority or rule, nadiyb points to a spirit that is inclined toward giving and serving. It suggests that true nobility is found in voluntary action and a generous nature, qualities that define both the ideal leader and the faithful contributor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of nobility, we often picture status or wealth. The Hebrew word nadiyb shifts that focus entirely to the heart. It describes someone who is generous by nature, not because they are forced to give. This quality appears in Exodus when the Israelites brought materials for the Tabernacle. They gave freely from their own resources, driven by a willing spirit rather than duty.
This word also reminds us that true leadership involves service. In Proverbs 8:16, wisdom notes that princes rule through her guidance. The ideal leader is not defined by power but by a character that seeks the good of others. God honors this kind of inner generosity, lifting up those who serve with open hands.
May you find joy in offering what you have to God without counting the cost. Let your heart be inclined toward kindness and giving, knowing that such actions reflect His own generous nature.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- noble [people]7×
- a noble [person]3×
- noble deeds2×
- in/ noble [people]2×
- [the] noble [people] of2×
- [person] willing of2×
- willing [person]1×
- noble1×
- for/ a noble [person]1×
- and/ noble [people]1×
- and/ a noble [person]1×
- <the> [person] willing of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נָדִ֑יב4×
- נְדִיבִ֑ים3×
- נְדִיבִֽים\׃2×
- נְדִ֣יב2×
- נָדִ֤יב1×
- נְדִיבֵ֥י1×
- נְדִיבֵ֣י1×
- נְדִיבִ֣ים1×
- נְדִיבִ֔ים1×
- נְדִיב֥וֹת1×
- נְדִיב֣וֹת1×
- נְדִ֥יב1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 35:5
‘Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Yahweh’s offering: gold, silver, bronze,
This verse establishes the core meaning of nadiyb as a willing heart that initiates offerings to God without coercion.
-
Psalms 118:9
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princes.
Here the term refers to human rulers, contrasting their limited power with the reliable refuge found in Yahweh.
-
Isaiah 32:5
The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
The prophet redefines nobility not by birth but by moral character, stating that a fool cannot truly be called noble.