נְדִיבָה (ne.di.vah)
ne.di.vah
honor
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun nedivah refers to a quality of nobility or honor, often describing the character of a person or the nature of their actions. In the Hebrew Bible it carries the sense of something being noble in rank or deed, pointing toward an inherent dignity rather than just social status.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Job 31:16. There, Job uses it to defend his integrity, stating he has not denied the needy their nedivah. The context suggests he is speaking of giving them what is rightfully theirs—dignity, respect, or fair treatment—rather than withholding something material.
Its root relates to being willing or free, implying that true nobility involves a voluntary generosity of spirit. Translators often render it as "honor" or "right," capturing the idea that treating others with dignity is a noble act. The single occurrence highlights how personal integrity and respect for others are closely linked in biblical wisdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nedivah carries a deep sense of nobility and inherent dignity. It points to a quality of character that is willing, free, and generous, rather than something earned by social rank or title. In the Bible, this concept reminds us that true honor comes from how we treat others with respect and fairness.
In Job 30:15, Job describes his suffering vividly. He says that terrors chase his nedivah like the wind. This powerful image shows how quickly social standing or personal dignity can be stripped away in times of deep distress. Yet, the word itself suggests that this honor is not just external; it reflects an inner integrity that remains valuable even when circumstances are harsh.
This single occurrence invites us to consider our own actions toward those who are vulnerable. It calls us to a generosity of spirit that gives others their due respect and dignity. By valuing the nobility in every person, we reflect a heart that is free from selfishness and open to love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dignity/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְדִבָתִ֑/י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 30:15
Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.
This verse uses the word to describe Job's honor being chased away by terrors, illustrating how external suffering can threaten one's dignity and social standing.