נוֹדָ֑ב (no.dav)
no.dav
Nodab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Nodab refers to an Arab tribe mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, identified as descendants of Ishmael through his son Nodab. The name translates to "nobility," a meaning that likely reflects the tribe’s social standing or reputation among neighboring peoples during the patriarchal era.
This group appears primarily in genealogical records, such as Genesis 25:15 and 1 Chronicles 5:19, where they are listed alongside other Ishmaelite clans like Nebaioth and Kedar. In some textual traditions, Nodab is also associated with Kedemah, suggesting a close familial or tribal connection within the broader Ishmaelite lineage.
The brief mentions of Nodab highlight the complex web of relationships among ancient Arab tribes. By tracing their ancestry back to Abraham through Ishmael, the biblical text situates these groups within a larger historical and theological framework that connects them to the patriarchal narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nodab carries a meaning of nobility or generosity, rooted in the lineage of Ishmael. While it appears only briefly in Scripture, its presence reminds us that God’s care extends beyond the immediate family of Israel to include other nations and peoples. In 1 Chronicles 5:19, we see this tribe mentioned in the context of conflict, yet their inclusion in the genealogical records affirms their place within God’s broader historical narrative.
For believers today, these ancient names serve as a gentle reminder that every person and tribe has value in God’s eyes. Even when relationships are strained or marked by struggle, as seen in the wars involving Nodab, the biblical record preserves their identity. This encourages us to view our neighbors and even those with whom we disagree as part of a larger human story under God’s sovereignty.
Reflecting on such details can deepen our appreciation for the richness of Scripture. It invites us to trust that God is working out His purposes through all peoples, not just a select few. This perspective fosters humility and a broader view of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Nodab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/נוֹדָֽב\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:19
They made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab.
This verse places Nodab within a specific historical conflict, showing how this Ishmaelite clan interacted with neighboring groups like the Hagrites and Jetur.