נְתַן (ne.tan)
ne.tan
to give: give
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb nathan is a fundamental word meaning "to give," covering a wide spectrum of actions from handing over an object to allowing an event or paying a debt. Although it appears frequently across the Old Testament, its usage in Ezra and Daniel highlights specific contexts where authority and provision intersect. In these books, the term often describes the transfer of resources, such as materials for rebuilding, or the granting of permission by royal decree.
Its meaning extends beyond simple physical transfer to include abstract concepts like appointing someone to a role or setting a time for an event. This flexibility allows it to function in legal and administrative settings, where "giving" might mean establishing a standard or delivering a verdict. The word captures the act of making something available to another, whether that is a tangible gift or an intangible right.
Translators typically render nathan as "give," but the context often demands more precise English equivalents like "allow," "appoint," or "pay." This variety reflects the word's role in describing how power and resources are distributed within the community. By observing its use in Ezra and Daniel, readers can see how the concept of giving underpins both divine provision and earthly governance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word nathan is far more than a simple transaction. It describes the act of making something available, whether that is a physical object, a royal permission, or a specific moment in time. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, we see this word used when resources are provided for rebuilding God’s house or when a king grants a request for time to seek wisdom.
This flexibility reminds us that giving is not just about what we hand over, but also about who we empower and when we act. When leaders provide materials or set aside time for prayer, they are participating in a broader pattern of provision. It shows how earthly authority can align with divine purposes by opening doors and supplying needs.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. It suggests that God is the ultimate source who grants both the means and the opportunity. Whether you are receiving help or providing it yourself, there is a sacred rhythm in making space for others to thrive. You can trust that the same God who moved kings to support His work is attentive to your daily needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will give1×
- to/ give1×
- they will give1×
- he will give1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּנְתֵּ֕ן1×
- לְ/מִנְתַּ֑ן1×
- יִנְתֵּן\־1×
- יִנְתְּנ֔וּן1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:20
Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s treasure house.
This verse shows nathan used for providing material resources from a royal treasury, highlighting how earthly wealth can be directed toward sacred purposes.
-
Daniel 2:16
Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
Here the word means to appoint or set a specific time, demonstrating its use in administrative and legal contexts rather than just physical transfer.
-
Ezra 4:13
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
The term appears in the context of paying tribute, showing how giving can involve financial obligations and political consequences.