נָתָן (na.tan)

na.tan

Nathan

H5416 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 38 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 38 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Nathan means "he gave" or "gift," derived from the Hebrew root for giving. It appears in Scripture as a personal name for several distinct individuals during the United Monarchy and later periods. The most prominent figure is the prophet who served David and Solomon, but the name also identifies a son of David by Bathsheba, various warriors, and post-exilic community leaders.

While the lexicon data lists multiple bearers of this name, the prophetic Nathan carries the greatest theological weight. He is the voice that confronts King David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12) and delivers the covenant promise regarding David’s dynasty (2 Samuel 7). His role as a royal advisor highlights the tension between political power and divine word in ancient Israel.

Translators consistently render this name as Nathan, preserving its identity across languages. The recurrence of the name among Judah’s elite suggests it was a common honorific for those viewed as recipients of God’s favor, linking figures from David’s court to the returned exiles under Ezra.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Nathan carries the simple, profound meaning of "he gave." In Scripture, this word marks those who are recipients of God’s favor, yet it is most famous for the prophet who stood before King David. This figure reminds us that true wisdom often arrives through honest conversation rather than flattery. When power and truth meet, integrity becomes the bridge between them.

For your daily life, this name invites you to value transparency in relationships. Just as Nathan spoke directly to the king, we are called to speak truth with grace. It is not about being harsh, but about being faithful to what God has placed on our hearts. This kind of courage strengthens communities and honors God.

Whether you are navigating a difficult decision or seeking to understand your role in God’s plan, remember that God uses ordinary people to deliver extraordinary messages. His word remains active and relevant. May you find peace in knowing that God hears your prayers and guides your steps with wisdom.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Nathan29×
and/ Nathan10×
and/ for/ Nathan1×
and/ <to>/ Nathan1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

נָתָ֖ן8×
נָתָ֣ן7×
נָתָן֙4×
נָתָ֔ן4×
וְ/נָתָ֖ן3×
נָתָ֛ן2×
וְ/נָתָ֤ן2×
נָתָן֩1×
נָתָן֒1×
נָתָ֜ן1×
נָתָ֗ן1×
וּ/לְ/נָתָ֣ן1×

Key Verses

II Samuel 12:7
Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.

Nathan identifies David as the guilty party, showing how the word marks a moment of divine confrontation that leads to repentance.
II Samuel 7:4
That same night, Yahweh’s word came to Nathan, saying,

This verse highlights Nathan receiving a direct vision from Yahweh, emphasizing his role as a faithful recipient and messenger of God's covenant promise.
I Kings 1:34
Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel. Blow the trumpet, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’

Nathan participates in Solomon’s anointing, demonstrating how the name is associated with establishing legitimate leadership through divine approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Nathan mean?

The name Nathan comes from the Hebrew root natan, which means "to give." Therefore, it translates to "he gave" or "gift." It was a common name in ancient Israel, often given to boys believed to be special gifts from God.

Who is the prophet Nathan in the Bible?

Nathan was a key prophet during the reigns of Kings David and Solomon. He is best known for confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12) and for delivering God’s promise regarding David’s dynasty (2 Samuel 7). He also played a crucial role in ensuring Solomon became king.

Are there other people named Nathan in Scripture?

Yes, the name appears several times. It identifies one of King David’s sons by Bathsheba (2 Samuel 5:14), as well as various officials and warriors in later periods. While these individuals share the name, the prophet Nathan is the most prominent figure associated with it.

Every Occurrence (38 verses across 6 books)

II Samuel 12 verses

II Samuel 5:14

These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

II Samuel 7:2

the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but God’s ark dwells within curtains.”

II Samuel 7:3

Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for Yahweh is with you.”

II Samuel 7:4

That same night, Yahweh’s word came to Nathan, saying,

II Samuel 7:17

Nathan spoke to David all these words, and according to all this vision.

II Samuel 12:1

Yahweh sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in one city: the one rich, and the…

II Samuel 12:5

David’s anger burned hot against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this deserves…

II Samuel 12:7

Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel,…

II Samuel 12:13

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh also has put away your sin. You…

II Samuel 12:15

Then Nathan departed to his house. Yahweh struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he was very sick.

II Samuel 12:25

and he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah, for Yahweh’s sake.

II Samuel 23:36

Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

I Kings 12 verses

I Chronicles 9 verses

II Chronicles 2 verses

Ezra 2 verses

Zechariah 1 verse