נְתַנְאֵל (ne.tan.el)
ne.tan.el
Nethanel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nethanel, meaning "given of God," appears fourteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within historical records rather than poetic or prophetic texts. It identifies a distinct group of individuals spanning several centuries of Israelite history, from the wilderness wanderings to the post-exilic restoration.
Most notably, one Nethanel served as a tribal chief for Issachar during the Exodus and contributed offerings at the dedication of the Tabernacle (Numbers 1:8; 7:30). The name recurs in later eras, identifying Levites who played trumpets before the Ark under David, priests involved in temple reforms under Josiah, and officials sent to teach the law under Jehoshaphat.
This recurrence suggests the name carried significant religious weight for families serving in leadership roles. While the biblical text does not elaborate on their personal biographies, the consistent use of this name among those entrusted with worship, teaching, and tribal governance highlights its association with divine provision and faithful service across generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nethanel carries a simple but profound meaning: "given of God." Throughout the biblical narrative, this title belongs to individuals who appear in moments of significant spiritual activity. From tribal leaders during the wilderness wanderings to priests and Levites serving in the temple, these men are consistently linked with worship, teaching, and faithful service. Their stories remind us that being "given" by God often involves stepping into roles that require reliability and devotion.
When we look at figures like Nethanel of Issachar or the Levites who blew trumpets before the Ark, we see a pattern of people entrusted with sacred duties. They did not seek the spotlight; rather, they served where they were needed, whether leading a tribe, teaching the law, or managing temple resources. This consistency highlights that God values faithful presence in ordinary tasks just as much as dramatic miracles.
For your own life, this word invites you to consider how God has given you specific gifts and places within His community. It is not about fame or recognition, but about being a willing vessel for divine purpose. Whether you are leading, serving behind the scenes, or teaching others, your faithful response to what God has entrusted to you matters deeply to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nethanel9×
- and/ Nethanel3×
- and/ <to>/ Nethanel1×
- [was] Nethanel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְתַנְאֵ֖ל4×
- נְתַנְאֵל֙1×
- נְתַנְאֵֽל\׃1×
- נְתַנְאֵ֨ל1×
- נְתַנְאֵ֤ל1×
- נְתַנְאֵ֣ל1×
- נְתַנְאֵ֔ל1×
- וּ/נְתַנְאֵ֡ל1×
- וּ/נְתַנְאֵ֜ל1×
- וּ/נְתַנְאֵ֖ל1×
- וְ/לִ/נְתַנְאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 1:8
Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.
This verse identifies Nethanel as a tribal prince during the census, establishing his role in the foundational organization of Israel.
-
Numbers 7:18
On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering.
Here Nethanel offers gifts for the Tabernacle dedication, showing how individuals contributed to communal worship and sanctification.
-
I Chronicles 15:24
Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, blew the trumpets before God’s ark; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
This passage places Nethanel among the priests blowing trumpets before the Ark, linking the name directly to joyful praise and reverence.
-
II Chronicles 17:7
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
Nethanel is sent by King Jehoshaphat to teach the law in Judah’s cities, highlighting the name's association with spiritual instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nethanel mean?
Who are the different people named Nethanel in the Bible?
Why is Nethanel associated with worship and service?
How is Nethanel different from other Hebrew names?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 5 books)
Numbers 5 verses
Of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar.
Numbers 2:5“Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel…
Numbers 7:18On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering.
Numbers 7:23and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old.…
Numbers 10:15Nethanel the son of Zuar was over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar.