עָדִין (a.din)
a.din
Adin
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adin, from the Hebrew word עָדִין, literally means "dainty" or "delicate." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, specifically within the lists of returnees in Ezra and Nehemiah. In these contexts, it identifies a specific individual who played a notable role in the post-exilic community.
Adin is first mentioned as an ancestor of a family that returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:15). Later, he is identified as a chief among those who signed the covenant recorded in Nehemiah 10:16. The brevity of his mentions highlights the collective effort of the community rather than individual fame.
While the name suggests softness or refinement, its biblical usage anchors it in the serious work of rebuilding religious identity after exile. It serves as a reminder that even those with gentle-sounding names were part of the hard task of restoring Israel’s covenant life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adin appears in the Bible as a reminder that God values every member of His community, regardless of their background or the meaning of their name. Literally translating to 'dainty' or 'delicate,' this term is attached to families who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Their story shows that even those with gentle-sounding names were part of the hard work of restoring Israel’s covenant life.
When you read about the children of Adin in Ezra and Nehemiah, it highlights the collective effort of the people rather than individual fame. Each name listed represents a person who chose to stay faithful to God during a difficult time. This encourages us to see our own lives as part of a larger story where every contribution matters.
God’s plan includes all kinds of people, those strong and those delicate, working together for His purposes. The returnees did not rebuild alone; they stood together in community. This shared commitment reminds us that we are never isolated in our faith journey but are connected to others who seek God with sincerity and courage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Adin3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָדִ֔ין3×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:15
The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four.
This verse lists the children of Adin among the first returnees, showing their immediate inclusion in the restored community under Zerubbabel.
-
Ezra 8:6
Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan; and with him fifty males.
Here, Ebed son of Jonathan from the family of Adin joins Ezra’s second group, demonstrating continued loyalty and participation in the return.
-
Nehemiah 7:20
The children of Adin: six hundred fifty-five.
The increased number of children of Adin in this census reflects the growth and stability of their family line within the post-exilic community.