עַדְנָא (ad.na)
ad.na
Adna
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Adna appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah as part of the genealogies following the Babylonian exile. It identifies two distinct individuals: one from the family of Pahath-moab who returned with Ezra and confessed to marrying a foreign wife (Ezra 10:30), and another priest listed among the descendants of Harim in the time of Joiakim (Nehemiah 12:15). These brief mentions anchor ordinary people within the larger narrative of restoration.
Etymologically, Adna derives from roots meaning "rest" or "pleasure." This semantic background offers a quiet contrast to the turbulent historical context of the returnees. While the community faced significant social and religious challenges, including the complex issue of intermarriage, the name itself suggests a longing for stability and joy.
Though the text does not elaborate on their personal stories, these records highlight the importance of lineage in post-exilic Judah. The inclusion of Adna in official lists underscores how individual families contributed to the rebuilding of religious identity. Their names serve as reminders that the restoration was carried out by specific people, each with a place in the community’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Adna appears in two brief genealogical lists within Ezra and Nehemiah, anchoring ordinary individuals in the grand narrative of Israel’s restoration. Etymologically linked to roots meaning 'rest' or 'pleasure,' this name offers a quiet contrast to the turbulent historical context of the post-exilic community. While the people faced significant social and religious challenges, including complex issues of intermarriage, their inclusion in these records highlights the importance of lineage and identity in rebuilding their faith.
These names serve as reminders that the restoration was carried out by specific people, each with a place in the community’s history. Adna, whether from the family of Pahath-moab or the priestly line of Harim, represents the faithful contribution of everyday individuals to the larger work of God. In your own life, this can be encouraging: your unique place and heritage matter, even when they seem small or unnoticed in the grand scheme.
Reflecting on these ancient records invites us to consider how our own stories fit into God’s ongoing work. Just as Adna was part of a community striving for faithfulness, we too are woven into a larger tapestry of believers. This perspective can bring comfort and hope, reminding us that our contributions, however humble, are valued and remembered by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Adna2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַדְנָ֣א1×
- עַדְנָ֔א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 10:30
Of the sons of Pahathmoab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh.
This verse places Adna within the family of Pahath-moab during a critical moment of religious reform, highlighting the personal cost and commitment required for covenant faithfulness.
-
Nehemiah 12:15
of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;
Here Adna is listed among the descendants of Harim, preserving his identity within the priestly lineage during the dedication of Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing continuity in worship.