Pronunciation Guide: ah-meen-ah-DAHB

Basic Definition

Strong’s G284: Aminadab was a prominent figure in the tribal lineage of Judah, whose name carries the meaning “my people are noble” or “my kinsman is noble.” He was the father of Nahshon, who became a notable leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, and through his daughter Elisheba, he became Aaron’s father-in-law, establishing a connection between the priestly and royal lines of Israel.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Masculine
• Hebrew Origin: עַמִּינָדָב (Amminadab)
• Usage Context: Genealogical narratives, particularly in Matthew’s Gospel and Luke’s Gospel
• Primary Function: Historical figure in Messianic genealogy

Ἀμιναδάβ Morphology:

• Ἀμιναδάβ (nominative) – subject form
• τοῦ Ἀμιναδάβ (genitive) – of Aminadab
• τῷ Ἀμιναδάβ (dative) – to/for Aminadab
• τὸν Ἀμιναδάβ (accusative) – direct object form

Origin & History

The name Ἀμιναδάβ represents the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name עַמִּינָדָב (Amminadab), which appears in both biblical and extra-biblical sources. In the Septuagint, this transliteration maintains remarkable consistency, showing the importance of preserving the name’s identity across linguistic boundaries.

The historical figure of Aminadab lived during the period between Judah’s settlement in Egypt and the Exodus, placing him in a crucial transitional period of Israel’s history. His significance is attested in both biblical genealogies and extra-biblical sources, with Josephus mentioning him in “Antiquities of the Jews” (2.3.4) when discussing the lineage of Moses and Aaron.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• My people are noble/willing
• My kinsman is noble
• Prince of the people

Ἀμιναδάβ Translation Options:

• Aminadab – Most precise transliteration following Greek text
• Amminadab – Traditional English rendering following Hebrew form
• Aminadav – Alternative transliteration used in some modern translations

Biblical Usage

Ἀμιναδάβ appears in both Matthew and Luke’s genealogies of Jesus, establishing his role in the Messianic lineage. His position in these genealogies is particularly significant as he represents a crucial link between the period of the patriarchs and the emergence of Israel’s royal line.

In the Old Testament context, his name appears in significant genealogical passages, highlighting his role in both the royal and priestly lines of Israel. His daughter’s marriage to Aaron created a unique union between the future royal tribe of Judah and the priestly line of Levi.

• “Matthew 1:4” – “Aram begat Aminadab, and Aminadab begat Nahshon”
• “Luke 3:33” – “the son of Aminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni”
• “Ruth 4:19” – “Hezron became the father of Ram, and Ram became the father of Aminadab“
• “1 Chronicles 2:10” – “Ram became the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab became the father of Nahshon”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish tradition, Aminadab was renowned not only for his lineage but also for his character. The Midrash Rabbah elaborates on his name’s meaning, suggesting that his nobility wasn’t merely inherited but demonstrated through his actions. His daughter Elisheba’s marriage to Aaron was considered one of the most celebrated unions in Jewish history, representing the joining of leadership qualities with spiritual authority.

The combination of “ammi” (my people) and “nadab” (noble/willing) in his name reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of theophoric names, though in this case emphasizing the noble character of the community rather than directly referencing deity. This naming convention provides insight into the communal values and social structures of ancient Israelite society.

Theological Significance

Aminadab’s position in the Messianic genealogy demonstrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s sovereign orchestration of history to bring forth the Messiah. His presence in both Matthew and Luke’s genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to David and the careful preservation of the Messianic line.

The marriage alliance between his family and the priestly line through his daughter Elisheba prefigures the ultimate union of royal and priestly offices in Jesus the Messiah, who serves as both King and High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. This dual connection highlights the divine wisdom in preparing for the Messiah’s comprehensive role in redemption.

Personal Application

Aminadab’s position in Scripture reminds us that every person plays a unique role in God’s grand narrative of redemption. Just as his family connections served both royal and priestly purposes, we too should consider how our relationships and positions might serve God’s kingdom purposes in ways we don’t fully understand.

His name’s meaning, “my people are noble,” challenges us to consider how our actions reflect on our community of faith and whether we are living up to our calling as God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood set apart for His purposes.

Related Words

• βασιλεύς (basileus) [bah-see-LUCE] – king, sovereign; highlighting Aminadab’s connection to the royal line – See G935
• ἱερεύς (hiereus) [hee-eh-RACE] – priest; connecting to his daughter’s marriage into the priestly line – See G2409
• γενεαλογία (genealogia) [gen-eh-ah-lo-GEE-ah] – genealogy, family lineage – See G1076
• εὐγενής (eugenes) [you-gen-ACE] – noble, well-born; reflecting the meaning of his name – See G2104

Did you Know?

• In Jewish tradition, Aminadab’s home is said to have been one of the few places where the Hebrew language was preserved during the Egyptian bondage, highlighting his family’s role in maintaining Israelite identity during captivity.
• The Talmud records that Aminadab was among the first to follow Nahshon (his son) into the Red Sea before it parted, demonstrating that nobility of character that his name suggests was passed down to his children.
• Archaeological discoveries from the period of the Egyptian bondage have uncovered Semitic names similar to Aminadab in structure, confirming the historical authenticity of such naming patterns among the Hebrews in Egypt.

Remember This

Aminadab stands as a testament to how God weaves together both royal and priestly lines through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes in bringing forth the Messiah.