Lexical Summary nidbak: To cling, to cleave, to stick, to adhere Original Word: נִדְבָּךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance row (Aramaic) from a root meaning to stick; a layer (of building materials) -- row. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation Definition a row or layer, course NASB Translation layer (1), layers (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נִדְבָּךְ noun masculine row or layer, course (ᵑ7 Late Hebrew id.; Late Hebrew also מִדְבָּךְ id. (LevyNHWB iii. 23), compare  as loan-word Frä12; borrowed from Assyrian nadbaku, mountain-slope according to DlPr 150 (compare BaZA ii. 115 f. HptGN 1883, 96; BAS i. 8.15), but meaning not very suitable NöZMG xi (1886), 733 MeyEntst. J. 46); — absolute ׳נ Ezra 6:4, plural נִדְבָּכִין Ezra 6:4. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept נִדְבָּךְ designates a structural “layer” or “course” in masonry or timber work. The term evokes the orderly, purposeful placement of materials in construction and, by extension, any carefully arranged stage in a God-ordained project. Biblical Occurrences Ezra 6:4 records King Darius’ confirmation of Cyrus’ original decree concerning the Second Temple: “with three layers of large stones and one of timber. The expenses are to be paid from the royal treasury” (Berean Standard Bible). The word appears twice in that single verse, describing both the three successive courses of ashlar blocks and the distinct timber course resting above them. These occurrences frame נִדְבָּךְ as a technical term in Persian-era building directives. Historical Background After the Babylonian exile, returning Judeans faced formidable political and economic obstacles. The rebuilt Temple not only restored worship but also embodied Judah’s re-establishment as a covenant community. Persian kings frequently underwrote major public works to consolidate authority; thus, Darius’ requirement for specific courses broadcast imperial largesse while validating Israel’s religious identity. Archaeological parallels from Persian-period palaces show alternating stone-and-wood construction for stability in seismic zones and to facilitate upper-story attachments—practices that illuminate Ezra’s description. Architectural Significance 1. Structural Integrity: Multiple stone courses supplied mass and rigidity; the timber layer absorbed shear stress and provided a horizontal platform for the superstructure. Theological Reflections • Covenant Continuity: By mirroring Solomon’s earlier architectural rhythm, the post-exilic builders affirmed that the God who dwelt among Israel before the exile would dwell with them again (Haggai 2:3–9). Ministry Applications • Strategic Planning: Church leaders may glean from נִדְבָּךְ the importance of deliberate phases in building ministries—foundations first, visible structures later. Related Biblical Imagery • Living Stones: 1 Peter 2:5 likens believers to stones being “built” into a spiritual house, echoing the literal courses in Ezra. Conclusion Though occurring only in Ezra 6:4, נִדְבָּךְ encapsulates a broader biblical witness: God advances His purposes through orderly, well-resourced stages, weaving human craftsmanship and royal patronage into the tapestry of redemptive history. The image of carefully set layers encourages modern believers to pursue systematic, Spirit-guided building—whether erecting sanctuaries, forming disciples, or shaping communities—confident that the Master Builder supplies every course. Forms and Transliterations וְנִדְבָּ֖ךְ ונדבך נִדְבָּכִ֞ין נדבכין niḏ·bā·ḵîn nidbaChin niḏbāḵîn venidBach wə·niḏ·bāḵ wəniḏbāḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:4 HEB: נִדְבָּכִ֞ין דִּי־ אֶ֤בֶן NAS: with three layers of huge stones KJV: [With] three rows of great stones, INT: layers forasmuch stones Ezra 6:4 2 Occurrences |
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