Lexical Summary Nethanel: God has given Original Word: נְתַנְאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nethaneel From nathan and 'el; given of God; Nethanel, the name of ten Israelites -- Nethaneel. see HEBREW nathan see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nathan and el Definition "given of God," the name of a number of Isr. NASB Translation Nethanel (14). Brown-Driver-Briggs נְתַנְאֵל proper name, masculine (see GrayProp. N. 181, 192, 205; on proper names of this kind compare RSSem i. 100 n., 2nd ed. 108, GrayProp. N. 264); — ᵐ5 Ναθαναηλ; — 1 a chief of Issachar Numbers 1:8; Numbers 2:5; Numbers 7:18,23; Numbers 10:15. 2 4th son of Jesse 1 Chronicles 2:14. 3 name of priests: b. Nehemiah 12:21. 4 priest's son (who had strange wife) Ezra 10:22, perhaps = Nehemiah 12:36. 5 Levite name: c.2Chronicles 35:9. 6 a prince of Jehoshaphat2Chronicles 17:7. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope of the NameNethanel, “gift of God,” identifies ten separate men whose combined fourteen mentions span the Torah, the historical books, and the post-exilic records. Though individually diverse, every bearer of the name is portrayed in settings where God’s covenant grace is imparted to His people—whether through tribal oversight, royal lineage, Levitical worship, or prophetic reform. 1. Tribal Leadership in the Wilderness (Numbers 1:8; 2:5; 7:18, 23; 10:15) Nethanel son of Zuar serves as chief of Issachar throughout Israel’s wilderness years. His repeated appearance beside the princes of the other tribes underscores Issachar’s full participation in the census, encampment, offerings, and march. “His offering was one silver dish…” (Numbers 7:19) exemplifies a willing generosity reflective of his name. Because Issachar later supplies “understanding of the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32), the prince’s early faithfulness forms part of God’s preparation for Israel’s discernment. 2. A Brother of David (1 Chronicles 2:14) Listed fourth among Jesse’s eight sons, Nethanel belongs to the immediate household from which the Lord raises up King David. Though not spotlighted in the narrative, the inclusion of his name confirms the historicity of David’s family and reinforces the messianic genealogies. 3. Priests before the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:24) During the joyous procession of the ark to Jerusalem, “Nethanel, Obed-edom, and Jeiel were to sound the trumpets before the ark of God”. This Levite priest ministers in the very act that unites worship with the Davidic covenant, foreshadowing the enduring centrality of God’s presence among His people. 4. Levitical Administration and Record-Keeping (1 Chronicles 24:6) A second Levitical Nethanel, son of Shemaiah, serves as scribe alongside the king’s secretary in the casting of lots for the priestly divisions. His involvement testifies to orderly stewardship of temple service and to the shared responsibility between royal and priestly spheres. 5. Gatekeeping and Household Blessing (1 Chronicles 26:4) Among the sons of Obed-Edom, Nethanel is appointed gatekeeper. The family that once hosted the ark becomes custodians of its precincts, exemplifying how faithful hospitality leads to enduring ministry. 6. Teaching in Jehoshaphat’s Reforms (2 Chronicles 17:7) When Jehoshaphat sends teachers “to instruct in the Book of the Law of the LORD,” the Levite Nethanel is named first. His itinerant preaching contributes to the spiritual awakening that brings surrounding nations to fear the Lord (17:10). The verse sets a biblical precedent for organized doctrinal instruction. 7. Organizing Josiah’s Passover (2 Chronicles 35:9) Centuries later, another Levite Nethanel joins others in providing “two hundred and sixty sheep and goats” for the Passover offerings. His generosity supports one of the most thorough covenant renewals in Judah’s history, linking sacrificial provision with heartfelt reform. 8. Post-exilic Priesthood: Purity Tested and Restored (Ezra 10:22; Nehemiah 12:21, 36) A Nethanel of the family of Pashhur is listed among priests who marry foreign wives. His presence in the repentance narrative illustrates the tension between priestly privilege and personal holiness. A generation later, priests named Nethanel take part in Nehemiah’s covenant ceremony and in the musical procession around Jerusalem’s wall, marking a full circle from compromise to consecration. Patterns and Theological Themes • Covenant Leadership From wilderness prince to post-exilic priest, each Nethanel functions within covenantal structures—tribal, royal, or ecclesiastical—demonstrating God’s use of appointed leaders to maintain order and blessing. Practical Reflections 1. God’s gifts carry responsibility. The “gift of God” motif calls every believer to steward God-given roles in service to the covenant community. Summary Across fourteen Old Testament occurrences, Nethanel marks points where God’s gracious provision equips His people for leadership, worship, teaching, and renewal. The varied men who bear the name collectively testify that every divine gift is intended to further God’s redemptive purposes among His covenant people. Forms and Transliterations וְלִנְתַנְאֵ֖ל וּנְתַנְאֵ֖ל וּנְתַנְאֵ֜ל וּנְתַנְאֵ֡ל ולנתנאל ונתנאל נְתַנְאֵ֔ל נְתַנְאֵ֖ל נְתַנְאֵ֣ל נְתַנְאֵ֤ל נְתַנְאֵ֨ל נְתַנְאֵֽל׃ נְתַנְאֵל֙ נתנאל נתנאל׃ nə·ṯan·’êl nəṯan’êl netanEl ū·nə·ṯan·’êl ūnəṯan’êl unetanEl velintanEl wə·lin·ṯan·’êl wəlinṯan’êlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 1:8 HEB: לְיִ֨שָּׂשכָ֔ר נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ צוּעָֽר׃ NAS: of Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; KJV: Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son INT: of Issachar Nethanel the son of Zuar Numbers 2:5 Numbers 7:18 Numbers 7:23 Numbers 10:15 1 Chronicles 2:14 1 Chronicles 15:24 1 Chronicles 24:6 1 Chronicles 26:4 2 Chronicles 17:7 2 Chronicles 35:9 Ezra 10:22 Nehemiah 12:21 Nehemiah 12:36 14 Occurrences |
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