Lexical Summary Abda: Abda Original Word: עַבְדָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abda From abad; work; Abda, the name of two Israelites -- Abda see HEBREW abad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abad Definition two Isr. NASB Translation Abda (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַבְדָּא proper name, masculine (servant of ׳י (= עֹבַדְיָה 1 Chronicles 9:16 = Nehemiah 11:17), but form dubious, see ᵐ5); — 1 father of adoniram 1 Kings 4:6; ᵐ5 Εφρα, A Αβαω, ᵐ5L Εδραμ. 2 a Levite Nehemiah 11:17; ᵐ5 Ωβηβ, A Ιωβηβ, ᵐ5L Αβδιας. Topical Lexicon Name and Theological MotifsThe Hebrew name עַבְדָּא (ʿaḇdāʾ) stems from the verbal root עבד, “to serve,” and means “servant of Yah” or simply “servant.” Scripture applies the title to two distinct men, and in both cases the narrative context underlines the biblical theology of service: one participates in the compulsory labor system of the monarchy, the other in the voluntary worship ministry of the restored Temple. Thus Abda becomes a literary signpost reminding readers that everyone—whether royal official or Levitical singer—ultimately serves the purposes of the covenant-making God. Abda, Father of Adoniram (1 Kings 4:6) Solomon’s administrative list places “Adoniram son of Abda” over the corvée, the forced labor drawn from Israel for royal building projects. The policy had begun under David (2 Samuel 20:24) and intensified under Solomon’s vast construction agenda. The father’s name, “Servant,” contrasts with the son’s role as taskmaster, hinting that true greatness in the kingdom flows not from coercion but from fidelity to God’s servant-heart (compare 1 Kings 12:4). Solomon’s era, though outwardly glorious, already contains the seeds of division; the burden administered by Abda’s son will later provoke the northern tribes to revolt. Abda therefore stands at the hinge between blessing and judgment, illustrating how structures of power may drift from covenant ideals when service to God is replaced by exploitation of people. Abda, Levitical Descendant of Jeduthun (Nehemiah 11:17) Post-exilic Jerusalem needed both physical rebuilding and spiritual renewal. Among those who resettled the city was “Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun”. Jeduthunites were appointed by David to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals before the Lord (1 Chronicles 25:1). The reappearance of this lineage in Nehemiah underscores continuity between pre-exilic worship and restored Temple service. This Abda likely assisted his kinsman Mattaniah, “the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer,” helping re-establish orderly, Scripture-saturated praise. Where the earlier Abda is tethered to compulsory labor, this Abda embodies voluntary, joyful service—“the sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). The contrast reveals how exile transformed Israel’s understanding of true servanthood: from enforced drudgery to heartfelt devotion. Redemptive-Historical Trajectory 1. From Monarchy to Restoration: The two references frame Israel’s fall and recovery. The first Abda appears during imperial ambition; the second during humble reconstruction. Together they trace the arc of covenant discipline and mercy. Lessons for Ministry Today • Authority as Service: The tension between Solomon’s bureaucracy and Levite worship warns leaders against confusing authority with domination. Christ’s model of servant-leadership (Matthew 20:25-28) must shape all Christian governance. • Continuity of Worship: Just as Abda of Nehemiah’s day preserved Davidic musical tradition, modern churches are called to guard apostolic doctrine and doxology, ensuring that worship remains anchored in God’s Word rather than shifting cultural tastes. • Hope after Discipline: Israel’s exile did not erase the name Abda; it recontextualized it. Personal or corporate failure can likewise be redeemed when believers return to heartfelt service. Summary Abda, though mentioned only twice, bookends a grand biblical theme: God fashions a people whose identity is found in serving Him. Whether standing behind the scenes of Solomon’s mighty works or lifting songs in the rebuilt Temple, each bearer of the name testifies that true honor lies in obedient, joyful servanthood before the Lord of covenant history. Forms and Transliterations וְעַבְדָּא֙ ועבדא עַבְדָּ֖א עבדא ‘aḇ·dā ‘aḇdā avDa veavDa wə‘aḇdā wə·‘aḇ·dāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:6 HEB: וַאֲדֹנִירָ֥ם בֶּן־ עַבְדָּ֖א עַל־ הַמַּֽס׃ NAS: the son of Abda [was] over KJV: the son of Abda [was] over the tribute. INT: and Adoniram the son of Abda over the men Nehemiah 11:17 2 Occurrences |
    |