Lexical Summary adan: Base, pedestal, foundation Original Word: עָדַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance delight self A primitive root; to be soft or pleasant; figuratively and reflexively, to live voluptuously -- delight self. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from eden Definition to luxuriate NASB Translation reveled (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עָדַן] verb denominative Hithpa`el luxuriate (Late Hebrew Pi`el delight (active), so Syriac  ; — Imperfect3masculine plural וַיִּתְעַדְּנוּ בְּטוּבְךָ Nehemiah 9:25 and they luxuriated in thy great goodness (+ וַיּאֹכְלוּ וַיִּשְׂבְּעוּ וַיַּשְׁמִינוּ). Topical Lexicon Context in Nehemiah 9:25 The lone biblical occurrence appears in the Levites’ great prayer of confession during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. As the returned exiles recount Israel’s history, they recall how their forefathers, having conquered the land under Joshua, “ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted themselves in Your great goodness” (Nehemiah 9:25). The term describes the luxuriant enjoyment of covenant blessings—fortified cities, fertile fields, wells, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees—all bestowed by the LORD’s gracious hand. Imagery of Pleasant Enjoyment The word evokes the picture of people settling into abundance, taking deep satisfaction in God-given prosperity. It is not mere materialistic indulgence; the text explicitly connects the delight to “Your great goodness.” The focus is on the covenant God whose generosity causes His people to rejoice. Nevertheless, the context of confession reminds the reader that unguarded pleasure can drift into presumption. Covenantal Fulfillment and Warning Israel’s occupation of Canaan fulfilled promises made to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) and reiterated by Moses (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). Moses had forewarned that, once settled and satisfied, the nation must “take care lest you forget the LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:12). Nehemiah 9 shows that the warning went unheeded. The single verb thus becomes a hinge: from delight in God’s goodness to neglect of God’s commands. It highlights the moral responsibility that accompanies blessing. Theological Themes 1. God’s generosity—He delights to give good gifts (James 1:17). Intertextual Echoes While this specific Hebrew term occurs only once, its concept resonates throughout Scripture: These passages amplify the truth that legitimate delight finds its center in God, not merely His gifts. Practical Ministry Applications • Cultivate gratitude: encourage congregations to trace every pleasure back to the Giver. Christological and Eschatological Outlook In Jesus Christ the ultimate promise of rest and delight is secured. He offers “life…abundantly” (John 10:10) and invites weary sinners to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-29). The New Jerusalem will complete the trajectory: “They will see His face…There will be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3-4). The fleeting delight of Nehemiah’s generation anticipates the eternal satisfaction believers will experience in the presence of God and the Lamb. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 5727 marks a moment of God-centered delight amid Israel’s national story—a moment that became a mirror for self-examination. It calls every generation to enjoy God’s bounty, remember His covenant, and remain steadfast in grateful obedience until rejoicing is perfected in the age to come. Forms and Transliterations וַיִּֽתְעַדְּנ֖וּ ויתעדנו vaiyitaddeNu way·yiṯ·‘ad·də·nū wayyiṯ‘addənūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 9:25 HEB: וַֽיִּשְׂבְּעוּ֙ וַיַּשְׁמִ֔ינוּ וַיִּֽתְעַדְּנ֖וּ בְּטוּבְךָ֥ הַגָּדֽוֹל׃ NAS: and grew fat, And reveled in Your great KJV: and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great INT: were filled and grew and reveled thing your great 1 Occurrence |
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