Lexical Summary ammi nadib: "My noble people" or "My willing people" Original Word: עַמִּי נָדִיב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amminadib From am and nadiyb; my people (is) liberal; Ammi-Nadib, probably an Israelite -- Amminadib. see HEBREW am see HEBREW nadiyb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom am, q.v. and nadib, q.v. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Sematic Range עַמִּי נָדִיב unites עַמִּי (“my people”) with נָדִיב (“noble, willing, princely”). The compound therefore carries the idea of “my noble people,” “my willing people,” or, when read as a proper name, “Amminadib.” Although attested only as a combined form, the phrase stands in close kinship to parallels such as “nobles of the peoples” (Psalm 47:9) and the voluntariness of God’s army in Psalm 110:3. Biblical Setting No undisputed occurrence of עַמִּי נָדִיב is found in the received consonantal text, yet Song of Solomon 6:12 often supplies the paradigm for discussion: “My soul set me over the chariots of my noble people.” Some translators treat the final words as the proper name “Amminadib,” while others, following the more natural syntax, render the phrase descriptively (“chariots of my willing people”). Either way, the context is one of sudden elevation and joyful movement, fitting the larger marriage motif of Song of Solomon. Historical Reception Jewish tradition generally read the phrase descriptively, connecting the “noble people” with Israel’s princes or volunteers. Early Christian commentators frequently saw a christological echo: the Bride (representing the Church) is borne swiftly in royal chariots, a picture of the Spirit-empowered mission inaugurated at Pentecost. Medieval interpreters varied, some turning the line into an allegory of the soul’s ascent, others identifying Amminadib as a historical charioteer in David’s retinue. The Reformers tended to prefer the literal sense yet still drew moral lessons concerning the willing service of God’s people. Theological Themes 1. Willingness and Nobility of God’s People 2. Swift Divine Elevation The chariot imagery (Song of Solomon 6:12; Isaiah 66:15) suggests speed, honor, and triumph. When the Bride is placed among such chariots, the picture is of sudden promotion by grace. In ministry terms, God can move His servants from obscurity to usefulness in a moment, independent of human calculation. 3. Covenant Community Identity By saying “my” people, Scripture reminds believers of their corporate identity in covenant. Nobility arises not from earthly status but from belonging to the King of kings (1 Peter 2:9). Practical Ministry Applications • Cultivating Willing Hearts: Leaders should pray and labor for congregations that serve out of gladness rather than compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Related Terms and Passages • נָדִיב (noble, generous): Psalm 113:8; Proverbs 17:26. Conclusion Whether read as “Amminadib” or “my noble people,” עַמִּי נָדִיב highlights a community distinguished by voluntary devotion and royal dignity. The phrase fits seamlessly with the biblical testimony that God fashions a willing, princely people and then carries them forward in triumphant service for His glory. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance mê·hā·‘am·mō·w·nîm — 1 Occ.wə·hā·‘am·mō·nîm — 2 Occ. hā·‘am·mō·nîṯ — 4 Occ. ‘ā·mō·ws — 7 Occ. ‘ā·mō·wq — 1 Occ. lə·‘ā·mō·wq — 1 Occ. ‘am·mî·’êl — 6 Occ. ‘am·mî·hūḏ — 9 Occ. ‘am·mî·zā·ḇāḏ — 1 Occ. ‘am·mî·hūḏ — 1 Occ. wə·‘am·mî·nā·ḏāḇ — 3 Occ. ‘am·mî·qā·ṯā — 1 Occ. ‘ā·mîr — 1 Occ. bə·‘ā·mîr — 1 Occ. ke·‘ā·mîr — 1 Occ. ū·ḵə·‘ā·mîr — 1 Occ. ‘am·mî·šad·dāy — 5 Occ. ‘ă·mî·ṯə·ḵā — 5 Occ. ‘ă·mî·ṯî — 1 Occ. ‘ă·mî·ṯōw — 2 Occ. |