◄ 5993. ammi nadib ►
Lexical Summary
ammi nadib: "My noble people" or "My willing people"

Original Word: עַמִּי נָדִיב
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Ammiy Nadiyb
Pronunciation: am-MEE nah-DEEB
Phonetic Spelling: (am-mee' naw-deeb')
KJV: Amminadib
Word Origin: [from H5971 (עַם - People) and H5081 (נָדִיבּ - nobles)]

1. my people (is) liberal
2. Ammi-Nadib, probably an Israelite

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 Origin
from 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
• Psalm 110:3 links the messianic reign with a host of volunteers: “Your people shall be willing on the day of Your battle.” The same pair—people and willingness/nobility—resonates in עַמִּי נָדִיב.
• Judges 5:9 praises “the willing volunteers among the people.” Together these texts underscore that God esteems not mere lineage but a generous heart devoted to His purposes.

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).
• Encouraging Swift Obedience: The Bride’s sudden placement on royal chariots calls the church to readiness; when the Lord opens a door, His people must step through at once (Acts 8:29-30).
• Affirming the Dignity of the Saints: Every believer is part of God’s “noble people.” Recognizing this identity builds unity and counters the world’s status-driven divisions (James 2:1-5).

Related Terms and Passages

• נָדִיב (noble, generous): Psalm 113:8; Proverbs 17:26.
• חָפֵץ (willing): Isaiah 1:19; Psalm 40:8.
• Chariot symbolism: 2 Kings 2:11; Psalm 68:17; Revelation 19:14.

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 Texts
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