Lexical Summary Adin: Adin Original Word: עָדִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Adin The same as adiyn; Adin, the name of two Israelites -- Adin. see HEBREW adiyn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as eden Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Adin (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. עָדִין proper name, masculine 1. in ׳בְּנֵי ע, returned exiles Ezra 2:15 = Nehemiah 7:20; Ezra 8:6, ᵐ5. Αδ(δ)ιν, Ηδ(ε)ί, etc. 2 a chief Nehemiah 10:17, ᵐ5. Ηδ(ε)ιν, Αδειν. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Adin (עָדִין, ʿādîn) carries the idea of “delicate” or “ornament.” In Scripture the name designates the founding ancestor of a post-exilic family line that figures prominently in the community restored to Judah after the Babylonian captivity. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ezra 2:15 Historical Setting The name surfaces exclusively in literature that chronicles the return from exile and the reconstitution of life around the rebuilt temple and walls (circa 538–430 BC). The Adin family appears first in the list of those who returned with Zerubbabel after the decree of Cyrus, again in the census taken under Nehemiah, in Ezra’s roster of later arrivals, and finally among the covenant signatories in Jerusalem. Family Identity and Numbers Ezra 2:15 records “the descendants of Adin, 454,” whereas Nehemiah 7:20 lists “the descendants of Adin, 655.” The larger figure almost ninety years later reflects natural growth as well as the inclusion of additional members who joined subsequent migrations. The clan is large enough to be counted among the notable lay families yet small enough to be individually named, highlighting the value Scripture places on every household within God’s people. Participation in the First Return (Ezra 2:15; Nehemiah 7:20) Their appearance in both Ezra and Nehemiah shows continuity across generations. The earlier list documents their commitment to leave Babylon, surrendering settled lives for the hardships of resettlement. The later census confirms that the family persevered through decades of insecurity, famine, and opposition, evidencing covenant faithfulness. Contribution to Ezra’s Second Return (Ezra 8:6) Ezra records: “from the descendants of Adin: Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him fifty men” (Ezra 8:6). This contingent volunteered for the hazardous four-month journey in 458 BC, providing Ezra with manpower and witness. Their presence demonstrates an openness to renewed teaching of the Law, for Ezra’s mission centered on reformation of worship and life. Covenant Renewal under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:16) When Nehemiah led the people to bind themselves anew to the Law, “Adin” appears among those who sealed the document (Nehemiah 10:16). Whether this is the same ancestral name representing the clan or a leader bearing the name, the family’s pledge formalized obedience regarding marriage, Sabbath economics, and temple support. Their signature places them in the vanguard of spiritual renewal. Theological Significance 1. Faithful Remnant: Adin illustrates that God preserves identifiable families within the remnant, fulfilling promises of restoration (Jeremiah 29:14). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Encourage families to cultivate generational loyalty to Scripture and worship, following Adin’s model of sustained obedience. Related Themes Restoration, Remnant, Covenant Renewal, Generational Faithfulness, Post-Exilic Community Forms and Transliterations עָדִ֔ין עָדִֽין׃ עדין עדין׃ ‘ā·ḏîn ‘āḏîn aDinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:15 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י עָדִ֔ין אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת NAS: the sons of Adin, 454; KJV: The children of Adin, four hundred INT: the children of Adin four hundred Ezra 8:6 Nehemiah 7:20 Nehemiah 10:16 4 Occurrences |