Original Word: אֲבִידָן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Abiydan
Pronunciation: ah-vee-DAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-dawn')
KJV: Abidan
NASB: Abidan
Word Origin: [from H1 (אָב - father) and H1777 (דִּין דּוּן - judge)]

1. father of judgment (i.e. judge)
2. Abidan, an Israelite

Abidan

From 'ab and diyn; father of judgment (i.e. Judge); Abidan, an Israelite -- Abidan.

see HEBREW 'ab

see HEBREW diyn

Word Origin
from ab and din
Definition
"my father is judge," a Benjamite leader
NASB Translation
Abidan (5).

אֲבִידָן proper name, masculine (my father is judge) a prince of Benjamin Numbers 1:11; Numbers 2:22; Numbers 7:60,65; Numbers 10:24.

Name and Lineage

Abidan is introduced as “Abidan son of Gideoni” (Numbers 1:11), the divinely appointed head of the tribe of Benjamin during the wilderness years.

Tribal Leadership during the Census

When Moses conducts the first census, Abidan represents Benjamin: “from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni” (Numbers 1:11). Under his oversight 35,400 fighting men are enrolled, confirming Benjamin’s full standing among the sons of Israel.

Position within the Camp

Benjamin, led by Abidan, encamps on the west side with Ephraim and Manasseh (Numbers 2:22-24). The tribe’s nearness to the tabernacle’s rear entrance signifies both privilege and responsibility in guarding Israel’s holiest space.

Service at the Dedication of the Altar

On the ninth day of the altar’s consecration, “the leader of the Benjamites, Abidan son of Gideoni,” presents his offerings (Numbers 7:60-65). His silver, gold, grain, and animal gifts match those of every other leader, illustrating equality of worship and wholehearted tribal participation.

Role in the Marching Order

When the cloud lifts, Benjamin moves in the third division: “the leader of the Benjamites was Abidan son of Gideoni” (Numbers 10:24). The precise order underscores discipline and unity under God’s direction.

Spiritual Significance

• Faithful Representation: Abidan embodies servant-leadership—present at every census, ceremony, and march, mirroring Christ’s perfect mediation (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Order and Obedience: His strict adherence to God’s commands models the principle that “all things must be done in a proper and orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
• Equality before God: Identical offerings from each tribe point to the shared need for atonement and the equal access all believers possess through grace (Romans 3:22-24).
• Covenant Continuity: Though small, Benjamin’s presence through Abidan affirms God’s unfailing promises to every tribe (Genesis 49:27; Hebrews 10:23).

Legacy

Abidan’s brief scriptural footprint foretells the later influence of Benjamites such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. His steadfast obedience at Israel’s formative hour remains a lasting pattern of leadership that listens for God’s call, contributes when summoned, and marches when commanded.

אֲבִידָ֖ן אבידן ’ă·ḇî·ḏān ’ăḇîḏān aviDanInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts