Original Word: עֲדִינוֹ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `adiynow
Pronunciation: ah-dee-NO
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ee-no')
KJV: Adino
NASB: Adino
Word Origin: [probably from H5719 (עָדִין - sensual one) in the original sense of slender (i.e. a spear)]

1. his spear

Adino

Probably from adiyn in the original sense of slender (i.e. A spear); his spear -- Adino.

see HEBREW adiyn

Word Origin
from the same as eden
Definition
"voluptuous," one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Adino (1).

Name and Context

Adino (Strong’s Hebrew 5722) appears once in the canonical text, in the roster of “the Three” elite warriors who served King David (2 Samuel 23:8). In that verse the Masoretic text reads literally, “Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite, head of the captains—he is Adino the Eznite—he wielded his spear against eight hundred slain at one time.” The Chronicler’s parallel list (1 Chronicles 11:11) omits the epithet “Adino,” referring to the same man simply as Jashobeam. The single occurrence therefore functions less as a biographical entry than as a vivid epithet that commemorates an extraordinary exploit accomplished by one of David’s mightiest heroes.

Biblical Occurrence

2 Samuel 23:8: “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.”

The phrase “he is Adino the Eznite” lies between the warrior’s name and the description of his deed in the Hebrew text, indicating either a nickname (“Adino the Eznite”) or a descriptive clause identifying the warrior in connection with his clan or his feat.

Historical Setting

The list of mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 11:10-47) reflects the formative period of David’s reign, when a nucleus of seasoned fighters gathered around him during his wilderness years and early monarchy. Their exploits secured Israel’s borders, neutralized Philistine pressure, and established stable governance. Adino’s deed of felling eight hundred at once represents the pinnacle of human bravery merged with divine enablement, a hallmark theme throughout the narratives of David’s rise (compare 1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Relation to David’s Mighty Men

The “Three” (2 Samuel 23:8-12) stand apart even from “the Thirty,” illustrating varying tiers of honor among David’s forces. The Chronicler speaks of them as men “who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king” (1 Chronicles 11:10). Adino’s placement at the head of this list underscores his renowned courage, while simultaneously attributing the victory to the Lord who “brought about a great victory” through His servants (2 Samuel 23:10, 12).

Textual Observations

1. The epithet “the Eznite” may indicate clan lineage or geographic origin, though Scripture does not otherwise identify an “Ezni.”
2. Some propose that “Adino” is an honorific phrase compressed into the text to describe the nature of the exploit rather than a separate personal name. Yet the inspired narrative preserves the wording, signaling that the detail is integral, regardless of modern uncertainty over its exact nuance.
3. The Chronicler’s omission neither contradicts Samuel nor diminishes Scripture’s reliability; it reflects the Spirit-guided selectivity typical of parallel accounts, each stressing aspects relevant to its theological purpose (Samuel’s focus on individual heroism, Chronicles’ focus on unified support for David’s kingship).

Theological and Ministry Significance

1. Divine Empowerment of Human Instruments

Adino’s feat echoes earlier salvation-historical moments where a single servant routed overwhelming numbers—Samson with a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:15), Jonathan and his armor-bearer against the Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 14:6-15). Each episode magnifies the irony that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47).
2. Courage Rooted in Covenant Loyalty

These men rallied to David because they recognized the Lord’s anointing on him (1 Samuel 22:2; 2 Samuel 23:1-3). Adino’s name, immortalized in Scripture, reminds believers that loyalty to God’s chosen King translates into fearless service, even when outnumbered.
3. Foreshadowing of Messianic Victory

David’s reign typologically anticipates the reign of David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ. The catalog of mighty deeds points beyond itself to the ultimate triumph accomplished at the cross, where one Man secured victory over sin and death “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Lessons for Today

• God still calls believers to display steadfast courage amid overwhelming odds, relying not on human strength but on His power (Ephesians 6:10).
• Faithfulness in obscurity—Adino is otherwise unknown—can have eternal impact when it serves God’s redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 15:58).
• Spiritual leaders benefit from loyal, valiant supporters. Congregations and ministries should cultivate an Adino-like spirit: zealous, self-sacrificing, and confident in the Lord’s deliverance (Philippians 1:27-30).

Summary

Adino stands as a brief yet potent witness to the valor God can inspire in those committed to His kingdom purposes. His solitary appearance in Scripture preserves a testimony that still calls God’s people toward courageous, wholehearted service.

עֲדִינ֣וֹ עדינו ‘ă·ḏî·nōw ‘ăḏînōw adiNoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts