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Bible Dictionaries
Noble
Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words
or A. Nouns.
‘Addı̂yr (אַדִּיר, Strong's #117), “noble; principal; stately one.” As a noun, 'addı̂yr is paralleled to “mighty” in Judg. 5:13: “Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the Lord made me have dominion over the mighty.” The word also occurs in Jer. 14:3 and Jer. 30:21. In 2 Chron. 23:20 'addı̂yr is paralleled to “captains and governors.” The word is applied to the Messiah; the Messiah is none other than God Himself: “But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers …” (Isa. 33:21).
Two less frequently occurring nouns are ’adderet and ’eder. ’Adderet may mean “luxurious outer garment, mantle, cloak.” This word appears in Gen. 25:25 to mean “mantle.” ‘Eder may refer to a “luxurious outer garment” (Mic. 2:8).
B. Adjectives.
‘Addı̂yr (אַדִּיר, Strong's #117), “mighty; majestic.” The word ‘addı̂yr (adjective or noun) occurs about 26 times in biblical Hebrew and mostly in poetical passages (of all periods). Ugaritic and Phoenician attest cognates of the word.
In its first appearance the adjective 'addı̂yr describes God’s superior (majestic) holiness which was demonstrated by His delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage: “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exod. 15:11). The idea of superior power is also suggested here (cf. Exod. 15:6; 1 Sam. 4:8). It is God’s eternal and sovereign might which overcame His enemies: “and [he] slew famous kings” (Ps. 136:18)—He was/is mightier than mighty kings. Hence, His name (His person) is lauded as sovereign in power and majesty: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth” (Ps. 8:1 NASB). The word, therefore, has two implications: might and splendor. Only God is Lord (exercises 'addı̂yr) over the oceans (Ps. 93:4) and the mountains (Ps. 76:4).
God also exalts other things; He makes them majestic. Israel’s exaltation is described in the figure of a cedar (Ezek. 17:23).
Two other adjectives are related to this word. ‘Adderet used as an adjective and a noun appears 12 times. In Ezek. 17:8 the word implies “noble or majestic”: “It was planted in a good soil by great waters … that it might be a goodly [‘adderet] vine.” ‘Eder occurs once as an adjective (Zech. 11:13); there it modifies the value of an amount of money.
C. Verb.
'âdar (אָדַר, Strong's #142), “to be majestic.” This verb occurs only twice and in a poetical usage. The word appears in Isa. 42:21: “The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable ['âdar].” The word also appears in Exod. 15:11.
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Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Noble'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/vot/n/noble.html. 1940.
