Lexical Definition

‎נָתָן‎ Nâthân (naw-thawn') Nathan ^N:N-M-P
from ‎נָתַן‎; given

Nathan.

• § Nathan = "giver"
• Nathan, the name of five Israelites

1) a son of David by Bathsheba
2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon
3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors
4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon
5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah
6) brother of Joel of the tribe of Judah
7) one of the head men who returned from Babylon with Ezra
8) a man with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
9) head of a family of Israel who shall mourn when they look on Him whom they pierced

See Greek: Ναθάν

Extended Information

• A prophet living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.7.2
• father of: Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה), Zabud (זָבוּד)

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎נָתָן‎₄₂ proper name, masculine ᵐ5 Ναθαν; —

1. a son of David 2Sam 5:14 = 1Chr 3:15; 1Chr 14:4.

2. the prophet of David's time 2Sam 7:2; 2Sam 7:3; 2Sam 7:4; 2Sam 7:17 = 1Chr 17:1; 1Chr 17:2; 1Chr 17:3 + 6 t. 2Sam 12; 1Kgs 1:8 + 10 t. 1Kgs 1; 2Chr 29:23; Ps 51:2* (title); ‎דִּבְרֵי נָתָן הַנָּבִיא‎ as name of a book 1Chr 29:29; 2Chr 9:29.

3. father of one of David's heroes 2Sam 23:36.

4. father of officers of Solomon, 1Kgs 4:5 (twice in verse) (= 2 ?).

5. name in Judah:
a. 1Chr 2:36 (twice in verse).
b. 1Chr 11:38.

6. companion of Ezra from Babylon Ezra 8:16.

7. one of those who took strange wives Ezra 10:39.

8. head of a family Zech 12:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Book	Refs
2 Samuel	5:14 · 7:2 · 7:3 · 7:4 · 7:17 · Chapter 12 · 23:36
1 Kings	Chapter 1 · 1:8 · 4:5
1 Chronicles	2:36 · 3:15 · 11:38 · 14:4 · 17:1 · 17:2 · 17:3 · 29:29
2 Chronicles	9:29 · 29:23
Ezra	8:16 · 10:39
Psalms	51:2*
Zechariah	12:12

Profile

Male • A prophet • Prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon.

Prophet living at the time of United Monarchy

Nathan, a prophet of God, served during the reigns of David and Solomon, offering guidance, confronting David's sin, and supporting Solomon's accession to the throne.

• A prophet living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.7.2;
• only referred to as Nathan נָתָן;
• father of Azariah עֲזַרְיָה, Zabud זָבוּד.

Nathan was a prominent prophet in Israel during the reigns of King David and his son Solomon. He first appears in the biblical narrative when David expresses his desire to build a temple for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:2-3; 1 Chronicles 17:1-2). Initially, Nathan encourages David to proceed, but later receives a message from God directing David not to build the temple, a task that would fall to his son Solomon (2 Samuel 7:4-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15).

One of Nathan's most significant roles was confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's beloved lamb, prompting David to condemn the rich man's actions (2 Samuel 12:1-6). Nathan then boldly declared, "You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7), revealing that the parable was an allegory for David's own sin. David repented, and Nathan conveyed God's forgiveness but also pronounced the consequences of David's actions (2 Samuel 12:13-15).

Nathan played a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's accession to the throne. When David's son Adonijah attempted to seize the throne, Nathan and Bathsheba worked together to inform David and secure his decision to appoint Solomon as his successor (1 Kings 1).

During Solomon's reign, Nathan's sons held important positions in the royal court. One son, Azariah, was put in charge of the district officers (1 Kings 4:5), while another, Zabud, was a priest and the king's friend (1 Kings 4:5).

Nathan's prophetic ministry and influence extended beyond his lifetime. His writings were included in the records of the acts of David (1 Chronicles 29:29) and Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:29). The Psalms also mention Nathan, specifically in the title of Psalm 51, which is associated with David's repentance following his confrontation with Nathan.

As a prophet, Nathan served as a messenger of God, offering guidance, correction, and support to the kings of Israel. His legacy as a fearless and faithful servant of God is remembered throughout the biblical narrative.

All entries for Nathan: נָתָן

Related Profiles:

• Azariah (child)
• Zabud (child)