Lexical Summary nethan: bestows, provide, give Original Word: נְתַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bestow, give pay (Aramaic) corresponding to nathan; give -- bestow, give pay. see HEBREW nathan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to nathan Definition to give NASB Translation bestows (3), give (1), pay (1), provide (2). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 5415 (Aramaic form of the Hebrew root “to give”) appears seven times in the Old Testament, all within the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel. Whether referring to monetary tribute rendered to earthly kings (Ezra) or sovereign authority bestowed by the Most High (Daniel), the verb underscores God’s ultimate ownership of every resource and every realm of power. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts 1. Ezra 4:13 – Foes of the returning exiles warn Artaxerxes that, if Jerusalem is rebuilt, its citizens “will no longer pay tribute, duty, or toll,” threatening the royal treasury. 4-6. Daniel 4:17, 25, 32 – Three times Nebuchadnezzar is told that “the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He wishes.” The repetition magnifies the doctrine of divine sovereignty over human dominion. Theology of Divine Sovereignty In Daniel, 5415 shifts the focus from human agency (“kings give orders”) to divine prerogative (“God gives kingdoms”). Nebuchadnezzar learns that his throne is a delegated trust, not a personal possession. The verb thus serves as a theological hinge, moving the narrative from human pride to humble acknowledgment: “...until you recognize that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He wishes.” (Daniel 4:25) By using the same word for taxes in Ezra and kingdoms in Daniel, Scripture reminds readers that both coins and crowns are God’s to distribute. Principles of Tribute and Stewardship Ezra demonstrates responsible stewardship. The exiles’ adversaries claim Jerusalem will refuse to “pay” (5415) taxes, portraying the Jews as rebels. In contrast, Artaxerxes’ decree shows a righteous channeling of imperial funds toward temple worship. God “gives” through a pagan monarch to accomplish His redemptive plan. Believers glean two lessons: Implications for Leadership and Ministry Daniel models intercession and dependence. He asks the king to “give him time” (Daniel 2:16) not as a stalling tactic but as an act of faith that God will “give” revelation. Christian leaders are reminded that time, insight, and authority come from the Lord; petitions for any of these should be directed first heavenward. Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling warns every ruler and ministry overseer: positions are temporary gifts. Recognizing this cultivates humility, accountability, and expectancy that God may “set over it the lowliest of men” (Daniel 4:17). Christological Connections The pattern of kingdom-giving finds its climax in the Father’s gift of universal dominion to the Son: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:44) “Authority, glory, and sovereign power were given to Him.” (Daniel 7:14) Thus 5415 foreshadows the ultimate transfer of rule to Jesus Christ, the perfect King who receives authority yet remains eternally one with the Giver. Practical Application for Believers • Acknowledge God as the source of every resource, opportunity, and authority. Through its seven appearances, Strong’s 5415 weaves a consistent biblical theme: from silver coins in Persia to imperial thrones in Babylon, everything that is “given” belongs first to God and must ultimately return to His glory. Forms and Transliterations יִנְתְּנ֔וּן יִנְתֵּן־ יִתְּנִנַּ֔הּ יִתְּנִנַּֽהּ׃ ינתן־ ינתנון יתננה יתננה׃ לְמִנְתַּ֑ן למנתן תִּנְתֵּ֕ן תנתן lə·min·tan leminTan ləmintan tin·tên tinTen tintên yin·tə·nūn yin·tên- yinten yintên- yinteNun yintənūn yit·tə·nin·nah yitteninNah yittəninnahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:13 HEB: וַהֲלָךְ֙ לָ֣א יִנְתְּנ֔וּן וְאַפְּתֹ֥ם מַלְכִ֖ים NAS: are finished, they will not pay tribute, KJV: [again, then] will they not pay toll, INT: toll not pay the revenue of the kings Ezra 7:20 Ezra 7:20 Daniel 2:16 Daniel 4:17 Daniel 4:25 Daniel 4:32 7 Occurrences |