Abinadab
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Abinadab in the Bible?
Abinadab was the head of a household in Kiriath-jearim who kept the Ark of the Covenant for twenty years after its return from the Philistines, and also a son of King Saul who died alongside his brothers at the Battle of Mount Gilboa.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the distinction between these two figures clarifies the narrative timeline of the Ark's journey to Jerusalem and provides context for the tragic end of Saul's dynasty.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Abinadab reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Abinadab in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Abinadab clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Abinadab." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/abinadab/