Noble
Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words [1]
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.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [2]
an adjective, lit., "well born" (eu, "well," and genos, "a family, race"), (a) signifies "noble," 1—Corinthians 1:26; (b) is used with anthropos, "a man," i.e., "a nobleman," in Luke 19:12 . In the Sept., Job 1:3 .
the comparative degree of No. 1, occurs in Acts 17:11 , "more noble," i.e., "more noble-minded."
is translated "most noble" in the AV of Acts 24:3; 26:25 (RV, "most excellent"), See Excellent.
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament [3]
Two Greek words are thus translated in the Authorized Version. (1) εὐγενής, ‘well-born,’ ‘of noble birth,’ and secondarily, as the natural outcome of that privileged condition, ‘of noble mind or spirit,’ is used in its primary sense in 1 Corinthians 1:26, ‘not many noble.’ The negative phrase is not to be taken as if it meant ‘none’ (see J. Orr, Neglected Factors in the Study of the Early Progress of Christianity, 1899, p. 99 ff.). In its secondary sense, it is applied to the Jews of BerCEa, who were ‘nobler,’ i.e. of a better and more generous spirit, than those of Thessalonica ‘in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily whether these things were so’ ( Acts 17:11). The use of the comparative does not imply that the Jews of Thessalonica had any nobility of spirit. (2) κράτιστος, ‘most mighty,’ or, as a title of honour, ‘most noble or excellent,’ is used by Claudius Lysias in his letter to Felix ( Acts 23:26); by Tertullus in addressing Felix ( Acts 24:3); and by St. Paul in addressing Festus ( Acts 26:25). The Revised Versionin all three instances translates it ‘most excellent.’ It was a title usually given to magistrates, and was regarded as a high compliment. An appellation of Achilles was κράτιστος Ἑλλήνων (Soph. Philippians 3).
John Reid.
King James Dictionary [4]
NO'BLE, a.
1. Great elevated dignified being above every thing that can dishonor reputation as a nobel mind a noble courage noble deeds of valor. 2. Exalted elevated sublime.
Statues, with winding ivy crown'd, belong to nobler poets for a nobler song.
3. Magnificent stately splendid as a noble parade a noble edifice. 4. Of an ancient and splendid family as nobel by descent. 5. Distinguished from commoners by rank and title as a noble personage. 6. Free generous liberal as a noble heart. 7. Principal capital as the noble parts of the body. 8. Ingenuous candid of an excellent disposition ready to receive truth. Acts 17 . 9. Of the best kind choice excellent as a noble vine. Jeremiah 2 .
NO'BLE, n.
1. A person of rank above a commoner a nobleman a peer as a duke, marquis, earl, viscount or baron. 2. In Scripture, a person of honorable family or distinguished by station. Exodus 24 . Nehemiah 6 . 3. Originally, a gold coin, but now a money of account, value 6s. 8d. sterling, or 48cts.
Webster's Dictionary [5]
(1): ( n.) A European fish; the lyrie.
(2): ( n.) An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value of 6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about $1.61.
(3): ( v. t.) To make noble; to ennoble.
(4): ( n.) A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer.
(5): ( superl.) Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble edifice.
(6): ( superl.) Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility; distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title; highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
(7): ( superl.) Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable; magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart.
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [6]
A gold coin first minted by Edward III., formerly current in the country; worth 6s. 8d., and ultimately 10s., when the value of the gold increased.
