Adino עֲדִינוֹ
Alternate name or description of Josheb-Basshebeth
Who is Adino in the Bible?
Adino the Eznite appears in some translations of 2 Samuel 23:8 as a reference to one of David's mighty men, though the exact meaning is uncertain due to ambiguities in the Hebrew text. In translations like the New King James Version, Adino appears to be an alternate name or title for Josheb-Basshebeth, the chief of David's warriors who killed eight hundred men in a single battle. However, other translations render the passage differently, and many scholars believe the Hebrew text may be corrupted, with some proposing that the name should be Jashobeam (as found in the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:11) rather than Adino. Whether Adino is a separate person, an alternate name, or a scribal error remains debated among biblical scholars. The mention reflects the tradition of honoring David's elite military leaders and their legendary feats of valor.
Biography
The name Adino appears in some translations of 2Sa.23.8, which is part of a list of David's mighty men. However, the Hebrew text is ambiguous, and there is uncertainty about whether Adino is a separate individual or a description of the actions of Josheb-Basshebeth, who is mentioned in the same verse.
In the New King James Version, for example, the verse reads, "Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite because he had killed eight hundred men at one time." Here, Adino seems to be an alternate name or title for Josheb-Basshebeth.
However, other translations, such as the New International Version, render the verse differently: "Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter." In this translation, the phrase "Adino the Eznite" is not present, and the focus is on Josheb-Basshebeth's feat of killing eight hundred men.
Due to the ambiguity in the Hebrew text, it is difficult to determine conclusively whether Adino is a separate individual or a description of Josheb-Basshebeth's actions. As a result, Adino's identity and role remain uncertain.
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 23:8
"These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲדִינוֹ |
Adino
2Sa 23:8). This very exact rendering makes it evident even to an English reader that the text is imperfect. Ginsburg offers a corrected form taken substantially from the parallel passage in 1Ch 11:11: "Jashobeam a son of a Hachmonite, chief of the captains; he lifted up his spear." This is plausible, and is very generally accepted, and eliminates the names Adino and Eznite, which do not occur elsewhere in the Bible. Some of the facts are against this. The Septuagint has the names Adino and Eznite. The Latin finds no proper names in the passage, but so translates the words as to presuppose the Hebrew text as we have it. It may be a case for suspended judgment.
The texts concerning David's mighty men are fragmentary both in Samuel and in Chronicles. If they were more complete they would perhaps make it clear that the three seniors were comrades of David at Pas-dammim, Ephes- dammim (1Ch 11:13; 1Sa 17:1); and that we have in them additional details concerning that battle. The record says that on the death of Goliath the Philistines fled and the Israelites pursued (1Sa 17:52 ff), but it is not improbable that during the retreat portions of the Philistine force rallied, so that there was strenuous fighting.
Willis J. Beecher
ad'-i-nu, ad'-in (Adinou, 1 Esdras 5:14; Adin, 1 Esdras 8:32): Compare Adin (Ezr 2:15; 8:6; Ne 7:20; <re