The Hebrew nadiv (H5081) describes a person of nobility, generosity, and free-spirited willingness. It comes from nadav (to volunteer, to give freely) and describes both social nobility (a prince or leader) and moral generosity. In Exodus 35:5, Moses calls for 'everyone who is willing' (nediv lev β a generous heart) to bring an offering for the tabernacle. Psalm 51:12 prays: 'Grant me a willing (nedivah) spirit, to sustain me.'
The nadiv is the opposite of the niggardly, the calculating, and the self-preserving. In Proverbs 17:26, 'it is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials (nedivim) for their integrity' β nobility of spirit is worth protecting. The tabernacle and temple were built by nediv lev β willing-hearted givers (Exodus 35, 1 Chronicles 29:9). This becomes the pattern for NT generosity: 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7).