The Hebrew verb natan is one of the most common verbs in the Old Testament, appearing over 2,000 times. It means to give, to put, to place, to grant, to deliver, or to set. It describes acts of giving at every level — from human generosity to divine bestowal of land, covenant, children, wisdom, and salvation.
Natan is foundational to understanding God's character as the Great Giver. The Abrahamic covenant is structured around divine gifts: God gives Abraham the land, descendants, and blessing. God gives Israel the Law, the Land, and ultimately His Son. The incarnation can be seen as the ultimate natan — 'For God so loved the world that he gave [edoken in Greek, reflecting natan] his only Son' (John 3:16). The theology of grace (khen) and giving (natan) are inseparable in Scripture.