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H716 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַרְדִּי
Ardi
Adjective / Gentlic
Of Ard / Ardite

Definition

The Hebrew word ardi (אַרְדִּי) is a gentlic adjective meaning 'of Ard' or an Ardite — a descendant of Ard, the son of Bela of Benjamin. It appears in the census lists of Numbers 26, identifying a clan within the tribe of Benjamin.

Usage & Theological Significance

The clan lists of Israel serve a profound purpose beyond genealogy — they establish that each family, no matter how small, has a named place in God's covenant community. The Ardites, though a minor clan, were counted, recorded, and given their inheritance in Israel. This speaks to the personal nature of God's covenant love: He knows every family by name. In the New Testament this expands: God knows each believer by name, and no one is anonymous in His kingdom.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 26:40 The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: through Ard was the Ardite clan; through Naaman the Naamite clan.
Numbers 26:7 These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 43,730.
Exodus 1:1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family.
John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'

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