NEDAVAH and TZEDAKAH
Keys to Covenant Prosperity
🔹 1. NEDAVAH (× ְדָבָ×”) — Freewill Offering, Voluntary Gift
🕊 Root and Meaning
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Root: × ×“×‘ (nadav) — meaning to willingly give, to volunteer, to be generous of heart.
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Literal meaning: freewill offering, voluntary contribution, or gift of devotion.
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Spiritual sense: An act of spontaneous love, given freely without obligation.
📖 Scriptural Foundations
“And whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass.”
— Exodus 35:5 (KJV)
“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD.”
— 1 Chronicles 29:9 (KJV)
Here, Nedavah is the heart-driven gift. It is born out of love, gratitude, and personal devotion — not from commandment or duty, but from joyful willingness.
It is the same word used for the freewill offerings in the Levitical system (Leviticus 22:18–23), where a person gave beyond the required tithe — a love offering of the heart.
💎 Spiritual Insight
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Nedavah flows from the heart of worship.
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It reflects voluntary love toward God and others.
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It is not measured by amount but by intent and affection.
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It is seed of devotion, expressing gratitude for covenant blessings.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
This New Testament principle mirrors Nedavah — giving from inner joy, not from pressure or religious duty.
🔹 2. TZEDAKAH (צְדָקָ×”) — Righteousness, Justice, Charitable Duty
🕊 Root and Meaning
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Root: צדק (tsedek) — meaning righteousness, justice, rightness, equity.
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Literal meaning: “righteous act” or “deed of justice.”
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Spiritual sense: Giving as a moral obligation to do what is right and just before God.
📖 Scriptural Foundations
“He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness (tzedakah) endureth for ever.”
— Psalm 112:9 (KJV)
“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
— Proverbs 21:3 (KJV)
In Jewish understanding, tzedakah is not merely charity — it is justice in action.
It means doing what is right toward others because it is right before God.
Where Nedavah is emotional generosity, Tzedakah is ethical generosity.
It fulfills covenantal responsibility toward society and the needy.
💎 Spiritual Insight
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Tzedakah flows from the principle of righteousness.
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It is covenant duty, not optional generosity.
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It ensures equity, sustains community, and honors God’s justice.
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It is both spiritual and social, blending compassion with responsibility.
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
— Hebrews 13:16 (KJV)
This reflects tzedakah — consistent giving that mirrors God’s justice and compassion.
⚖️ Comparison Chart: NEDAVAH vs. TZEDAKAH
| Aspect | NEDAVAH (× ְדָבָ×”) | TZEDAKAH (צְדָקָ×”) |
|---|---|---|
| Root Meaning | From nadav – to volunteer, to offer freely | From tsedek – righteousness, justice |
| Nature of Giving | Voluntary, spontaneous, heart-driven | Obligatory, righteous, covenantal duty |
| Motivation | Love, gratitude, joy | Justice, compassion, obedience |
| Focus | Personal devotion | Social responsibility |
| Represents | Priestly generosity (worship) | Prophetic justice (righteousness) |
| When Given | As moved by the heart | As required by moral and covenant law |
| Result | Personal blessing and joy | Community blessing and divine justice |
| Symbol | The freewill altar gift | The hand of mercy to the poor |
| Example Verse | Exodus 35:5 — “Whosoever is of a willing heart...” | Psalm 112:9 — “His righteousness endureth for ever.” |
| Modern Expression | Offerings, love gifts, acts of kindness | Tithing, alms, charitable justice |
🌿 Harmony Between the Two
Though distinct, these two laws of giving complete each other:
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Nedavah expresses love — the heart of giving.
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Tzedakah expresses justice — the hand of giving.
Together, they mirror God’s nature — lovingkindness (chesed) and righteousness (tzedek) united in action.
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
— Psalm 85:10 (KJV)
That is the divine balance:
Nedavah (mercy) + Tzedakah (righteousness) = Covenant Prosperity that blesses both giver and receiver.
✨ In Summary
| Spiritual Principle | Nedavah | Tzedakah |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Posture | Love | Righteousness |
| Divine Reflection | God’s grace | God’s justice |
| Purpose | Express worship | Fulfill covenant |
| Fruit | Joyful abundance | Enduring favor |
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