### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2748, "Kedrṓn" (Κεδρών), is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun `{{H6939}}`, "Kidron" (קִדְרוֹן). It refers exclusively to the Kidron Valley or Brook, a prominent geographical feature situated to the east of Jerusalem, separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. The name "Kidron" itself is thought to derive from a root meaning "dark" or "turbid," possibly referencing the dark, often muddy waters of the seasonal brook or the deep, shadowy nature of the valley itself. As a proper noun designating a specific topographical location, its semantic range is fixed and refers solely to this particular valley.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, the term G2748 appears only once, in the Gospel of John:
* [[John 18:1]]: "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples."
* This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant. It describes Jesus and His disciples crossing the Kidron Valley immediately after the Last Supper and His high priestly prayer, on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. This act marks a critical transition point, moving from the relative safety and fellowship of the Passover celebration within the city to the place of intense agony, betrayal, and arrest that would precede His crucifixion. The crossing of this valley thus serves as a literal and symbolic passage into the heart of His passion.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent `{{H6939}}` (Kidron) appears frequently and establishes a rich historical and symbolic backdrop for the New Testament reference:
* **A Place of Flight/Refuge:** King David fled across the Kidron Valley from Absalom ([[2 Samuel 15:23]]).
* **A Place of Idolatrous Defilement and Purification:** The Kidron Valley was often used as the dumping ground for defiled cultic objects and idols, particularly during periods of religious reform. Examples include Asa's actions ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]), Hezekiah's cleansing of the Temple ([[2 Chronicles 29:16]]), and Josiah's thorough eradication of idolatry ([[2 Kings 23:4]], [[2 Kings 23:6]], [[2 Kings 23:12]], [[2 Chronicles 30:14]]). This established the valley as a place associated with the removal of spiritual impurity from Jerusalem.
* **A Boundary:** It served as a geographical boundary, as seen in Solomon's warning to Shimei ([[1 Kings 2:37]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The direct Hebrew counterpart is `{{H6939}}` (Kidron), from which G2748 is derived. Understanding the Old Testament usage of `{{H6939}}` is crucial for grasping the full theological weight of G2748.
* **Geographical Terms:** Other related terms include "valley" (e.g., נַחַל, `{{H5158}}`), "brook," "Jerusalem" (`{{H3389}}`, `{{G2424}}`), and "Mount of Olives" (`{{G2242}}`), which borders the valley.
* **Thematic Connections:** The Kidron Valley is contextually linked to themes of suffering, flight, betrayal, purification, defilement, boundary, and transition. Its proximity to the Temple and the Garden of Gethsemane places it at the nexus of sacred space and human struggle.
### Theological Significance
The single New Testament mention of "Kedrṓn" in [[John 18:1]] carries profound theological weight, amplified by its Old Testament echoes:
1. **A Threshold of Suffering and Sacrifice:** Jesus' crossing of the Kidron Valley marks His deliberate and conscious passage into His Passion. It is a liminal space, a threshold between the relative peace of the upper room and the agony of Gethsemane, leading ultimately to the cross. This act underscores His willing submission to the Father's plan, moving from the city of His ministry to the place of His ultimate suffering and sacrifice. The echo of David's flight through the same valley (`{{H6939}}` in [[2 Samuel 15:23]]) subtly links Jesus, the Son of David, to the path of the suffering righteous king.
2. **Symbolism of Cleansing and Defilement:** While not explicitly stated in [[John 18:1]], the Old Testament association of the Kidron Valley with the disposal of idolatrous defilement (e.g., [[2 Kings 23:4]], [[2 Chronicles 29:16]]) provides a rich symbolic backdrop. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, passes through this valley, historically a place where the impurities of Israel were cast out. This may subtly prefigure His work as the ultimate purifier, taking upon Himself the defilement of humanity's sin to cleanse His people. He journeys through the place of discarded defilement on His way to become the perfect sacrifice that removes all defilement.
3. **Historical and Embodied Reality:** The specific geographical reference to the Kidron Valley grounds the narrative of Jesus' passion in concrete historical reality. It emphasizes that these events were not abstract theological concepts but real occurrences in a specific time and place, involving the incarnate Son of God. This detail reinforces the factual basis of the Christian faith and the physical reality of Christ's suffering.
### Summary
G2748, "Kedrṓn," is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew `{{H6939}}` (Kidron), referring to the valley and brook east of Jerusalem. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[John 18:1]] depicts Jesus' solemn crossing into Gethsemane, marking a pivotal transition into His passion. Drawing upon its Old Testament history as a place of flight, boundary, and especially the disposal of cultic defilement, the Kidron Valley serves as a potent symbol. Theologically, it represents the threshold of Christ's suffering and sacrifice, subtly alluding to His role as the ultimate cleanser of sin, all while grounding the sacred narrative in historical and geographical reality.
TRV