or (shortened) אָדֹן; from an unused root (meaning to rule); sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâdôwn**, represented by `{{H113}}`, is a term for a **sovereign** or **controller**. It appears **335 times** across **287 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition is **lord, master, owner**, signifying one who rules. The word is used to describe both human and divine figures, establishing a clear concept of authority and lordship throughout Scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H113}}` is used in multiple contexts to define relationships of authority. It denotes a human master, as when Joseph served in the house of his **master** the Egyptian [[Genesis 39:2]] or when a servant who waits on his **master** is promised honor [[Proverbs 27:18]]. It is also used as a term of respect towards superiors, such as prophets or kings ([[2 Kings 4:16]], [[1 Samuel 26:19]]). The term is frequently applied to God, identifying Him as the ultimate sovereign. He is called "our **Lord**" whose name is excellent in all the earth [[Psalms 8:1]] and the "**Lord** of lords" [[Deuteronomy 10:17]]. This divine authority is also expressed in the title "**Lord** of the whole earth" [[Psalms 97:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of lordship and authority:
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (a servant): This word is the direct counterpart to a master. The relationship is highlighted when God asks, "a **servant** honoureth his master...if I be a master, where is my fear?" [[Malachi 1:6]].
* `{{H1404}}` **gᵉbereth** (mistress): As the feminine equivalent of **lord**, this term defines the female head of a household. Its relationship to `{{H113}}` is seen in the parallel, "as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her **mistress**" [[Psalms 123:2]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This term signifies a specific type of sovereign ruler. The connection is made clear in the address "my **lord** the king" [[1 Samuel 26:19]] and when a **king** is described as "thy **Lord**" to whom worship is due [[Psalms 45:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H113}}` is significant, establishing key doctrines about God's nature and His relationship with humanity and other divine beings.
* **Absolute Sovereignty:** The title establishes God as the supreme ruler over all. He is the "**Lord** of lords" [[Deuteronomy 10:17]] and the "**Lord** of the whole earth" [[Micah 4:13]]. The entire earth is called to tremble at the presence of the **Lord** [[Psalms 114:7]].
* **Messianic Lordship:** In a pivotal passage, the word distinguishes between God the Father and a Messianic figure: "The LORD (Yᵉhôvâh) said unto my **Lord** (ʼâdôwn), Sit thou at my right hand" [[Psalms 110:1]]. This theme is reinforced in Malachi, which speaks of "the **Lord**, whom ye seek" suddenly coming to His temple [[Malachi 3:1]].
* **Required Reverence:** The master-servant dynamic is used to illustrate the honor due to God. If He is a **master**, He deserves **fear**, a term signifying reverence and awe [[Malachi 1:6]]. This is the expected response from His people, who are to look to the **Lord** their God as servants look to their **masters** [[Psalms 123:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H113}}` is a foundational term that defines authority in both the human and divine realms. It moves from describing a human **master** over a household [[Genesis 39:2]] to the ultimate **Lord** of all creation [[Deuteronomy 10:17]]. The word is crucial for understanding relationships of submission, respect, and sovereignty, and it carries profound theological weight by identifying both God the Father and the promised Messiah as **Lord**.
TRV