a primitive root (compare יָדָה); to stretch forth the hand; put.
Transliteration:hâdâh
Pronunciation:haw-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1911}}` (הָדָה, hâdâh) is presented as a primitive root, with its core meaning defined as "to stretch forth the hand" and, by extension, "put." This suggests an action involving deliberate placement or direction through the agency of the hand. The comparison to `{{H3034}}` (יָדָה, yadah) is crucial, as `{{H3034}}` encompasses a broad semantic field related to actions of the hand, including casting, throwing, giving thanks, confessing, and praising. While `{{H3034}}` often carries connotations of both physical action and verbal expression (often involving raised hands), `{{H1911}}` appears to retain a more direct and physical sense of positioning or assigning. The nuance of "stretching forth the hand" implies an intentional, perhaps even forceful, act of placing something or someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, the root `{{H1911}}` (הָדָה, hâdâh) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its specific application. This unique instance is found in:
* [[Ezekiel 32:20]]: "Among those slain by the sword they shall fall; he is delivered to the sword. Draw her away, and all her multitudes." (KJV: "They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: he is delivered to the sword; draw her and all her multitudes.")
The context of [[Ezekiel 32]] is a lamentation over Pharaoh and Egypt, comparing them to a great sea monster (leviathan) brought low by divine judgment. In [[Ezekiel 32:19]], God asks, "Whom are you more beautiful than? Go down and be laid low with the uncircumcised." Then, [[Ezekiel 32:20]] declares, "Among those slain by the sword they shall fall; he is delivered to the sword. Draw her away, and all her multitudes." The Hebrew verb translated "delivered" or "put" here is `{{H1911}}`.
In this singular context, `{{H1911}}` signifies a definitive act of placement into a state of judgment and death. Pharaoh, representing the pride and power of Egypt, is not merely falling but is actively "put" or "delivered" among the slain, specifically the uncircumcised who have fallen by the sword. This highlights a divine decree and an inescapable, divinely ordained fate. The "stretching forth the hand" aspect of the root's meaning underscores the active agency of God in bringing about this judgment. It is not an accidental fall, but a deliberate assignment to a place of ignominy and destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word explicitly mentioned in the lemma definition is `{{H3034}}` (יָדָה, yadah), which means "to throw, cast, shoot, praise, give thanks, confess." While `{{H1911}}` seems to be a more narrowly defined action of "putting" or "delivering," the shared semantic field of actions involving the `{{H3027}}` (יָד, yad - hand) is evident. `{{H3034}}` often implies an outward extension or movement of the hand, whether in throwing an object or extending it in praise or confession. `{{H1911}}` shares this fundamental concept of a directed hand movement, but specifically for the purpose of placement or assignment.
Other related concepts, though not directly etymological, include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The act of "putting" or "delivering" in judgment implies God's ultimate control over nations and their destinies.
* **Judgment and Consequence:** The placement of Pharaoh among the slain by the sword speaks to the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God.
* **Destiny:** The word speaks to a fixed and determined fate, orchestrated by divine power.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of `{{H1911}}` in [[Ezekiel 32:20]] imbues it with profound theological significance, particularly concerning divine judgment and sovereignty. The act of God "putting" Pharaoh among the uncircumcised slain is a powerful declaration of His absolute authority over human rulers and nations. It underscores that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to His decree and can be summarily cast down.
The "stretching forth the hand" inherent in the root's meaning suggests a deliberate, active, and decisive divine intervention. It is not a passive observation of a nation's decline but an active execution of judgment. This highlights God's justice and His commitment to holding nations accountable for their pride and wickedness. For the ancient reader, it would have served as a stark reminder that no earthly kingdom, however mighty, is beyond the reach of divine reckoning. For the contemporary believer, it reaffirms God's enduring control over history and His ultimate triumph over all who oppose His will.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H1911}}` (הָדָה, hâdâh) carries the core meaning of "to stretch forth the hand" and, by extension, "put" or "deliver." Though appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 32:20]] is highly impactful. In this context, it describes God's decisive act of "putting" Pharaoh, the epitome of a defiant earthly power, among those slain by the sword, specifically the uncircumcised. This singular usage powerfully underscores themes of divine sovereignty, the certainty of judgment, and God's active role in executing justice upon proud nations. While distinct, its semantic connection to `{{H3034}}` (יָדָה), which also involves actions of the hand, highlights a shared conceptual space of deliberate, directed action, here applied with ultimate divine authority.
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