another form for חֶדֶר; chamber; Chadar, an Ishmaelite; Hadar.
Transliteration:Chădar
Pronunciation:khad-ar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2316}}`, transliterated as "Chadar" or "Hadar," functions primarily as a proper noun in the biblical text. Its base definition indicates it is "another form for `{{H2315}}`," which means "chamber" or "inner room." While linguistically related to the concept of a private or enclosed space, `{{H2316}}` itself does not carry the semantic meaning of "chamber." Instead, it exclusively identifies a person, specifically one of the twelve princes descended from Ishmael. Therefore, its semantic range is limited to that of a personal name, pointing to an individual within a genealogical lineage rather than a descriptive attribute or physical location. The two common transliterations, "Chadar" and "Hadar," reflect variations in the Masoretic text or later interpretation, but refer to the same individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H2316}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times identifying the same individual:
* [[Genesis 25:15]]: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes." Here, "Hadar" is listed as the twelfth son of Ishmael, establishing his place in the lineage promised to Abraham.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:30]]: "Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. Their names were Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, Kedemah. And Hadar." This passage, a parallel genealogy, reiterates the list of Ishmael's sons, confirming "Hadar" as the final name in the enumeration.
In both contexts, `{{H2316}}` functions purely as an identifying marker within a genealogical record. The passages are not narrative but rather serve to catalog the descendants of Ishmael, fulfilling the divine promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's numerous progeny ([[Genesis 17:20]]). The name "Hadar" is presented without further elaboration on the individual's life or actions, underscoring the primary purpose of these lists: to establish lineage and demonstrate the fulfillment of God's word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H2316}}` is `{{H2315}}` (חֶדֶר, *cheder*), from which "Hadar" is derived or to which it is closely associated as an alternative form. `{{H2315}}` signifies a "chamber," "room," or "inner room," often implying privacy, secrecy, or intimacy. Examples include a bedchamber ([[2 Samuel 4:7]]), a storage room ([[Deuteronomy 32:25]]), or a private place for prayer ([[Isaiah 26:20]]). Metaphorically, it can refer to the innermost being or the depths of a place.
While the name "Hadar" (`{{H2316}}`) itself does not carry these meanings, its etymological root in "chamber" might subtly allude to characteristics or circumstances associated with the individual or his birth, though such interpretations for proper nouns are often speculative. The broader concept of "names" in the ancient Near East is also relevant, as names frequently held significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances of birth, or even prophetic insights. However, for "Hadar," the primary significance lies in his identity as a prince of Ishmael, rather than any inherent meaning of his name. This places `{{H2316}}` within the broader biblical theme of genealogies, which meticulously record lineages to establish identity, inheritance, and the unfolding of divine promises, both within and outside the direct covenant line of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2316}}` lies not in the inherent meaning of the word itself, as it is a proper noun, but in its inclusion within the biblical narrative. As "Hadar," an Ishmaelite prince, he represents a facet of God's faithfulness to Abraham, specifically regarding the promise that Ishmael would become the father of twelve princes ([[Genesis 17:20]]). The meticulous recording of Ishmael's descendants, including Hadar, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God's providence, extending even to those outside the direct covenant lineage of Israel through Isaac.
The presence of Hadar in these genealogies underscores the biblical emphasis on historical accuracy and the fulfillment of divine pronouncements. It highlights that God's plan encompasses all peoples, and His word is true, even in the details of the lineage of nations not chosen for the specific covenant of Israel. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ishmael's descendants serves to contextualize the broader narrative of the Abrahamic family, illustrating the diverse branches that emerged from Abraham and the distinct paths they followed, yet all under the sovereign gaze of God.
### Summary
`{{H2316}}`, transliterated as "Chadar" or "Hadar," is a proper noun exclusively identifying one of the twelve princes of Ishmael, son of Abraham. While linguistically linked to `{{H2315}}` (חֶדֶר, *cheder*), meaning "chamber" or "inner room," `{{H2316}}` itself does not convey this meaning but serves as a personal identifier. Its two biblical occurrences in [[Genesis 25:15]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:30]] place Hadar within meticulous genealogical lists, serving to document the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's numerous progeny. The theological significance of Hadar's inclusion lies in demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word, His comprehensive providence over all peoples, and the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies in establishing lineage and historical context within the unfolding divine narrative.
TRV