a primitive root; to be new; causatively, to rebuild; renew, repair.
Transliteration:châdash
Pronunciation:khaw-dash'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2318 (חָדַשׁ, châdash) is a primitive verb carrying the fundamental meaning "to be new." Its semantic range extends to causative applications, signifying "to make new," "to renew," "to repair," or "to rebuild." This dual aspect captures both an inherent state of newness and the active process of bringing something back to a fresh, restored, or revitalized condition. It implies a transition from a state of decay, wear, or brokenness to one of renewed vigor, integrity, or functionality. The concept often relates to temporal cycles, where something old is refreshed, or to a restorative act that brings back a former, more desirable state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2318 appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Restoration/Rebuilding:** In [[2 Chronicles 15:8]], Asa is described as "repairing the altar of the LORD" (châdash) after the Abomination of Desolation. This clearly refers to a physical restoration of a sacred structure. Similarly, [[Isaiah 61:4]] speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins and "renewing the ruined cities," a promise of physical and national restoration after devastation.
* **Political/National Renewal:** [[1 Samuel 11:14]] records Samuel's call to "renew the kingdom" at Gilgal after Saul's victory. This implies a re-establishment or reaffirmation of the kingdom's legitimacy and strength, perhaps after a period of uncertainty or decline. [[Lamentations 5:21]] contains a poignant plea: "Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old." Here, the renewal is deeply spiritual and national, yearning for a return to a former state of divine favor and prosperity.
* **Personal/Spiritual Renewal:** One of the most profound uses is found in [[Psalm 51:10]], where David prays, "create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This is a cry for spiritual regeneration, a divine act of making the inner person new. In [[Psalm 103:5]], God is praised as the one "who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." This speaks to a restoration of vitality and strength, often understood metaphorically as spiritual or physical invigoration.
* **Repetitive Action:** In [[Job 10:17]], the verb takes on a more negative connotation: "You renew your witnesses against me," indicating a repeated, fresh onset of accusations or afflictions. This highlights the aspect of "starting anew" even in a context of suffering.
* **Cosmic Renewal:** [[Psalm 104:30]] attributes the renewal of the earth's surface to God's Spirit: "You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; and you renew the face of the ground." This verse beautifully connects divine creative power with ongoing sustenance and revitalization of the natural world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "newness" and "renewal" in the Hebrew Bible is intricately linked with several other significant terms and ideas:
* **New (Adjective):** The adjective H2319 (chādāsh), directly derived from H2318, frequently describes "new things," such as a "new song" ([[Psalm 33:3]]), "new covenant" ([[Jeremiah 31:31]]), or "new heavens and new earth" ([[Isaiah 65:17]]). This adjectival form highlights the *result* or *state* of being new, often in a prophetic or eschatological context.
* **Create:** While H1254 (bārā') primarily signifies creation *ex nihilo* or bringing something entirely new into existence, the act of God "renewing" can be so transformative that it feels like a new creation, especially in the spiritual realm (cf. [[Psalm 51:10]]).
* **Return/Restore:** The verb H7725 (shûb) often conveys the idea of returning or restoring, particularly in the context of repentance and God's restoration of His people to favor or their land. While shûb focuses on a return to a previous state, châdash emphasizes the freshness or newness of that restored state.
* **Heal/Repair:** Other terms related to repair or healing, such as H7495 (rāphā') "to heal," or H3559 (kûn) "to establish, prepare, make firm," can overlap in meaning when the renewal involves mending or strengthening something broken or weak.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H2318 is profound, underscoring several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **God as the Divine Renewer:** The primary theological significance of châdash lies in its frequent attribution to God's action. He is consistently portrayed as the one who possesses the power and will to renew. This applies to individual lives (spirit, strength), national fortunes (kingdom, days), and even the created order (face of the ground). This highlights God's ongoing, active involvement in sustaining and perfecting His creation.
* **Hope and Restoration:** The concept of renewal offers immense hope. In contexts of devastation, sin, or despair, châdash points to God's capacity to bring about a fresh start, to restore what was lost, and to bring life out of death. This is particularly evident in the prophetic promises of national restoration for Israel after exile.
* **Spiritual Transformation:** The prayer in [[Psalm 51:10]] is foundational for understanding spiritual regeneration. It acknowledges that true renewal of the human spirit is not merely a self-improvement but a divine work, a "creating" and "renewing" by God Himself. This anticipates New Testament themes of being "born again" or having a "new creation" in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]], [[Titus 3:5]]).
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** When God "renews" His people's days or kingdom, it speaks to His enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have been unfaithful. It signifies His willingness to restore the broken relationship and re-establish His blessings.
* **Daily Grace and Sustenance:** The renewal of youth like the eagle's ([[Psalm 103:5]]) suggests God's daily, sustaining grace that invigorates and empowers, preventing weariness and despair.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2318 (חָדַשׁ, châdash) denotes both the state of being new and the active process of making something new, repairing, or restoring. Its biblical usage spans physical rebuilding, national restoration, and profound spiritual regeneration. Theologically, châdash is deeply significant as it consistently portrays God as the ultimate Renewer, demonstrating His power to bring vitality out of decay, hope out of despair, and spiritual transformation to the human heart. It underscores themes of divine faithfulness, the promise of restoration, and the ongoing, life-giving work of God in creation and redemption.
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