feminine of חָדָשׁ; new; Chadashah, a place in Palestine; Hadashah.
Transliteration:Chădâshâh
Pronunciation:khad-aw-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *Chădâshâh* (חֲדָשָׁה, `{{H2322}}`) is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. It is the feminine form of the adjective *chadash* (חָדָשׁ, `{{H2319}}`), which means "new," "fresh," or "recent." Therefore, the name *Chădâshâh* inherently carries the semantic meaning of "newness" or "a new place/settlement." Its semantic range is thus twofold: first, as a direct reference to a town; second, by etymological extension, hinting at the concept of something novel or recently established.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *Chădâshâh* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:21]]: "And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur, and Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan, Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth, and Hazor-hadattah, and Kerioth-hezron, which is Hazor, Amam, and Shema, and Moladah, and Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-pelet, and Hazar-shual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah, and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages: in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, and Zanoah, and En-gannim, Tappuah, and Enam, Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages: Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdal-gad, and Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel; sixteen cities with their villages: Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon, and Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kitlish, and Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages: Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan, and Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib, and Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages: Ekron, with her towns and her villages: from Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages: Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof."
The specific mention is: "Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdal-gad, and Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel." This verse lists *Chădâshâh* as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Shephelah (lowlands) region. Its inclusion in this extensive list of inherited territories underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land. While its exact location remains uncertain to modern scholarship, its context places it firmly within the divinely appointed inheritance of Judah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to *Chădâshâh* is its masculine root, *chadash* (חָדָשׁ, `{{H2319}}`), meaning "new." This root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, conveying various aspects of newness:
* **Renovation/Renewal:** As in the renewal of the moon (*chodesh*, month) or the renewal of the covenant.
* **Novelty/Unprecedented:** Describing something never before seen or experienced, such as a "new thing" God is about to do ([[Isaiah 42:9]]).
* **Freshness:** Indicating a state of being recently made or acquired, like "new wine" ([[Job 32:19]]).
* **Restoration:** Particularly in prophetic literature, referring to a "new heart" or "new spirit" ([[Ezekiel 18:31]], [[Ezekiel 36:26]]), or a "new heavens and a new earth" ([[Isaiah 65:17]], [[Isaiah 66:22]]).
The concept of "newness" is a profound theological theme, encompassing God's creative power, His faithfulness in covenant renewal, and His ultimate redemptive work. While *Chădâshâh* is a place name, its etymological link connects it to this broader biblical tapestry of divine innovation and restoration.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, *Chădâshâh* does not carry explicit theological pronouncements. However, its name, meaning "new," subtly echoes the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive work bringing about newness. The allocation of *Chădâshâh* to Judah in [[Joshua 15]] signifies the establishment of God's people in a "new" land, a land promised to their forefathers. This act of inheritance itself represents a new phase in the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, moving from wilderness wandering to settled existence.
The naming of places in ancient Israel often reflected significant events, characteristics, or hopes. A place named "Newness" could imply a recently founded settlement, a place of fresh beginnings, or perhaps a location that represented a new acquisition or a new stage in the tribal allotment. In a theological sense, the very existence of such a place within the promised land testifies to God's ongoing work of bringing forth new things for His people, fulfilling His ancient promises with fresh manifestations of His faithfulness. It stands as a silent witness to the divine initiative in establishing a new home for a new nation.
### Summary
*Chădâshâh* (חֲדָשָׁה, `{{H2322}}`) is a unique proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, appearing solely in [[Joshua 15:21]] as a city allotted to the tribe of Judah. Etymologically, it is the feminine form of the Hebrew word for "new" (חָדָשׁ, `{{H2319}}`), suggesting its meaning as "a new place" or "new settlement." While its direct theological significance is limited due to its singular mention as a geographical location, its name subtly resonates with the broader biblical theme of "newness." This theme pervades Scripture, speaking to God's creative power, His covenant renewals, and His ultimate redemptive plan to bring about a new creation. Thus, even a seemingly minor place name like *Chădâshâh* can serve as a quiet reminder of God's continuous work of renewal and the fulfillment of His promises in the establishment of His people in their new, divinely appointed inheritance.
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