from the same as כַּד in the sense of striking fire from a metal forged; a sparkling gem, probably the ruby; agate.
Transliteration:kadkôd
Pronunciation:kad-kode'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כַּדְכֹּד (kadkôd, `{{H3539}}`) refers to a precious stone, identified in the base definition as "a sparkling gem, probably the ruby; agate." The etymological suggestion linking it to the act of "striking fire from a metal forged" points to a primary characteristic of the stone: its brilliant, fiery, or sparkling quality. This implies a gem possessing a high degree of luster, scintillation, or a deep, vibrant color reminiscent of fire. While "ruby" aligns well with the "fiery" aspect due to its deep red hue, "agate" can also exhibit a polished sheen and sometimes fiery inclusions, though it is generally less brilliant than a ruby. The essence of kadkôd therefore lies in its striking visual appeal as a valuable, radiant gemstone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word kadkôd appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance contributing to a distinct yet related understanding of its significance.
1. **[[Isaiah 54:12]]**: "And I will make your battlements of rubies [כַּדְכֹּד], and your gates of carbuncles, and all your walls of precious stones."
In this prophetic passage, kadkôd is part of a magnificent description of the restored and glorified Jerusalem. The imagery here is one of divine splendor and lavish provision. The city's defenses and entrances are not merely strong but are adorned with exceptionally precious and beautiful stones. This context elevates kadkôd beyond a mere commodity; it becomes a symbol of God's abundant blessing, the enduring beauty of His covenant faithfulness, and the transcendent glory awaiting His people. The brilliance of the stones reflects the divine light and purity associated with the New Jerusalem.
2. **[[Ezekiel 27:16]]**: "Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of your making: they occupied in your fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate [כַּדְכֹּד]."
Here, kadkôd is listed among the luxurious goods traded by Tyre, a prominent maritime city known for its vast wealth and commercial prowess. In this lament over Tyre's downfall, kadkôd represents worldly opulence and material riches. It is part of an extensive inventory of valuable commodities that flowed through Tyre's markets, underscoring the city's immense prosperity and its reliance on earthly treasures. Unlike the Isaiah passage, where the stone signifies divine glory, in Ezekiel, it highlights the transient nature of human-accumulated wealth and the pride that often accompanies it.
The contrasting contexts in Isaiah and Ezekiel are crucial. In Isaiah, kadkôd points to divine, eternal glory; in Ezekiel, it signifies human, ephemeral wealth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Kadkôd belongs to a broader category of Hebrew terms for precious stones, often mentioned in contexts of wealth, adornment, divine glory, or cultic objects.
* **Precious Stones:** The Bible frequently mentions various gemstones, such as `{{H688}}` (barəqet, emerald/carbuncle), `{{H5306}}` (nōphek, carbuncle/turquoise), `{{H3471}}` (yāšpeh, jasper), `{{H7982}}` (šōham, onyx/lapis lazuli), and `{{H6535}}` (pîṭdâ, topaz). These are often associated with the high priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:17-20]]), royal adornment, or the foundations of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:19-20]]).
* **Brilliance and Light:** The proposed etymology of kadkôd ("striking fire") connects it conceptually to words denoting light, sparkle, and radiance (e.g., `{{H215}}` 'ôr, light; `{{H2094}}` zōhar, brightness). These qualities are often metaphors for divine presence, wisdom, and glory.
* **Wealth and Luxury:** Kadkôd is intrinsically linked to concepts of material wealth, trade, and luxury goods, as seen in the Ezekiel passage. This connects it to words describing riches (`{{H6148}}` 'ōšer), gold (`{{H2091}}` zāhāḇ), and silver (`{{H3701}}` keseph).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kadkôd is illuminated by its dual biblical contexts, presenting a compelling contrast between divine and earthly values.
1. **Divine Glory and Redemptive Beauty:** In [[Isaiah 54:12]], kadkôd serves as a powerful symbol of God's magnificent redemptive work and the eschatological glory of His people. The adornment of Jerusalem with such precious, sparkling stones signifies a beauty that is not merely aesthetic but divinely bestowed and reflective of God's own splendor. It speaks to the immeasurable value God places on His covenant people and the lavishness of His future provision, where even the mundane aspects of a city (battlements, gates) are transformed into objects of transcendent beauty and eternal security. This imagery anticipates the New Jerusalem, whose foundations are similarly adorned with precious stones ([[Revelation 21:19-20]]), embodying the ultimate state of divine fellowship and glory.
2. **Ephemeral Nature of Worldly Riches:** Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 27:16]], kadkôd represents the vast, yet ultimately fleeting, material wealth of Tyre. The enumeration of these precious commodities highlights the city's pride in its earthly achievements and its reliance on its own prosperity. The subsequent judgment on Tyre underscores a profound theological truth: while worldly riches, symbolized by kadkôd, may offer temporary splendor and security, they are ultimately transient and cannot withstand divine judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale against placing ultimate value in material possessions over spiritual realities.
Thus, kadkôd functions as a nuanced symbol, capable of representing both the enduring, radiant glory of God's kingdom and the beautiful, yet perishable, allure of human-derived wealth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כַּדְכֹּד (kadkôd, `{{H3539}}`) denotes a precious, sparkling gem, likely a ruby or agate, characterized by its fiery luster. Its two biblical occurrences provide a rich theological contrast. In [[Isaiah 54:12]], kadkôd contributes to the majestic vision of the restored Jerusalem, symbolizing divine glory, abundant provision, and the enduring beauty of God's redemptive work for His people. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 27:16]], it is listed among the luxurious trade goods of Tyre, representing the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and the pride associated with human-accumulated riches. Therefore, kadkôd serves as a poignant reminder of the distinction between the eternal, transcendent value found in God's kingdom and the temporal, ultimately perishable splendor of earthly possessions. Its core meaning emphasizes brilliance and high value, making it a fitting symbol for both divine magnificence and human opulence.
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