### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **madday**, represented by `{{H4078}}`, is a rare term meaning **sufficiently**. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition is derived from the combination of words for "what" and "enough," conveying the idea of a sufficient measure or quantity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H4078}}` is found in [[2 Chronicles 30:3]], where it explains a delay in a major religious observance. The verse states that the people could not keep the feast at the appointed time because the **priests** `{{H3548}}` had failed to **sanctify** `{{H6942}}` themselves **sufficiently** `{{H4078}}`. This lack of adequate preparation by the religious leaders was a primary reason the **people** `{{H5971}}` had not yet **gathered** `{{H622}}` together in Jerusalem.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of sufficiency and readiness:
* `{{H1767}}` **day** (enough): As a core component of `madday`, this word means enough or sufficient. It is used to describe a blessing so great there is not **enough** room to receive it [[Malachi 3:10]] and also to mark regular intervals, such as "from year to year" [[Zechariah 14:16]].
* `{{H6942}}` **qâdash** (sanctify): This is the specific action the priests failed to perform adequately. To sanctify is to be set apart as holy, a critical concept established when God **sanctified** the seventh day [[Genesis 2:3]] and commanded Israel to **sanctify** the firstborn to Him [[Exodus 13:2]].
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (be able): The failure to sanctify sufficiently resulted in an inability to act. The text states they **could** not keep the feast, linking spiritual readiness to capability. This term denotes ability in both a divine sense, where God **can do** all things [[Job 42:2]], and a human one, where people **are not able** to perform their own mischievous devices [[Psalms 21:11]].
### Theological Significance
Though rare, the theological significance of `{{H4078}}` is concentrated in its single appearance:
* **Standard of Preparation:** The use of **sufficiently** implies that there is a required measure of holiness for sacred duties. It was not enough for the priests to be sanctified in part; their preparation had to meet a specific standard before they could lead the people in worship [[2 Chronicles 30:3]].
* **Leadership Accountability:** The priests' insufficient sanctification directly hindered the entire nation's observance. This highlights the principle that the spiritual readiness of leaders has a direct impact on the **people** `{{H5971}}` they are meant to serve [[2 Chronicles 30:3]].
* **Consequence of Insufficiency:** The inability to **keep** `{{H6213}}` the feast demonstrates a direct link between a lack of proper consecration and the failure to fulfill religious obligations. The word shows that spiritual "insufficiency" is not a passive state but has tangible, negative consequences [[2 Chronicles 30:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4078}}` is a precise and impactful word. Despite its single occurrence, **madday** provides a critical theological insight into the concept of spiritual readiness. It moves beyond a simple binary of sanctified or not sanctified, introducing the idea of degree and sufficiency. The term underscores that for key moments of worship and obedience, a measured and adequate level of preparation is required, particularly for those in positions of spiritual leadership.
TRV