by transitive from עָנַד; a bond, i.e. group; influence.
Transliteration:maʻădannâh
Pronunciation:mah-ad-an-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh, `{{H4575}}`) is a rare noun in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once. Its root is עָנַד (ʻânad, `{{H6029}}`), which fundamentally means "to bind," "to tie," or "to fasten." Therefore, the core meaning of מַעֲדַנָּה naturally extends from this root, denoting "a bond," "a tie," or "that which binds." The semantic range further encompasses "a group" – understood as individuals or entities bound together – and "influence," which implies a binding power or sway exerted over something or someone. This "influence" is not merely persuasive but suggests a compelling, unalterable force, akin to a strong bond that dictates order or condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh, `{{H4575}}`) is found in the book of Job, specifically in [[Job 38:31]]. This verse is part of God's profound rhetorical challenge to Job, demonstrating divine omnipotence and wisdom in contrast to human limitations. The passage reads: "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion?" (הַתְקַשֵּׁר מַעֲדַנּוֹת כִּימָה אוֹ מֹשְׁכוֹת כְּסִיל תְּפַתֵּחַ). Here, מַעֲדַנּוֹת (maʻădannôt) is the plural form of מַעֲדַנָּה, translated as "chains" or "bands" in connection with the constellation Pleiades (כִּימָה).
In this cosmic context, the "chains" or "bonds" of the Pleiades refer to the fixed, observable arrangement and movement of this star cluster. God's question underscores the impossibility of human intervention in the divinely established order of the heavens. Job, as a mere mortal, cannot manipulate the celestial bodies; he cannot "bind" what God has ordered, nor can he "loose" what God has constrained. The parallelism with "cords of Orion" (מֹשְׁכוֹת כְּסִיל, mashkoth Kesil, `{{H4900}}` `{{H3685}}`) reinforces the idea of divine control over the cosmic architecture. The term thus highlights the unyielding, binding power that maintains the stars in their courses, a power exclusively belonging to the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root עָנַד (ʻânad, `{{H6029}}`), from which מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh) is derived. This root's meaning of "to bind," "to tie," or "to fasten" directly informs the noun's sense of a "bond" or "fetter." Other Hebrew words conveying concepts of binding or restraint include מוֹסֵרָה (moserah, `{{H4147}}`), meaning "bond" or "fetter" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 5:5]]), and חֶבֶל (chevel, `{{H2256}}`), which can mean "cord," "rope," or "bond" (e.g., [[Psalm 119:61]]).
Conceptually, מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh) connects to the broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty, cosmic order, and creation. It stands in stark contrast to human weakness and limited understanding. The "bonds" of the Pleiades speak to the immutable laws and structures God has imposed upon the universe, laws that humans cannot comprehend, let alone alter. It also relates to the concept of divine "influence" or "sway" over creation, not in a mystical sense, but as the active, maintaining power that keeps the cosmos in its appointed course.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh, `{{H4575}}`) is profound, despite its singular occurrence. In [[Job 38:31]], it serves as a powerful testament to God's unparalleled omnipotence and wisdom. The rhetorical question posed by God challenges Job to acknowledge the vast chasm between human capability and divine power. Humans are utterly incapable of manipulating the intricate celestial order, which is held together by divine "bonds."
The "chains of the Pleiades" symbolize the fixed, unalterable ordinances of the heavens, established and maintained solely by God. This highlights God as the ultimate sustainer of creation, whose power extends to the most distant and majestic parts of the cosmos. The word underscores that the stability and predictability of the universe are not random occurrences but are upheld by the Creator's constant, binding will. For Job, and for all readers, it is a humbling reminder that divine governance extends over all things, seen and unseen, confirming God's absolute dominion and the futility of questioning His ways based on human understanding.
### Summary
מַעֲדַנָּה (maʻădannâh, `{{H4575}}`) is a rare but significant Hebrew noun, derived from the root "to bind." Its core meaning denotes "a bond" or "that which binds," extending semantically to "a group" (bound together) and "influence" (as a binding power). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Job 38:31]] describes the "chains" or "bonds" of the Pleiades, serving as a powerful illustration of God's absolute control over the cosmos. Theologically, this word underscores the Creator's unchallengeable sovereignty, His meticulous ordering of the universe, and the vast disparity between divine omnipotence and human limitation. It stands as a reverent reminder of the majestic power that upholds all creation.
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