the same as עַד in the sense of the aim of an attack; booty; prey.
Transliteration:ʻad
Pronunciation:ad
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H5706 (עַד, *ʻad*) presents a unique case in biblical lexicography, being a homonym of the far more common preposition H5703 (עַד, *ʻad*), meaning "until" or "as far as." While sharing the identical consonantal form, H5706 possesses a distinct semantic field. Its base definition points to "the aim of an attack; booty; prey." This suggests a core meaning related to that which is targeted, pursued, or captured in a predatory or hostile context. It encapsulates the idea of something being the object of a hunt, raid, or aggressive pursuit, whether as plunder (booty) or as an animal seized by a predator (prey). The underlying sense is one of vulnerability and being a desired object of capture or consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun H5706 is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only one specific context: [[Jeremiah 12:9]].
In this passage, God laments over His heritage, Israel, stating: "Is my heritage to me like a speckled bird of prey? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, gather all the wild beasts; bring them to devour her." The critical phrase is עַיִט עַד (*ʻayit ʻad*), typically translated as "bird of prey."
Here, עַיִט (ayit) means "ravenous bird" or "bird of prey." The addition of H5706 (ʻad) serves to further specify the nature of this bird. It is not merely a bird, but a bird *that aims for prey*, a bird *that seeks booty*. Thus, ʻad functions here to describe the predatory characteristic or purpose of the bird. The imagery conveys Israel's precarious position, likened either to a rare, isolated bird targeted by other predators, or to a predatory bird itself that has become the object of attack. The context is one of impending divine judgment and the vulnerability of God's people to their enemies, who are depicted as ravenous beasts and birds of prey. The word underscores the concept of being hunted or becoming a victim in a hostile environment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H5706 is aided by examining words that describe similar concepts of capture, plunder, and vulnerability:
* H5703 (עַד, *ʻad*): While a homonym, it is crucial to acknowledge the shared form but entirely different meaning. The preposition H5703 signifies "until, up to, eternity," and its semantic range is distinct from the noun H5706.
* H962 (בַּז, *baz*): "spoil, plunder, prey." This word directly denotes that which is seized in war or by predators.
* H7998 (שָׁלָל, *shalal*): "booty, spoil, plunder." Similar to H962, it refers to goods taken from an enemy.
* H2040 (טֶרֶף, *ṭereph*): "prey, food torn by a wild beast." This term often describes the victim of an animal predator.
* H5770 (עַיִט, *ʻayit*): "bird of prey, ravenous bird." This is the word directly preceding H5706 in [[Jeremiah 12:9]], highlighting the predatory context.
* Concepts of divine judgment, covenant breaking, vulnerability, and the consequences of unfaithfulness are all intimately tied to the imagery evoked by H5706.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H5706 in [[Jeremiah 12:9]] imbues it with significant theological weight, particularly within the prophetic context of judgment and divine sovereignty. The imagery of Israel as a "bird of prey" or a "bird for prey" that is itself being targeted by other "birds of prey" and "wild beasts" is a potent metaphor for the nation's spiritual state and impending doom.
1. **Divine Judgment:** The passage directly connects ʻad to God's assessment of His heritage. It signifies that Israel, due to its unfaithfulness, has become vulnerable, an object of attack and consumption by hostile forces, orchestrated or permitted by God as a consequence of their sin.
2. **Vulnerability and Exposure:** The word highlights the state of being exposed and defenseless. Just as prey is targeted and consumed, so too is Israel depicted as susceptible to the destructive forces of foreign nations, illustrating the severe consequences of breaking covenant with God.
3. **Nature of Predation:** While ʻad primarily describes the target of an attack, its use in עַיִט עַד also subtly characterizes the *nature* of the attacker – one that seeks and consumes. This reinforces the brutal reality of the judgment being brought upon Israel by its enemies.
4. **Sovereignty of God:** Even in this grim portrayal of vulnerability and destruction, the passage remains within the larger framework of God's sovereign control. He is the one who "gathers all the wild beasts" to devour His heritage, indicating that the judgment, though carried out by human and natural agents, ultimately originates from His righteous decree.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun H5706 (עַד, *ʻad*) is a rare but potent term, defined as "the aim of an attack; booty; prey." Despite its identical form to the common preposition H5703 ("until"), it possesses a distinct meaning related to that which is targeted for capture or consumption. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Jeremiah 12:9]] profoundly illustrates the concept of vulnerability and impending judgment. In this context, ʻad describes the predatory nature of a "bird of prey" (עַיִט עַד), emphasizing that Israel, God's heritage, has become an object of attack and consumption by hostile forces, a consequence of their unfaithfulness. Theologically, H5706 underscores divine judgment, the exposed state of a disobedient people, and the sovereign hand of God in orchestrating the consequences of sin.
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