a primitive root; to advance, i.e. pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e. bring an ornament upon); adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâdâh**, represented by `{{H5710}}`, is a primitive root with a dual focus. It primarily means to bedeck or **adorn**, but also carries the meanings of to pass by or to take away. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses, illustrating its specific yet significant role in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5710}}` most often describes the act of adorning oneself with ornaments, jewels, or fine clothing. This can be positive, as when a bride **adorneth** herself for her wedding [[Isaiah 61:10]] or when God describes His blessing upon Jerusalem, stating, "I **decked** thee also with ornaments" [[Ezekiel 16:11]]. However, it can also signify misplaced priorities or vanity, as when a desolate nation futilely **deckest** herself with crimson and gold [[Jeremiah 4:30]] or when Israel **decked** herself to pursue idols [[Hosea 2:13]]. The word also appears in its other senses, such as when describing how a fierce lion has not **passed** by the path to wisdom [[Job 28:8]], or as the act that **taketh away** a garment in cold weather [[Proverbs 25:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of adorning and its context:
* `{{H5716}}` **ʻădîy** (ornament): Derived from `{{H5710}}`, this noun refers to the finery or ornaments themselves. It is used alongside its root verb in passages like [[Ezekiel 16:11]], where God **decked** Jerusalem with **ornaments**.
* `{{H3847}}` **lâbash** (to put on a garment or clothe): This word for clothing often appears in parallel with adorning, showing the connection between being clothed and being decorated, as seen in [[Jeremiah 4:30]] where the nation first **clothest** herself before she decks herself with ornaments.
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): In the context of restoration, building and adorning are linked. God promises Israel, "Again I will **build** thee, and thou shalt be built... thou shalt again be **adorned**" [[Jeremiah 31:4]], connecting physical restoration with the restoration of joy and beauty.
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (something prepared, i.e. any apparatus): This general term for an implement or jewel is used to specify what one adorns themselves with. In [[Isaiah 61:10]], the bride **adorneth** herself with her **jewels** `{{H3627}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5710}}` is demonstrated through its contrasting applications.
* **Symbol of Divine Blessing:** God's act of adorning His people signifies covenant relationship and favor. In [[Ezekiel 16:11-13]], the Lord decks Jerusalem with gold, silver, and bracelets, causing her to become exceedingly beautiful and prosper into a kingdom. This represents the blessings He bestows.
* **Metaphor for Spiritual State:** The act of adorning reflects one's spiritual allegiance. In [[Isaiah 61:10]], the soul is adorned with salvation and righteousness. Conversely, in [[Hosea 2:13]], adorning oneself with earrings and jewels is part of forgetting God and pursuing idolatry.
* **Adornment with Divine Attributes:** The concept is elevated beyond physical objects in [[Job 40:10]], where God challenges Job to "**Deck** thyself now with majesty `{{H1347}}` and excellency `{{H1363}}`". This uses the language of adornment to speak of being clothed in God's own glorious attributes.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5710}}` is a versatile word that primarily explores the concept of adornment. While it can literally mean to put on ornaments, its deeper significance lies in what that decoration represents. It can symbolize the beauty and honor bestowed by God as part of His covenant blessing and restoration, or it can expose the vanity and spiritual unfaithfulness of those who seek glory apart from Him. The word serves as a powerful metaphor for the outward expression of an inward spiritual condition.
TRV