from עָדָה in the sense of trappings; finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall; [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament.
Transliteration:ʻădîy
Pronunciation:ad-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עֲדִי (ʻădîy, `{{H5716}}`) derives from the verbal root עָדָה (ʻādāh), which carries the primary sense of "to pass on," "to go on," but also extends to "to adorn oneself" or "to put on adornment." Thus, ʻădîy fundamentally signifies "finery," "ornament," or "trappings." Its semantic range encompasses items of personal adornment such as jewelry, garments, or other accoutrements that enhance appearance or signify status. Beyond personal use, it can also refer to the decorative elements or equipment ("outfit") for animals, specifically a "headstall" or bridle ornaments. The base definition also notes idiomatic uses, including "excellent," which suggests that the adornment is of high quality or represents something of value, and "mouth," likely referring to the part of the headstall that fits over an animal's mouth, or perhaps a figurative "mouthpiece" of beauty or expression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻădîy appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts that illuminate its multifaceted meaning. A prominent usage is found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, particularly in the allegory of Jerusalem as an abandoned infant whom God raises and adorns: "I clothed you with embroidered cloth and shod you with leather; I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments (וָאֶעְדֵּךְ עֲדִי), put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck. And I put a ring in your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head" [[Ezekiel 16:10-12]]. Here, ʻădîy functions as a collective term for the lavish ornaments bestowed by God, symbolizing His covenantal grace, the beauty and honor He bestows upon His people, and their exalted status. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 16:39]], the stripping away of ʻădîy symbolizes judgment and humiliation for Jerusalem's unfaithfulness.
In [[Jeremiah 2:32]], the prophet laments Israel's spiritual amnesia: "Can a virgin forget her ornaments (עֶדְיָהּ), or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number." Here, ʻădîy represents something intimately cherished and never forgotten, highlighting the profound nature of Israel's apostasy. Similarly, in [[Hosea 2:13]], the prophet speaks of Israel adorning herself with rings and jewels for her lovers (Baals), illustrating the allure and deception of idolatry.
Proverbs 25:12 offers a metaphorical usage: "Like a gold ring or an ornament (וַעֲדִי) of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear." This verse elevates the value of wisdom and constructive criticism, likening it to precious adornment, suggesting that true beauty and honor lie in accepting wisdom. In [[2 Samuel 1:24]], David's lament over Saul and Jonathan recalls how Saul "clothed you in scarlet, with finery (עִם עֲדִינִים), and put ornaments of gold on your apparel." This speaks to the material wealth and royal splendor associated with ʻădîy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻădîy intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to beauty, adornment, and value. The root עָדָה (ʻādāh) itself is crucial, as the noun ʻădîy is a direct derivative, emphasizing the act of "putting on" or "adorning." Other related terms include:
* כְּלִי (keli, `{{H3627}}`): A general term for "vessel" or "article," which can often encompass items of jewelry or adornment, as seen in the "vessels of silver and gold" given to Rebekah in [[Genesis 24:53]].
* חֶלְיָה (chelyah, `{{H2481}}`): Specifically refers to an "ornament" or "jewel," often used interchangeably with ʻădîy in contexts of personal adornment.
* תִּפְאֶרֶת (tif'eret, `{{H8597}}`): Denotes "beauty," "glory," or "splendor," often referring to a more inherent or majestic quality rather than merely applied ornamentation.
* כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`): Signifies "glory," "honor," or "weight," which can be outwardly manifested through adornment but speaks to an intrinsic worth or divine presence.
* The concept of יְפִי (yophi, `{{H3308}}`), "beauty," is also closely related, as ʻădîy is often applied to enhance or symbolize beauty.
The relationship between ʻădîy and these terms highlights a spectrum from physical ornamentation to deeper spiritual or intrinsic glory and honor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻădîy is profound, particularly in its metaphorical application to God's relationship with Israel. The imagery in Ezekiel 16, where God adorns Jerusalem, is a powerful theological statement about divine grace and covenant faithfulness. It portrays God as the benevolent provider who bestows beauty, dignity, and honor upon a people who were originally destitute. This divine adornment symbolizes Israel's chosen status, their unique identity as God's bride, and the blessings poured out upon them. It speaks to God's active role in shaping and beautifying His people, not based on their merit, but on His sovereign love.
Conversely, the stripping away of ʻădîy serves as a stark symbol of judgment and the consequences of apostasy. When Israel turns away from God and engages in idolatry or unfaithfulness, the very adornments God bestowed become symbols of their shame or are violently removed, signifying the loss of divine favor, honor, and protection. This underscores the conditional nature of the covenant blessings and the gravity of spiritual infidelity.
Furthermore, the use of ʻădîy in Proverbs 25:12 ("a wise rebuke to a listening ear") elevates spiritual and moral qualities above mere material splendor. It suggests that true and lasting adornment comes from wisdom and righteous living, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature. This serves as a theological corrective, reminding the reader that while God may bestow physical blessings, the ultimate beauty and honor lie in adherence to His ways.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֲדִי (ʻădîy, `{{H5716}}`) primarily denotes "finery," "ornament," or "trappings," stemming from a root meaning "to adorn." Its usage in the biblical text extends from literal items of personal and animal adornment to rich metaphorical imagery. The theological significance of ʻădîy is most powerfully expressed in the prophetic literature, where it symbolizes God's gracious bestowal of beauty, dignity, and covenantal blessing upon His people, particularly Israel. Conversely, the removal of ʻădîy represents divine judgment and the consequences of unfaithfulness. The term also appears in wisdom literature, where it serves to elevate the value of wisdom and righteous living as a more profound and enduring form of adornment than mere material splendor. Thus, ʻădîy encapsulates themes of divine grace, covenant, human responsibility, and the nature of true beauty and honor in the eyes of God.
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