dual of a feminine of עַד; double prey; Adithajim, a place in Palestine; Adithaim.
Transliteration:ʻĂdîythayim
Pronunciation:ad-ee-thah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5723}}`, transliterated ʻĂdîythayim (עֲדִיתַיִם), is a proper noun referring to a geographical location. Its base definition, as provided, indicates it is the "dual of a feminine of עַד," meaning "double prey." This etymology suggests a place associated with the acquisition of spoils, plunder, or perhaps a rich harvest, implying a location that was either frequently raided for its resources or was itself a source of significant bounty. The dual ending (-ayim) emphasizes a duality, perhaps two instances of "prey," or a double measure of it. While the primary function of `{{H5723}}` in the biblical text is to denote a specific place, its underlying meaning points to a characteristic or historical reality of that locale. The root עַד (ad) in this context is distinct from the more common עַד meaning "until" or "eternity," instead relating to the concept of "booty" or "prey," as seen in other lexical entries (e.g., related to עוּד in the sense of seizing or gathering).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5723}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 15:36]]**: "And Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages."
In this sole occurrence, ʻĂdîythayim is listed as one of the cities within the tribal inheritance of Judah. It is situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the central hill country and the coastal plain. The context is purely geographical, part of a meticulous inventory of towns allotted to the tribe of Judah following the conquest of Canaan. The listing emphasizes the divinely ordained boundaries and possessions of the Israelite tribes. ʻĂdîythayim is grouped with other cities, indicating its inclusion in a specific administrative or geographical cluster of fourteen cities. The verse does not provide any narrative details about the city itself, its history, or its inhabitants, beyond its name and location within Judah's territory. Its inclusion in this detailed list underscores the precision and importance of the land distribution in the biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H5723}}` is unique as a proper noun, its etymological root connects it to broader concepts of "prey" or "booty" in Hebrew. Other words that convey similar meanings include:
* שָׁלָל (shalal, `{{H7998}}`): A common term for "spoil," "plunder," or "booty," often taken in warfare (e.g., [[Genesis 49:27]], [[Numbers 31:11]]).
* בַּז (baz, `{{H962}}`): Also meaning "spoil" or "prey," frequently used in contexts of military conquest or raiding (e.g., [[Isaiah 10:6]], [[Jeremiah 2:14]]).
* מַלְקוֹחַ (malqoach, `{{H4455}}`): Signifies "prey" or "booty," specifically that which is "taken" or "captured" (e.g., [[Numbers 31:27]]).
The connection of ʻĂdîythayim to "prey" suggests that the place may have been strategically important, a site of past conflicts, or renowned for its agricultural or natural resources which made it a desirable "prize." The dual form "double prey" could imply a unique abundance or perhaps two significant events of plunder or acquisition associated with the location.
### Theological Significance
As a place name, ʻĂdîythayim contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical geography, which is never merely incidental but deeply intertwined with God's covenantal promises and His providential ordering of history.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Land:** The meticulous listing of ʻĂdîythayim alongside other towns in [[Joshua 15]] underscores God's sovereign hand in allocating the Promised Land to His people. Each city, regardless of its etymological meaning, was a divinely designated inheritance, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
2. **Significance of Names:** Biblical place names often carry symbolic weight or reflect historical realities. While ʻĂdîythayim's meaning of "double prey" is not explicitly elaborated upon in the text, it hints at the dynamic and often tumultuous process of settling the land. The Israelites inherited a land that was already occupied, and its acquisition involved conflict and the taking of "prey" (spoils of war). The name could serve as a subtle reminder of the struggles and victories inherent in establishing God's people in their promised inheritance.
3. **God's Provision:** Alternatively, "prey" can also signify a rich harvest or valuable resources. In this sense, ʻĂdîythayim could have been a particularly fertile or resource-rich area, a "double prize" given by God to Judah, demonstrating His abundant provision for His people. This perspective aligns with the biblical theme of God blessing His people with a land flowing with milk and honey.
4. **A Place of History:** Though silent in narrative, the name itself preserves a fragment of the region's history, perhaps speaking to its vulnerability, its strategic value, or its productivity. It reminds us that every location within God's grand narrative has a story, even if only its name is preserved.
### Summary
ʻĂdîythayim (`{{H5723}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name, appearing only once in [[Joshua 15:36]] as a city within Judah's inheritance in the Shephelah. Its etymological meaning, "double prey," suggests a place historically associated with the acquisition of spoils or abundant resources. While the biblical text offers no further narrative details about the city, its inclusion in the detailed list of tribal allotments highlights God's meticulous and sovereign distribution of the Promised Land. The name itself subtly points to the historical realities of conquest and the divine provision of a land rich in bounty, underscoring the deep theological significance embedded even in the most seemingly mundane geographical listings of the Bible.
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