### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5728 (עֲדֶן, ʻăden) is an adverb derived from a combination of two more common particles: H5704 (עַד, ʻad), meaning "until," "as far as," or "up to," and H2005 (הֵן, hēn), meaning "behold," "lo," or "if." Synthesizing these components, H5728 carries the core meaning of "till now" or "yet." It denotes a state or action that has persisted up to the present moment, or an expectation that remains unfulfilled in the present. Its semantic range thus encompasses temporal continuation, persistence, and the current status of an ongoing situation. While its etymology clearly points to a specific temporal nuance, it is important to note that this particular lemma H5728 is exceedingly rare as a distinct, standalone word in the Masoretic Text, often appearing more as a theoretical construct or a compound whose meaning is conveyed by its constituent parts or close synonyms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As noted, H5728 (עֲדֶן) is not commonly found as a distinct lemma in the Masoretic Text. Its definition as "till now" or "yet" points to a concept frequently expressed in biblical Hebrew, but typically through other, more prevalent words or constructions. The most common ways to convey the notion of "till now" or "yet" are through the adverbs H5750 (עוֹד, ʻôd) and H5704 (עַד, ʻad), often in combination with other words.
For instance, the idea of something continuing "yet" or "still" is powerfully conveyed by H5750 (עוֹד):
* In [[Genesis 29:7]], Laban tells Jacob, "It is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together." Here, H5750 emphasizes that the day is *still* early.
* Pharaoh's servants implore him in [[Exodus 10:7]], "Knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?" The H5750 here highlights the ongoing, unacknowledged devastation.
* Similarly, in [[1 Samuel 9:19]], Samuel tells Saul, "I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me today: and tomorrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart. And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago..." (This is H8543 תְּמוֹל and H7992 שִׁלְשֹׁם, not H5750 meaning "yet"). Let's use a better example for H5750.
* [[Psalm 104:34]]: "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD." (This is not H5750 עוד).
* Let's re-evaluate. The concept of "yet" or "still" is indeed primarily H5750.
* [[Genesis 29:7]]: "It is yet high day..." (עוֹד הַיּוֹם גָּדוֹל)
* [[Exodus 10:7]]: "...knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?" (הֲטֶרֶם תֵּדַע כִּי אָבְדָה מִצְרָיִם) - this is H2962 (טֶרֶם), meaning "not yet." My apologies for misattribution.
This highlights the challenge with H5728 being a rare form. The concept it *would* convey is important, even if the word itself is not frequently attested. The idea of "till now" or "yet" is crucial for understanding temporal progression and divine patience in the biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual space occupied by H5728 is shared and often more commonly expressed by several other Hebrew terms:
* H5704 (עַד, ʻad): This preposition/adverb is the primary component of H5728 and fundamentally means "until," "up to," or "as far as." It is used extensively to mark the duration or extent of an action or state, often in phrases like "[[until this day]]" (עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה).
* H2005 (הֵן, hēn): The second component of H5728, this interjection means "behold," "lo," or "if." It introduces a sense of immediacy or emphasis, grounding the "until" in the present moment.
* H5750 (עוֹד, ʻôd): This adverb is the most direct synonym for "yet," "still," or "again." It denotes continuation, repetition, or an unfulfilled state. Many instances where one might expect a word like H5728 are instead rendered with H5750.
* H2962 (טֶרֶם, ṭerem): Meaning "not yet" or "before," this word expresses an anticipated event that has not transpired up to the present moment. It captures the "not yet" aspect of H5728's semantic range.
* Concepts of temporal duration, persistence, patience, and the "already and not yet" are all intrinsically linked to the meaning and usage of these related words.
### Theological Significance
While H5728 itself is rare, the concept of "till now" or "yet" carries profound theological weight in the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Patience and Longsuffering:** The idea of God's patience is often conveyed by the persistence of a situation "till now." God "yet" waits for repentance, "yet" extends grace, and "yet" holds back judgment. This highlights His steadfast love and desire for humanity's reconciliation, even in the face of persistent rebellion.
2. **Unfulfilled Prophecy and Promise:** Many biblical prophecies and divine promises have an "already and not yet" dimension. Events foretold are "not yet" fully realized, pointing to a future fulfillment. This creates a tension between the present reality and the anticipated divine consummation, fostering hope and perseverance among believers.
3. **Human Experience of Time:** The concept reflects the human experience of waiting, anticipation, and the ongoing nature of life's journey. It speaks to the present moment as a point in a larger timeline, shaped by the past and moving towards the future.
4. **God's Ongoing Work:** The biblical narrative often portrays God as actively engaged in His creation "till now." His providential care, His covenant faithfulness, and His redemptive plan are not static events but dynamic, unfolding realities that continue to operate in the present. This underscores God's immanence and His continuous interaction with His people and the world.
### Summary
H5728 (עֲדֶן, ʻăden) is a rare Hebrew adverb, derived from H5704 (עַד, "until") and H2005 (הֵן, "behold"), meaning "till now" or "yet." While the specific lemma is not frequently attested as a standalone word in the Masoretic Text, its underlying concept is vital for understanding temporal expressions in the Bible. The notion of continuation up to the present moment, or an unfulfilled expectation, is commonly conveyed through more prevalent words such as H5750 (עוֹד, "yet, still") and H5704 (עַד, "until"). Theologically, this concept underscores divine patience, the "already and not yet" nature of God's promises, and His ongoing, active involvement in history and the lives of His people. It highlights the dynamic relationship between past, present, and future within the biblical worldview.
TRV