a primitive root; to be (causatively, have) redundant; be more, odd number, be (have) over (and above), overplus, remain.
Transliteration:ʻădaph
Pronunciation:aw-daf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5736 (ʻădaph) fundamentally conveys the idea of *superabundance*, *excess*, or *remaining*. It describes something that is "over and above" what is needed, expected, or accounted for. The semantic range of ʻădaph includes:
* **Redundancy/Excess:** Indicating something that is more than sufficient, overflowing, or superfluous.
* **Remainder/Surplus:** Referring to what is left over after a specific portion has been taken, used, or accounted for.
* **Being More/Superiority:** In some contexts, it can imply a greater quantity or a surpassing element, though this is less common than the sense of a physical or numerical surplus.
* **Odd Number:** Specifically in numerical contexts, it denotes an uneven number, implying one unit "over" an even pairing or a precisely matched set.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H5736 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly illustrative of its core meaning:
* **[[Leviticus 25:27]]**: In the context of the laws concerning the redemption of sold property, the text states, "then he shall count the years of its sale, and restore the overplus (וְהֵשִׁיב אֶת־הָעֹדֵף) to the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his property." Here, ʻădaph clearly denotes the *remainder* or *surplus value* of the property, calculated based on the years left until the Jubilee. It highlights the principle of equitable restoration and justice within the covenant.
* **[[Numbers 3:46]]**: This verse deals with the redemption of the firstborn sons of Israel. "And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than (הָעֹדְפִים עַל) the Levites..." This usage is crucial, as ʻădaph here refers to the *excess number* of firstborns compared to the number of Levites, who were designated as substitutes. It directly translates to "those that are over and above" or "the surplus."
* **[[Numbers 3:48]]**: Following the previous verse, this verse instructs, "And those that are to be redeemed of the overplus (עֹדְפֵיהֶם) of them shall be redeemed for five shekels apiece..." This reiterates the meaning of a numerical surplus or excess that requires a specific redemption payment. This context particularly emphasizes the concept of an "odd number" or "remainder" when one group is matched against another.
* **[[Ecclesiastes 12:9]]**: "And moreover (וְיֹתֵר שֶׁהָיָה), because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge..." While the Masoretic Text here uses a form of `{{H3498}}` (yāthar), some textual traditions or interpretations might consider a semantic overlap with H5736 in its adverbial sense of "in addition" or "furthermore." However, direct occurrences of H5736 are limited to the Leviticus and Numbers passages. *Correction based on re-evaluation: The KJV translates yāthar here as "moreover." The Strong's entry for H5736 does not list Ecclesiastes 12:9. I must stick to the actual lemma occurrences.*
*Self-correction*: The provided lemma data does not list Ecclesiastes 12:9 for H5736. My initial thought process included it, but a re-check confirms it's not an occurrence of this specific root. I will remove it from the final output. The actual occurrences are Leviticus 25:27, Numbers 3:46, and Numbers 3:48.
**Revised Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis:**
* **[[Leviticus 25:27]]**: Describes the redemption of a sold property. If a man sells his property and then redeems it, he must pay the "overplus" (ʻădaph) of the years remaining until the Jubilee. Here, it clearly denotes the *remainder* or *surplus value* calculated based on time.
* **[[Numbers 3:46]]**: Refers to the "over and above" (הָעֹדְפִים עַל) number of firstborn sons of Israel compared to the Levites, who were substituted for them. This highlights a numerical *excess* that required a specific redemption.
* **[[Numbers 3:48]]**: Reinforces the previous verse, speaking of "those that are to be redeemed of the overplus" (עֹדְפֵיהֶם), emphasizing the need for a redemption price for the surplus individuals.
These occurrences consistently point to ʻădaph as a quantitative term, signifying something beyond a set measure or count, whether in financial value or numerical quantity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3498}}` (yāthar):** "to remain, be left over, excel, be abundant." This is a very close semantic parallel to ʻădaph, often used for what is left over or what excels. While H5736 often implies a surplus *beyond* a specific measure or a distinct excess, H3498 can refer to a more general remainder or superiority.
* **`{{H7227}}` (rab):** "much, many, great." While ʻădaph implies an *excess* or *overplus* relative to a standard, `{{H7227}}` simply denotes a large quantity in general.
* **`{{H3254}}` (yāsaph):** "to add, increase, do again." This verb describes the action of augmentation, which can lead to a state of ʻădaph (an overplus). `{{H3254}}` is the process of adding, while H5736 describes the resulting state of being added or in excess.
* **Concepts:**
* **Redemption:** As seen in Numbers, the concept of "overplus" is intrinsically linked to the system of redemption, where an excess or remainder needs to be accounted for and consecrated or redeemed.
* **Divine Order and Precision:** The use of ʻădaph in the Levitical and Numbers texts underscores a meticulous divine accounting, where even what is "extra" or "over and above" is precisely measured and integrated into God's plans.
* **Abundance:** While not directly used to describe God's overflowing blessing, the underlying concept of "more than enough" resonates with themes of divine provision that exceeds human need or expectation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5736 is primarily found in its application within the Mosaic Law, highlighting God's meticulousness, justice, and the principles of redemption.
* In **[[Numbers 3:46]], [[Numbers 3:48]]**, the "overplus" of the firstborn sons of Israel (who were dedicated to God) compared to the Levites (who were substituted for them) required a specific redemption price. This passage powerfully illustrates God's precise order and His ownership of the firstborn. It underscores the concept that even a numerical excess or "odd number" is not overlooked but is meticulously accounted for within God's divine economy. Every individual counts and is subject to His righteous standards and redemptive provisions. This system demonstrates God's commitment to justice and the fulfillment of His decrees.
* In **[[Leviticus 25:27]]**, the "overplus" in property redemption reflects the principle of justice and equitable restoration within the covenant community. It ensures that the original owner, upon redemption, pays only for the remaining value, not the full original price, demonstrating fairness and the cyclical nature of land ownership tied to the Jubilee. This showcases God's concern for social equity and the well-being of all members of His covenant people.
* Overall, ʻădaph points to God's meticulous attention to detail, His establishment of just systems for redemption and restoration, and the recognition that His plans often involve an "over and above" element, whether in terms of a specific count or a financial calculation. It subtly hints at the divine order that accounts for everything, even the "excess," ensuring that all things are brought into alignment with His perfect will.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H5736 (ʻădaph) signifies the concept of *superabundance*, *excess*, or *what remains over and above*. Its core meaning encompasses redundancy, surplus, and specifically an "odd number" in numerical contexts. Biblically, it appears in precise legal and census contexts, such as the financial "overplus" in property redemption in [[Leviticus 25:27]]. More significantly, in [[Numbers 3:46]] and [[Numbers 3:48]], ʻădaph describes the numerical "excess" of firstborn Israelites compared to the Levites, necessitating a specific redemption payment. This usage highlights God's meticulous order and the principles of substitution and redemption within the covenant. Semantically, it shares ground with words like `{{H3498}}` (to remain, excel) and `{{H3254}}` (to add). Theologically, ʻădaph underscores God's precise accounting, His just provisions for redemption within the covenant, and the divine attention to every detail, even that which is "over and above" the expected measure. It points to a divine economy that is thorough and just, leaving nothing unaccounted for.
TRV