or פְּדֻת; from קֵדְמָהlemma קדְמָה missing vowel, corrected to קֵדְמָה; distinction; also deliverance; division, redeem, redemption.
Transliteration:pᵉdûwth
Pronunciation:ped-ooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פְּדוּת (pᵉdûwth, `{{H6304}}`) is derived from the verbal root פָּדָה (pādâ, `{{H6299}}`), meaning "to ransom," "to redeem," "to deliver," or "to set free." As a noun, pᵉdûwth primarily denotes the *act* of redemption, deliverance, or liberation, as well as the *state* of being redeemed, or the *price* paid for such a release.
The semantic range of pᵉdûwth encompasses several closely related ideas:
1. **Redemption/Deliverance:** This is the most prominent meaning, referring to the act by which one is set free from bondage, danger, or obligation, often implying a cost or a powerful intervention. It signifies release and restoration to a state of freedom or safety.
2. **Ransom/Price of Redemption:** In some contexts, it can refer to the amount or means by which redemption is achieved, though this is less common than the act itself.
3. **Distinction/Separation:** A unique and significant nuance appears in [[Exodus 8:23]], where pᵉdûwth is translated as "division" or "distinction." In this specific context, the "division" is not merely a separation but a divine act of setting apart God's people from others, which is intrinsically linked to their deliverance and identification as His own. This "distinction" is a consequence and manifestation of God's redemptive work, marking His people as uniquely preserved and chosen.
The core idea is always one of active liberation, particularly by a powerful agent (God), leading to a new status of freedom or special belonging.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun pᵉdûwth appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating different facets of its meaning:
1. **[[Exodus 8:23]] (MT 8:19):** "And I will put a **division** (וְשַׂמְתִּי פְדֻת) between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be."
* Here, pᵉdûwth signifies a clear, divinely orchestrated separation or distinction. In the context of the plague of flies, God promises to exempt Goshen, where the Israelites lived, from the plague that afflicted the Egyptians. This "division" is a tangible demonstration of God's protective and distinguishing power, setting His people apart for deliverance. It's not a mere physical separation but a theological one, highlighting God's unique relationship with Israel and His sovereign ability to redeem them from oppression.
2. **[[Psalm 49:8]] (MT 49:9):** "For the **redemption** (וְיָקָר פְּדוּת) of their soul is costly, and it shall cease forever."
* This verse speaks to the human inability to ransom one's own life or the life of another from death. The "redemption" (pᵉdûwth) of a soul is described as "costly" (יָקָר, yaqar), implying an insurmountable price beyond human means. This underscores the profound truth that only God can provide ultimate redemption from the power of death and the grave, setting the stage for divine intervention.
3. **[[Psalm 111:9]]:** "He has sent **redemption** (פְּדוּת שָׁלַח) to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name."
* This verse celebrates God's active role as Redeemer. The sending of pᵉdûwth is a decisive, sovereign act of liberation for His chosen people, directly linked to His eternal covenant. This highlights God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people from various forms of bondage, whether from slavery, exile, or sin. The act of redemption is presented as a cornerstone of His covenant relationship and a testament to His holy character.
4. **[[Psalm 130:7]]:** "O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is abundant **redemption** (וְהַרְבֵּה עִמּוֹ פְדוּת)."
* This final occurrence emphasizes the vastness and availability of God's redemptive power. The phrase "abundant redemption" (הַרְבֵּה פְדוּת) suggests that God's capacity to redeem is not limited but overflowing. In the context of a psalm of lament and confession, this abundance of pᵉdûwth offers profound hope to those who cry out to God, assuring them that His mercy and power to deliver are more than sufficient for their needs.
These occurrences collectively reveal pᵉdûwth as a powerful descriptor of God's saving activity, encompassing both a protective separation and a comprehensive liberation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of redemption in the Old Testament is rich and multifaceted, expressed through several key terms that are conceptually related to pᵉdûwth:
* **פָּדָה (pādâ, `{{H6299}}`):** The root verb from which pᵉdûwth is derived. It signifies the act of ransoming, redeeming, or delivering, often implying a payment or substitution. This verb is used for physical deliverance (e.g., from slavery, war, death) and sometimes for spiritual deliverance.
* **גָּאַל (gā'al, `{{H1350}}`):** This verb means "to redeem" or "to act as kinsman-redeemer." It carries the connotation of a close family member (the *go'el*) intervening to restore a lost inheritance, free a relative from slavery, or avenge a death. While pādâ focuses on the act of release, gā'al emphasizes the *relationship* and obligation of the redeemer. Both terms are crucial for understanding God as Israel's Redeemer.
* **כָּפַר (kāphar, `{{H3724}}`):** Meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to make propitiation." While distinct from pādâ and gā'al, kāphar is related in that atonement often precedes or enables redemption from sin or guilt.
* **יָשַׁע (yāshaʿ, `{{H3467}}`):** Meaning "to save" or "to deliver." This is a broader term for salvation, encompassing deliverance from various forms of distress, often without the specific nuance of a ransom or family obligation.
* **צָלַח (tsalach, `{{H6743}}`):** Meaning "to prosper," "to succeed," or "to deliver." While less direct, it can sometimes imply a successful outcome or deliverance.
Concepts related to pᵉdûwth include:
* **Covenant:** God's redemptive acts are often framed within His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Salvation:** Pᵉdûwth is a specific aspect of God's broader saving work.
* **Liberation:** The act of setting free from bondage, whether physical, social, or spiritual.
* **Holiness/Separation:** As seen in [[Exodus 8:23]], redemption by God results in a distinction, setting apart His people as holy for Himself.
### Theological Significance
The word pᵉdûwth carries profound theological significance, primarily revealing the character and activity of God.
1. **God as the Sovereign Redeemer:** The consistent use of pᵉdûwth in relation to God's actions (e.g., "He has sent redemption," "with Him is abundant redemption") underscores His role as the ultimate and sole source of true liberation. Human efforts to redeem themselves are deemed futile ([[Psalm 49:8]]), highlighting God's exclusive ability and prerogative to deliver. This divine redemption is not a passive state but an active, intentional intervention.
2. **The Cost and Nature of Redemption:** While pᵉdûwth itself doesn't explicitly state the *price* of redemption in the same way as some New Testament concepts, [[Psalm 49:8]] strongly implies that the "redemption of their soul is costly," a price that humanity cannot pay. This foreshadows the immense cost of divine redemption, ultimately pointing to the sacrificial nature of God's saving work. Divine redemption is not cheap; it involves a profound act of divine will and power.
3. **Redemption as Distinction and Covenant Faithfulness:** The usage in [[Exodus 8:23]] is critical. God's pᵉdûwth creates a clear "division" or "distinction" between His people and the unredeemed. This separation is not arbitrary but serves to identify those who belong to Him and are under His special protection. This act of distinction is a manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to preserve and bless His chosen people. It signifies their unique status as a people set apart for God's purposes.
4. **Abundant Hope and Steadfast Love:** The declaration in [[Psalm 130:7]] that "with Him is abundant redemption" offers immense hope. It assures the worshiper that God's capacity to redeem is boundless, surpassing any human sin or distress. This abundance of pᵉdûwth is directly linked to God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, hesed), portraying a God who is not only powerful enough but also loving enough to provide comprehensive and ongoing deliverance.
In summary, pᵉdûwth articulates God's powerful, costly, and abundant act of setting His people free, establishing their unique identity, and demonstrating His unwavering covenant loyalty. It speaks to a salvation that is both liberating and distinguishing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פְּדוּת (pᵉdûwth, `{{H6304}}`) is a significant noun derived from the verb "to redeem" (פָּדָה, `{{H6299}}`). Its primary meaning is "redemption" or "deliverance," referring to the act or state of being set free from bondage, danger, or obligation, often through a powerful intervention. A unique nuance, particularly in [[Exodus 8:23]], highlights pᵉdûwth as a "division" or "distinction" divinely orchestrated to set God's people apart as a result of His redemptive work.
Biblical occurrences in [[Exodus 8:23]], [[Psalm 49:8]], [[Psalm 111:9]], and [[Psalm 130:7]] illustrate pᵉdûwth as:
1. A divine act of separation that distinguishes God's people.
2. A costly and humanly unattainable liberation of the soul.
3. A sovereign act of deliverance sent by God to His people, fulfilling His covenant.
4. An abundant and overflowing capacity of God's steadfast love to redeem.
Theologically, pᵉdûwth emphasizes God as the sole, sovereign, and abundant Redeemer, whose acts of liberation are both powerful and costly. It underscores His covenant faithfulness in setting apart His people and providing them with a comprehensive and enduring freedom, rooted in His boundless steadfast love.
TRV