from an unused root meaning to extend; a plateau; or פַּדַּן אֲרָם; from the same and אֲרָם; the table-land of Aram; Paddan or Paddan-Aram, a region of Syria; Padan, Padan-aram.
Transliteration:Paddân
Pronunciation:pad-dawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6307 (פַּדָּן, Paddân) originates from an unused root signifying "to extend." This etymological foundation gives rise to its primary geographical meaning: a "plateau," "plain," or "table-land." While H6307 can stand alone, it is almost exclusively found in the biblical text as part of the compound geographical designation פַּדַּן אֲרָם (Paddan-Aram). The second element, אֲרָם (Aram, `{{H758}}`), refers to the region of Syria. Thus, "Paddan-Aram" precisely translates to "the table-land of Aram" or "the plain of Aram." Semantically, it defines a specific, relatively flat geographical area within the broader Syrian region, emphasizing its extended, open nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6307 (Paddân) appears predominantly in the book of Genesis, always in its composite form "Paddan-Aram." It consistently refers to the ancestral homeland from which Abraham's family emigrated and to which Jacob later fled. Its contextual usage highlights several key aspects:
* **Ancestral Origin:** Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is identified as coming "from Paddan-Aram, from the household of Bethuel the son of Nahor, Rebekah’s father" [[Genesis 25:20]]. This establishes Paddan-Aram as the region of familial origin for the patriarchs.
* **Source of Wives:** Isaac sends Jacob to Paddan-Aram to take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, his mother's brother, explicitly to avoid the Canaanite women [[Genesis 28:2]], [[Genesis 28:5]], [[Genesis 28:6]], [[Genesis 28:7]]. This underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct and pure lineage for the covenant people.
* **Jacob's Sojourn and Return:** Jacob's twenty-year sojourn in Paddan-Aram with Laban is a crucial period in his life, where he marries Leah and Rachel, fathers eleven of his twelve sons, and acquires significant wealth [[Genesis 31:18]], [[Genesis 33:18]], [[Genesis 35:9]], [[Genesis 35:26]], [[Genesis 46:15]]. His departure from Paddan-Aram marks a pivotal transition back to the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's command.
* **Rachel's Death:** Jacob recounts Rachel's death and burial on the way from Paddan-Aram, emphasizing the journey's conclusion and its associated trials [[Genesis 48:7]].
Throughout these occurrences, Paddan-Aram is portrayed as a distinct geographical and cultural entity from Canaan, yet intimately connected to the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Aram (`{{H758}}`):** The broader ethno-geographical term for Syria, indicating that Paddan-Aram is a specific region within this larger territory. This connection emphasizes the Syrian heritage of Jacob's wives and, by extension, part of the Israelite lineage.
* **Aram Naharaim (`{{H763}}`):** Meaning "Aram of the two rivers," this term is sometimes used interchangeably with or in close proximity to Paddan-Aram in biblical and extra-biblical literature, referring to Mesopotamia. While Paddan-Aram is situated within the broader Mesopotamian region, it is a more precise geographical designation.
* **Haran (`{{H2745}}`):** A significant city located within Paddan-Aram, serving as the primary residence of Abraham's family after their departure from Ur of the Chaldeans, and later as Jacob's dwelling place during his sojourn with Laban.
* **Land of the East:** A more general geographical descriptor that often encompasses the region of Paddan-Aram, referring to the lands situated to the east of Canaan.
* **Ancestral Homeland/Diaspora:** Conceptually, Paddan-Aram represents the ancestral land from which the patriarchs originated and to which Jacob temporarily returned, highlighting themes of migration, divine leading, and the establishment of a distinct identity for God's chosen people.
### Theological Significance
Paddan-Aram holds profound theological significance within the patriarchal narratives:
* **Preservation of Covenant Lineage:** The repeated emphasis on taking wives from Paddan-Aram, rather than from the Canaanites, underscores God's meticulous care in preserving a pure and distinct lineage through whom His covenant promises would be fulfilled. This reflects divine guidance in establishing the foundational families of Israel.
* **Divine Providence and Blessing:** Jacob's sojourn in Paddan-Aram, despite the challenges posed by Laban, is a testament to God's unwavering providence. It is here that Jacob, through God's blessing, becomes a large family and acquires great wealth, laying the groundwork for the twelve tribes of Israel. This period demonstrates God's ability to work through complex human relationships to achieve His sovereign purposes.
* **Journey of Faith and Transformation:** Jacob's journey to and from Paddan-Aram is a central element of his spiritual pilgrimage. It is a period of testing, growth, and profound encounters with God (e.g., Bethel, Peniel). His return from Paddan-Aram marks a significant transformation in his character, from a deceptive individual to "Israel," one who strives with God and prevails.
* **Geographical Realism and Historical Grounding:** The consistent and specific mention of Paddan-Aram grounds the patriarchal narratives in identifiable geography, lending historical verisimilitude to the biblical account. It highlights the vast distances traveled by the patriarchs, emphasizing their nomadic existence and their reliance on God's guidance across diverse lands.
### Summary
H6307 (Paddân), most frequently encountered as "Paddan-Aram," precisely denotes the "table-land of Aram," a specific plateau region within ancient Syria. Biblically, it serves as the crucial ancestral homeland of Abraham's family and the pivotal location where Jacob sought refuge, married, and fathered the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its significance is deeply interwoven with the theological themes of God's meticulous preservation of the covenant lineage, His unwavering providential care over Jacob during a formative period, and the establishment of a distinct identity for His chosen people. The journeys to and from Paddan-Aram are integral to the patriarchal narrative, illustrating divine guidance, the development of faith, and the fulfillment of God's enduring promises.
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