from קָדַד; cassia bark (as in shrivelled rolls); cassia.
Transliteration:qiddâh
Pronunciation:kid-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִדָּה (qiddâh), Strong's `{{H6916}}`, refers specifically to "cassia," an aromatic bark closely related to cinnamon. Its etymological root is קָדַד (qâdad), Strong's `{{H6915}}`, meaning "to bow down" or "to stoop." This connection likely alludes to the curled or "shrivelled rolls" appearance of the cassia bark as it is dried and prepared. Semantically, qiddâh denotes a valuable spice used primarily for its fragrant properties, similar to cinnamon (קִנָּמוֹן - `{{H7076}}`), though often considered a coarser or less refined variety. Its primary application in the ancient world would have been in perfumes, anointing oils, and possibly as an incense component.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קִדָּה (qiddâh) is a hapax legomenon in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* [[Ezekiel 27:19]]: "Vedan and Javan from Uzal traded with your wares; wrought iron, cassia, and calamus were among your merchandise."
In this singular occurrence, qiddâh is enumerated among the diverse and valuable goods traded by the powerful maritime city of Tyre. Ezekiel's detailed description of Tyre's commercial empire highlights its immense wealth and far-reaching influence. The inclusion of qiddâh alongside "wrought iron" and "calamus" (קָנֶה - `{{H7070}}`) signifies its status as a prized import. This context emphasizes its economic value as a luxury item, likely sought after for its aromatic qualities in the production of perfumes, cosmetics, or possibly for medicinal purposes, underscoring the opulence and extensive trade networks of the ancient Near East.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קָדַד (qâdad)**: `{{H6915}}` - The root verb from which qiddâh is derived, meaning "to bow down" or "to stoop." While the root itself carries no direct theological meaning related to the spice, its connection to the physical form of the bark (curled or bent) is evident.
* **קִנָּמוֹן (qinnâmôn)**: `{{H7076}}` - Cinnamon. Cassia is often considered a type of cinnamon or a related aromatic bark. Cinnamon is mentioned as an ingredient in the sacred anointing oil ([[Exodus 30:23]]) and as a luxurious perfume ([[Proverbs 7:17]]; [[Song of Solomon 4:14]]; [[Revelation 18:13]]). The close association suggests qiddâh would have been used in similar capacities, albeit perhaps as a more common or less expensive alternative.
* **קָנֶה (qāneh)** / קָנֶה בֹּשֶׂם (qāneh bōśem): `{{H7070}}` - Calamus or sweet cane. This is another fragrant plant often grouped with cassia and cinnamon in biblical texts, particularly in the context of anointing oils and perfumes ([[Exodus 30:23]]; [[Jeremiah 6:20]]; [[Ezekiel 27:19]]). Its co-occurrence with qiddâh in [[Ezekiel 27:19]] reinforces the understanding of qiddâh as a valuable aromatic commodity.
* **Spices and Aromatics**: More broadly, qiddâh belongs to a category of precious spices, resins, and fragrant woods that were highly valued in the ancient world for their use in perfumes, incense, anointing oils, and sometimes as medicinal agents. These substances often symbolized wealth, luxury, and in some contexts, purity or sacredness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִדָּה (qiddâh) is primarily indirect and contextual. As a valuable commodity listed in [[Ezekiel 27:19]], its mention contributes to the prophet Ezekiel's detailed portrayal of Tyre's immense prosperity and commercial prowess. This extensive wealth, largely accumulated through trade in luxurious goods like cassia, becomes a central element in the prophetic indictment against Tyre. The meticulous inventory of Tyre's merchandise serves to highlight the city's pride and self-sufficiency, which ultimately leads to its divine judgment. Thus, qiddâh functions as a detail within a larger theological narrative of divine sovereignty over nations and the consequences of human arrogance.
While qiddâh itself is not explicitly commanded for sacred uses like some other spices (e.g., cinnamon in the anointing oil), its nature as a precious aromatic aligns with the broader biblical understanding of fragrant substances used to signify sanctity, purity, and the presence of God. The use of such spices in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals, as well as in personal anointing and perfumery, points to a cultural appreciation that could imbue even non-sacred aromatics with a sense of preciousness and aesthetic value that might resonate with divine favor. However, its singular appearance limits any deeper, recurring symbolic weight.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קִדָּה (qiddâh), Strong's `{{H6916}}`, denotes "cassia," an aromatic bark similar to cinnamon, likely named for its "curled" or "shrivelled" appearance derived from the root קָדַד (`{{H6915}}`). This term is a hapax legomenon, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible in [[Ezekiel 27:19]]. In this solitary occurrence, qiddâh is listed as a valuable trade commodity of the city of Tyre, alongside other precious goods like wrought iron and calamus. Its inclusion underscores the vast commercial reach and opulence of Tyre, highlighting the high value placed on exotic spices in the ancient world. Theologically, qiddâh contributes to the prophetic narrative of Tyre's immense wealth and subsequent judgment, serving as a detail that illustrates the city's pride and the certainty of divine reckoning. While not directly involved in sacred rituals, its status as a precious aromatic aligns with the broader biblical appreciation for valuable and fragrant substances.