or קָדִם; from קָדַם; the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the East (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind); east(-ward, wind).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâdîym**, represented by `{{H6921}}`, primarily signifies the **East** or the **east wind**. It appears 69 times across 64 unique verses. The word is derived from the concept of the "fore or front part," which by orientation points eastward, and is used both as a geographical direction and to describe a powerful force of nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H6921}}` is used in two significant ways. As a directional marker, it is central to the visionary layout of the temple in Ezekiel, where gates, chambers, and altars are oriented **eastward** ([[Ezekiel 40:6]], [[Ezekiel 43:17]]). Critically, it is from the **east** that the glory of the God of Israel is seen entering the house [[Ezekiel 43:2]]. As a meteorological event, the **east wind** is a powerful instrument of God. It is the "strong **east** wind" that parts the sea for the Israelites' escape [[Exodus 14:21]], but it is also a destructive force that brings locusts [[Exodus 10:13]], withers plants [[Ezekiel 17:10]], and scatters God's people in judgment [[Jeremiah 18:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for direction and divine power:
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind; by resemblance breath... spirit): This word is frequently paired with `{{H6921}}` to form the phrase "**east wind**" ([[Exodus 14:21]], [[Hosea 13:15]]). It highlights that the **east** is often experienced as a tangible, moving force.
* `{{H6931}}` **qadmôwnîy** (ancient, they that went before, east, (thing of) old): Sharing a common root, this word also denotes the **east** direction, as in the "**east** gate" of the LORD'S house [[Ezekiel 11:1]], connecting the direction with concepts of what is ancient or comes before.
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea... locally, the west): Often used to denote the **west**, this word appears in contrast to `{{H6921}}` in descriptions of territorial boundaries, establishing an **east**-to-**west** orientation [[Ezekiel 48:1]].
* `{{H6828}}` **tsâphôwn** (properly, hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north): As the term for **north**, it functions alongside `{{H6921}}` as a primary cardinal point for measurement and orientation in prophetic visions ([[Ezekiel 40:44]], [[Ezekiel 48:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6921}}` is demonstrated through its distinct roles in the biblical narrative.
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** The **east wind** is consistently portrayed as an agent of God's direct intervention. It is used for miraculous deliverance [[Exodus 14:21]] as well as for executing judgment through plagues and desolation ([[Exodus 10:13]], [[Ezekiel 19:12]]).
* **Direction of Divine Presence:** The **east** is uniquely specified as the direction from which the glory of the LORD enters His temple, marking it as a point of holy access and revelation [[Ezekiel 43:4]].
* **Metaphor for Futility:** In wisdom literature and prophecy, the **east wind** becomes a symbol for that which is empty or destructive. To feed on the **east wind** is to pursue "lies and desolation" [[Hosea 12:1]], and speaking "vain knowledge" is equated with filling one's belly with it [[Job 15:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6921}}` is a multifaceted term that transcends a simple geographical definition. It represents a direction of immense spiritual importance, being the path of God's glory. Simultaneously, as the **east wind**, it embodies the raw power of God, capable of both saving and judging. Its use as a metaphor for emptiness provides a third layer, illustrating how a physical phenomenon can represent a profound spiritual reality.
TRV