feminine of קֶדֶם; the forward part (or relatively) East (often adverbially, on the east or in front); east(-ward).
Transliteration:qidmâh
Pronunciation:kid-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qidmâh (`{{H6926}}`) is derived from the root q-d-m, signifying "to be in front," "to go before," or "to meet." As a feminine noun, qidmâh specifically denotes "the forward part" or "the front." By extension, and most frequently in biblical usage, it refers to the "east" or "eastward." This geographical sense arises from the ancient Near Eastern orientation where one faced the rising sun (the east), thus considering it the "front" or "before" direction. Conversely, the west would be "behind." The term often functions adverbially, indicating a direction "on the east" or "in front of." Its close relationship with its masculine counterpart, qedem (`{{H6924}}`), which can mean "east," "ancient time," or "before," underscores this dual semantic range of spatial orientation and temporal precedence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary usage of qidmâh (`{{H6926}}`) in the Hebrew Bible is to denote the cardinal direction "east" or to specify movement "eastward." This is consistently observed across various narrative and prescriptive texts:
* **Geographical Location:** In the account of creation, the Garden of Eden is placed "eastward" (מקדם) in Eden [[Genesis 2:8]]. After the expulsion, cherubim are stationed "at the east" of the Garden [[Genesis 3:24]]. Similarly, Cain settles in the land of Nod, "east of Eden" [[Genesis 4:16]].
* **Direction of Travel:** Lot's departure from Abraham is described as journeying "eastward" [[Genesis 13:11]], indicating a separation and a move towards the plains of Jordan.
* **Tabernacle and Temple Layout:** The precise architectural descriptions of the Tabernacle and later the Temple frequently use qidmâh to specify the eastern side. For instance, the court of the Tabernacle had its entrance on the "east side" [[Exodus 27:13]], and the priestly camp of Moses, Aaron, and the Levites was situated "on the east side" of the Tabernacle [[Numbers 3:38]]. In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, the gate facing "east" is a prominent feature [[Ezekiel 40:6]], [[Ezekiel 43:1]].
* **Boundary Descriptions:** When delineating tribal territories or national borders, qidmâh marks the eastern extent. For example, the eastern border of the promised land is described as extending "eastward" from Hazarenan [[Numbers 34:11]], and the border of Zebulun went "eastward" toward Gath-hepher [[Joshua 19:12]].
The consistent application of qidmâh as a precise geographical marker highlights the ancient Israelites' ordered understanding of space and their world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Qidmâh (`{{H6926}}`) is intrinsically linked to the root q-d-m and its derivatives:
* **Qedem (`{{H6924}}`):** As its masculine counterpart, qedem shares the meaning of "east," "before," or "ancient time." While qidmâh almost exclusively denotes the spatial "east," qedem encompasses both spatial (east) and temporal (ancient, former) dimensions. For example, "from of old" or "from ancient times" are common translations of qedem.
* **Qadmon (`{{H6923}}`):** An adjective meaning "eastern" or "ancient," further reinforcing the directional and temporal aspects of the root. The "eastern sea" (Dead Sea) is referred to as hayyam haqqadmoni [[Ezekiel 47:18]].
* **Qadam (`{{H6922}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to go before," "to meet," or "to anticipate." This verb underscores the fundamental idea of being "in front."
The concept of "east" in biblical thought is also tied to the rising sun, the source of light and a symbol of new beginnings. While qidmâh does not directly refer to the sun, its directional meaning is inherently connected to this celestial phenomenon.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of qidmâh (`{{H6926}}`) to denote the "east" carries several layers of theological significance:
* **The Direction of Beginnings and Origins:** The Garden of Eden, the pristine place of creation and humanity's origin, is located "eastward" [[Genesis 2:8]]. This positions the east as the primordial direction, associated with the dawn of creation and life.
* **The Direction of Divine Presence and Glory:** In Ezekiel's vision, the glory of the Lord returns to the temple from the "east" [[Ezekiel 43:2]]. This associates the east with the manifestation of God's presence, power, and divine favor. The eastern gate of the Temple becomes a symbol of the divine ingress and egress.
* **The Direction of Exile and Separation:** Paradoxically, the east is also the direction of departure and exile. Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden "eastward" [[Genesis 3:24]], and Cain is exiled to the land of Nod, "east of Eden" [[Genesis 4:16]]. Lot's journey "eastward" from Abraham marks a significant separation [[Genesis 13:11]]. This suggests that while the east can be a place of divine presence, it can also be a direction of removal from sacred space or covenantal relationship.
* **Order and Orientation in Worship:** The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple, with their eastern entrances and orientations, emphasize the importance of sacred geography and directional order in worship. The east becomes the primary direction for approaching God's dwelling place.
### Summary
Qidmâh (`{{H6926}}`) is a Hebrew noun primarily denoting "the forward part" and, by extension, the cardinal direction "east" or "eastward." Derived from the root q-d-m ("to be in front"), it consistently functions as a geographical indicator throughout the Hebrew Bible, delineating locations, paths of travel, and the precise layout of sacred structures like the Tabernacle and Temple. Theologically, qidmâh holds profound significance, pointing to the direction of beginnings (Eden), the manifestation of divine glory (Ezekiel's vision), and at times, the path of exile or separation. Its pervasive use underscores the biblical worldview's emphasis on ordered space and the symbolic weight of cardinal directions in understanding God's interaction with creation and humanity.
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