from קָדַם; priority (in time); also used adverbially (before); afore, antiquity, former (old) estate.
Transliteration:qadmâh
Pronunciation:kad-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קַדְמָה (qadmâh - `{{H6927}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root קָדַם (qâdam - `{{H6923}}`), which fundamentally means "to go before," "to precede," "to meet," or "to anticipate." As a noun, qadmâh carries the primary sense of "priority," particularly in time. Its semantic range extends to encompass:
* **"Before" or "Afore":** Indicating a position or state that precedes another, often in an adverbial sense.
* **"Antiquity":** Referring to ancient times, the distant past, or that which is old and established.
* **"Former (old) estate":** Denoting a previous condition, state, or possession, implying a contrast with the present.
The word thus points to that which is earliest, foundational, or from a past era, highlighting precedence and temporal anteriority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While qadmâh (`{{H6927}}`) itself is exceedingly rare, possibly not directly attested in the standard Masoretic Text as a distinct lexeme, its meaning is deeply rooted in the prolific verbal stem קָדַם (qâdam - `{{H6923}}`) and its more common nominal derivatives. The semantic range provided for H6927 – "priority (in time)," "before," "afore," "antiquity," "former (old) estate" – is richly expressed throughout the Hebrew Bible through these related terms, which form a cohesive semantic field.
For instance, the concept of "antiquity" or "ancient times" is frequently conveyed by קֶדֶם (qedem - `{{H6924}}`), a closely related noun. This is evident in passages like [[Deuteronomy 33:15]], referring to the enduring "ancient mountains" (הַרְרֵי קֶדֶם), or [[Psalm 74:12]], which speaks of God's mighty works performed "from of old" (מִקֶּדֶם). These uses underscore the primordial nature of creation and the timelessness of God's redemptive acts.
The idea of "going before" or "preceding" is central to the verb qâdam (`{{H6923}}`), depicting God's initiative in meeting His people ([[Psalm 59:10]]) or His active presence before them, preparing the way ([[Psalm 21:3]]). This highlights divine providence and sovereign leadership.
Furthermore, the notion of a "former estate" or "original condition" is a significant theological and narrative theme. While H6927 is not found in [[Job 42:10]], the account of Job's eventual double blessing implicitly references a return to and surpassing of his "former" prosperity, aligning with the conceptual space of qadmâh regarding a prior state. This concept often appears in contexts of restoration and divine reversal of fortunes, emphasizing God's power to redeem and renew. Thus, although H6927 may not have direct textual attestations, its defined meaning is thoroughly integrated into the broader biblical lexicon through its root and cognates.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding qadmâh (`{{H6927}}`) is robust, comprising several key terms derived from the same root קָדַם (qâdam - `{{H6923}}`):
* קָדַם (qâdam - `{{H6923}}`): The foundational verbal root, meaning "to go before," "to precede," "to meet," or "to anticipate." This verb emphasizes divine initiative and foresight.
* קֶדֶם (qedem - `{{H6924}}`): A masculine noun, frequently translated as "east" (as the direction "before" the rising sun), but also significantly as "ancient time," "eternity," or "from of old." It denotes primordiality and deep antiquity (e.g., [[Genesis 2:8]], [[Deuteronomy 33:27]], [[Psalm 74:12]]).
* קַדְמוֹן (qadmon - `{{H6926}}`): An adjective or noun meaning "eastern" or "ancient." It can refer to people or things from antiquity (e.g., [[Job 18:20]] for "those who went before").
* קַדְמוֹנִי (qadmoni - `{{H6929}}`): Another adjectival form, meaning "ancient" or "former," often used to describe things from a distant past (e.g., [[Isaiah 43:18]] for "former things").
These related terms collectively paint a picture of temporal priority, ancient origins, and divine precedence, forming a rich tapestry of meaning that illuminates the conceptual space of qadmâh. The concept of "firstness" or "primacy" is also related, though often expressed by רֹאשׁ (ro'sh - `{{H7218}}`) or רִאשׁוֹן (rishon - `{{H7223}}`).
### Theological Significance
The conceptual domain of qadmâh (`{{H6927}}`) and its root family holds profound theological significance, touching upon fundamental attributes of God and His relationship with creation and humanity:
* **God's Eternity and Pre-existence:** The idea of "priority in time" is foundational to understanding God as the uncreated Creator. He is "before" all things, existing eternally prior to creation ([[Psalm 90:2]]). He is the "Ancient of Days," signifying His timelessness, sovereignty, and ultimate authority.
* **Divine Initiative and Providence:** The sense of "going before" or "preceding" highlights God's active role in history and in the lives of individuals. God is not reactive but proactive; He anticipates needs, prepares paths, and initiates salvation. This underscores His faithful providence and His covenant-keeping nature (e.g., God going before Israel into the Promised Land, [[Deuteronomy 31:8]]).
* **The Reliability of God's Past Acts:** The emphasis on "antiquity" and "former things" serves as a crucial theological anchor. The biblical call to "remember the former things" (e.g., [[Isaiah 46:9]]) is not mere nostalgia but an imperative to recall God's consistent character, power, and faithfulness demonstrated in past acts of deliverance and judgment. These historical precedents provide a firm basis for trust and hope in His future actions and promises.
* **Restoration and Renewal:** The concept of a "former estate" speaks to God's redemptive power. When God restores, He often brings His people back to a state of blessing or even surpasses it. This theme points to the eschatological hope of ultimate restoration and the renewal of creation, where what was lost or broken will be made new and perfect by divine grace.
### Summary
קַדְמָה (qadmâh - `{{H6927}}`) is a Hebrew noun whose core meaning revolves around "priority in time," encompassing concepts of "before," "afore," "antiquity," and "former estate." While this specific lemma is exceedingly rare in direct biblical attestation, its semantic range is richly expressed throughout the Hebrew Bible through its foundational verbal root קָדַם (qâdam - `{{H6923}}`) and closely related nouns like קֶדֶם (qedem - `{{H6924}}`). The theological significance of this word family is profound, underscoring God's eternal pre-existence, His divine initiative and providence in human history, the reliability of His past acts as a basis for faith, and His power to restore and renew to a blessed "former estate." The word, though rare, points to deep truths about God's timeless nature and His active, faithful engagement with creation through all ages.
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