(Aramaic) corresponding to קַדְמָה; former time; afore(-time), ago.
Transliteration:qadmâh
Pronunciation:kad-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term קַדְמָה (qadmâh), Strong's H6928, derives from the root קדם (qadam), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "before" or "front." In its temporal application, as seen in H6928, it signifies "former time," "of old," or "ancient." It refers to a period preceding the present, emphasizing antiquity or a prior state of being. While its primary sense leans towards temporal precedence, its usage can also extend to spatial or relational "beforeness," as in "in the presence of" or "before the mind." This semantic range allows for its application in describing both the ancient past and immediate cognitive presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word קַדְמָה (qadmâh) appears twice in the book of Daniel, offering distinct yet related contextual insights:
* **[[Daniel 2:30]]**: "But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you might know the thoughts of your mind." Here, the phrase "קַדְמָה מַלְכָּא" is often translated as "before the king" or "in your presence, O king," specifically referring to the king's own thoughts being made manifest or clear "before" him. While not directly "former time," it carries a sense of something being brought to the forefront or presented to the mind, an anteriority in apprehension. This usage highlights the revelation of hidden things and the divine enablement of understanding.
* **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." In this profound vision, קַדְמָה is a crucial component of the title "עַתִּיק יוֹמִין" (ʿattîq yômîn), translated as "Ancient of Days." Here, קַדְמָה clearly signifies "ancient" or "of old," emphasizing the eternal, primordial nature of God. This usage is central to the theological understanding of God's timeless existence and His being prior to all creation and temporal sequence.
### Related Words & Concepts
קַדְמָה (qadmâh, H6928) is the Aramaic cognate of several significant Hebrew terms derived from the same root קדם (qadam). These include:
* **`{{H6924}}` קַדְמָה (qadmâh)**: The Hebrew equivalent, also meaning "former time," "antiquity," or "east" (as the direction "before" the rising sun).
* **`{{H6923}}` קֶדֶם (qedem)**: A versatile Hebrew word meaning "east," "ancient time," "before," or "eternity." It often describes God's eternal nature or the primeval past.
* **`{{H6926}}` קַדְמוֹן (qadmōn)**: Meaning "eastern" or "ancient," often referring to the inhabitants of the east or ancient peoples.
The conceptual connections extend to ideas of:
* **Eternity and Timelessness**: Particularly in relation to God's nature.
* **Precedence and Priority**: Signifying what comes first, whether in time, order, or importance.
* **Origin and Antiquity**: Referring to the beginning of things or a very old period.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of קַדְמָה (qadmâh) is most profoundly felt in its application to God as the "Ancient of Days" in [[Daniel 7:9]]. This title underscores several critical aspects of divine nature:
1. **Divine Eternity**: God is not bound by time; He existed before time began and will exist beyond its end. He is the source and sustainer of all existence, not a product of it. This contrasts sharply with the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and human history depicted elsewhere in Daniel.
2. **Sovereignty and Authority**: As the "Ancient of Days," God possesses ultimate authority and wisdom. His reign is not contingent upon historical developments but is an eternal reality. The vision portrays Him as the ultimate judge, from whom all just decrees emanate.
3. **Unchanging Nature**: The "Ancient of Days" implies immutability. God's character, purposes, and promises are steadfast, unaffected by the flux of created order.
Even in [[Daniel 2:30]], though less direct, the word's usage hints at divine revelation and the bringing forth of hidden knowledge, aligning with God's ultimate role as the revealer of mysteries and the one who knows all things, past, present, and future.
### Summary
The Aramaic term קַדְמָה (qadmâh, H6928) primarily denotes "former time" or "ancient." While it can signify "before" in a spatial or cognitive sense as seen in [[Daniel 2:30]], its most significant theological contribution is found in [[Daniel 7:9]], where it forms part of the majestic title "Ancient of Days." This appellation powerfully conveys God's eternal, timeless existence, His ultimate sovereignty, and His unchanging nature, setting Him apart as the primordial and ultimate reality before whom all earthly powers are fleeting. The word thus serves as a profound descriptor of divine transcendence and eternal dominion within the biblical narrative.
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