lemma קדְמָה missing vowel, corrected to קֵדְמָה; from קָדַם; precedence; Kedemah, a son of Ishmael; Kedemah.
Transliteration:Qêdᵉmâh
Pronunciation:kayd'-maw
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קֵדְמָה (Qêdᵉmâh, `{{H6929}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. It is derived from the root קָדַם (qâdam, `{{H6923}}`), which carries a rich semantic range. This root primarily signifies "to be in front," "to precede," "to anticipate," or "to meet." It can also denote direction, specifically "eastward" or "ancient time" when used in other noun forms (e.g., קֶדֶם, qedem, `{{H6924}}`).
As a personal name, Qêdᵉmâh most directly conveys the meaning of "precedence," "foremost," or "the one who goes before." While the root can imply "easterner," the primary sense of "precedence" seems more fitting for a name, perhaps reflecting a parental hope for the child's future prominence or a characteristic associated with their birth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Qêdᵉmâh (`{{H6929}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in genealogical lists:
1. **[[Genesis 25:13]]**: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah."
2. **[[1 Chronicles 1:31]]**: "Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael."
In both instances, Qêdᵉmâh is listed as the twelfth and final son of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. His placement as the last-listed son is notable, as it stands in a subtle tension with the name's inherent meaning of "precedence" or "foremost." This might suggest that while the name carried a hopeful or aspirational meaning, the individual's historical role, at least as recorded, did not place him in a position of "firstness." The inclusion of Qêdᵉmâh completes the list of Ishmael's twelve sons, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael's numerous descendants ([[Genesis 17:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root קָדַם (qâdam, `{{H6923}}`), from which Qêdᵉmâh is derived. This root is foundational to understanding the name's etymology and potential significance. Other related terms include:
* קֶדֶם (qedem, `{{H6924}}`): "east," "ancient time," "before." This noun often describes geographical direction or temporal priority.
* קִדְמָה (qidmah, `{{H6927}}`): "front part," "former time," "antiquity." This noun also emphasizes aspects of priority or what is "before."
Concepts related to Qêdᵉmâh's biblical context include:
* **Genealogy:** The primary context for Qêdᵉmâh's appearance. Biblical genealogies are not mere lists but serve to establish identity, trace lineage, confirm divine promises, and provide a framework for salvation history.
* **Ishmaelites:** As a son of Ishmael, Qêdᵉmâh belongs to a significant people group in the ancient Near East, often depicted as nomadic tribes interacting with Israel. His inclusion highlights the breadth of Abraham's descendants.
* **The Meaning of Names:** In the biblical world, names often carried profound significance, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or even prophetic insights. The name "precedence" for the last son listed invites reflection on human expectations versus divine ordering.
### Theological Significance
While Qêdᵉmâh himself does not play an active role in the biblical narrative beyond his mention in genealogies, his inclusion carries indirect theological significance:
1. **Divine Faithfulness to Promises:** The listing of all twelve sons of Ishmael, including Qêdᵉmâh, underscores God's faithfulness to His promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael: "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation" ([[Genesis 17:20]]). This demonstrates God's comprehensive providence, extending beyond the direct covenant line of Isaac.
2. **Completeness of Biblical Record:** The meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, recording even individuals who do not feature prominently in the narrative, testifies to the Bible's commitment to historical detail and its portrayal of God's involvement in the lives of all humanity, not just His chosen people.
3. **Subtle Theological Tension:** The name "precedence" given to the last-listed son might serve as a subtle reminder of the contrast between human aspirations (implied in the name) and God's ultimate ordering and choice. While Ishmael's sons were blessed with numerous descendants, the covenant line of promise proceeded through Isaac, who was indeed the "precedent" son in terms of the divine plan. This highlights that true "precedence" in God's economy is determined by His sovereign will, not merely by human naming or birth order.
### Summary
קֵדְמָה (Qêdᵉmâh, `{{H6929}}`) is a proper noun, the name of the twelfth and final son of Ishmael, listed in [[Genesis 25:13]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:31]]. Derived from the root קָדַם (qâdam, `{{H6923}}`), the name means "precedence" or "foremost." Its theological significance lies not in any direct action of the individual, but in his inclusion within the biblical genealogies. This inclusion underscores God's faithfulness to His promises regarding Ishmael's descendants, contributes to the meticulous historical record of Scripture, and subtly highlights the contrast between human naming aspirations and the divine ordering of salvation history, where true "precedence" is ultimately determined by God's sovereign plan.
TRV