or קַדְמֹנִי; from קַדְמוֹן; (of time) anterior or (of place) oriental; ancient, they that went before, east, (thing of) old.
Transliteration:qadmôwnîy
Pronunciation:kad-mo-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קַדְמוֹנִי (qadmôwnîy, `{{H6931}}`) is an adjective derived from קַדְמוֹן (qadmôn, `{{H6929}}`), which in turn stems from the foundational root קֶדֶם (qedem, `{{H6924}}`). This etymological lineage imbues qadmôwnîy with a rich semantic range encompassing both temporal and spatial dimensions. Temporally, it signifies that which is "anterior," "ancient," "of old," or pertaining to "they that went before." It denotes a deep past, a primordial state, or an established antiquity. Spatially, it refers to that which is "oriental" or "eastern," specifically the direction of the rising sun. The word thus conveys a sense of original position, whether in time or geography, often implying a connection to origins, antiquity, or the dawn.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קַדְמוֹנִי (qadmôwnîy, `{{H6931}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are profoundly meaningful:
* **[[Genesis 15:19]]**: Here, qadmôwnîy is used as an ethnonym, "the Kadmonites" (וְאֵת הַקַּדְמֹנִי), listed among the ten nations whose land God promises to Abraham. The inclusion of the "Kadmonites" alongside other regional peoples like the Kenites and Kenizzites suggests a specific tribal or ethnic group. The name itself, "Kadmonites," could signify either their ancient lineage ("ancient ones") or their geographical location to the east of the primary Canaanite territories ("easterners"). In the context of the covenantal land grant, their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of God's promise, extending to even the most ancient or geographically distinct inhabitants of the land.
* **[[Ezekiel 38:17]]**: In this prophetic oracle concerning Gog of Magog, God asks, "Are you not he of whom I spoke in **former** days (בְּיָמִים קַדְמֹנִיּוֹת) by my servants the prophets of Israel?" Here, qadmôwnîy is clearly used in its temporal sense, referring to prophecies delivered long ago. It emphasizes the antiquity and long-standing nature of God's divine plan and foreknowledge, asserting that the future events concerning Gog's invasion are not novel but are part of a pre-ordained design articulated by earlier prophets.
These two contexts illuminate the dual nature of qadmôwnîy, functioning both as a proper noun to designate an ancient people and as an adjective to describe ancient times.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of qadmôwnîy is intimately connected to its linguistic relatives:
* **קֶדֶם (qedem, `{{H6924}}`):** This is the foundational noun from which qadmôwnîy is derived. Qedem itself carries the meanings of "east," "ancient time," "before," and even "eternity." It is a foundational concept that encapsulates both the spatial origin (the east, where the sun rises) and the temporal origin (the beginning, antiquity).
* **קַדְמוֹן (qadmôn, `{{H6929}}`):** This noun serves as the direct base for the adjective qadmôwnîy, meaning "eastern" or "ancient."
* **מִקֶּדֶם (miqqedem):** This common adverbial phrase literally means "from the east" or "from of old," further illustrating the dual temporal and spatial connotations.
* **Concepts:** The word relates to concepts of primordiality, origins, antiquity, ancestral heritage, and the divine act of creation and pre-ordination. The "east" is often a significant direction in biblical thought, associated with Eden, the rising sun, divine presence, and sometimes judgment or invasion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qadmôwnîy lies in its subtle yet profound implications regarding God's nature and His interaction with creation and history:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Promise:** In [[Genesis 15:19]], the mention of the "Kadmonites" within the land promised to Abraham underscores the vast scope of God's covenant. It demonstrates God's sovereign claim over all lands and peoples, even those considered "ancient" or geographically distinct. The promise is not limited to a narrow strip of land but encompasses a broad territory inhabited by diverse, long-established groups, all subject to God's ultimate plan.
* **God's Foreknowledge and the Reliability of Prophecy:** The use of qadmôwnîy in [[Ezekiel 38:17]] ("former days") is a powerful testament to God's eternal perspective and His absolute foreknowledge. It asserts that the unfolding of history, even catastrophic events like the invasion of Gog, is not random but is part of a divine blueprint articulated centuries in advance through His prophets. This reinforces the trustworthiness and infallibility of God's word, demonstrating that His plans are ancient and immutable, reaching from the distant past into the future.
* **The Timelessness of God:** While qadmôwnîy describes things that are ancient or from the past, it implicitly points to the timeless nature of God Himself, who exists before all "ancient days" and whose purposes transcend the limitations of temporal existence. He is the God of all ages, whose plans are established "from of old."
### Summary
The Hebrew term קַדְמוֹנִי (qadmôwnîy, `{{H6931}}`) is a rich word signifying both "ancient" or "of old" (temporal) and "eastern" or "oriental" (spatial). Derived from קֶדֶם (qedem, `{{H6924}}`), it carries connotations of origins, antiquity, and primordiality. Its limited but impactful occurrences in the Bible are highly significant: in [[Genesis 15:19]], it denotes the "Kadmonites," an ancient or eastern people included in God's expansive covenantal land promise to Abraham, highlighting divine sovereignty. In [[Ezekiel 38:17]], "former days" emphasizes God's long-standing prophetic word and His precise foreknowledge, affirming the reliability of His divine plan. Thus, qadmôwnîy serves to underscore God's eternal nature, His comprehensive sovereignty over all creation, and the enduring truth of His revealed word across the vast expanse of time.
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