from קָדַם; beginnings; Kedemoth, a place in eastern Palestine; Kedemoth.
Transliteration:Qᵉdêmôwth
Pronunciation:ked-ay-mothe'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Qᵉdêmôwth (`{{H6932}}`) is derived from the root qādam (`{{H6923}}`), which carries the fundamental meaning of "to be in front," "to precede," "to meet," or "to go before." In its nominal form, qādam can also refer to "ancient times" or "the east" (as the direction "before" the rising sun). The plural form Qᵉdêmôwth thus intrinsically suggests "beginnings," "ancient things," or "things of old." However, in its biblical occurrences, Qᵉdêmôwth functions exclusively as a proper noun, "Kedemoth," referring to a specific geographical location. The name itself, therefore, implicitly suggests a place with ancient origins or an eastward orientation within the Transjordan region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Qᵉdêmôwth (`{{H6932}}`) appears consistently as a geographical designation in the Hebrew Bible, never as a common noun. It identifies a city situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben, east of the Jordan River.
* In [[Deuteronomy 2:26]], Kedemoth is mentioned as the wilderness from which Moses sent messengers to Sihon, king of Heshbon, seeking passage through his land. This places Kedemoth in a strategic location near the Ammonite border in the Transjordan.
* [[Joshua 13:18]] lists Kedemoth among the cities belonging to the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben, along with Jahaz, Mephaath, and others. This confirms its tribal affiliation and geographical placement within the Promised Land.
* Furthermore, [[Joshua 21:37]] (and its parallel in [[1 Chronicles 6:79]] in English translations, [[1 Chronicles 6:64]] in Hebrew numbering) identifies Kedemoth as one of the cities designated for the Levites, specifically for the Merarite clan. This indicates its status as a Levitical city, set aside for the residence of those who served in the tabernacle/temple.
The consistent use of Qᵉdêmôwth as a proper noun underscores its established identity as a specific, recognized location within ancient Israelite geography.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of Qᵉdêmôwth (`{{H6932}}`) is enriched by its relationship to other words derived from the same root qādam (`{{H6923}}`):
* **qādam (`{{H6923}}`):** The foundational verb, meaning "to be in front," "to precede," "to meet," or "to go before." This root is essential for understanding the etymological sense of Qᵉdêmôwth as "beginnings" or "ancients."
* **qedem (`{{H6924}}`):** A masculine noun meaning "east," "ancient time," "eternity," or "before." This noun highlights the dual aspect of the root relating to both direction (east, the "front" or "before" where the sun rises) and time (ancient, "before" the present).
* **qadmônî (`{{H6929}}`):** An adjective meaning "eastern," "ancient," or "former." This further illustrates the diverse applications of the root's core meaning.
The concept of "ancientness" or "beginnings" often carries significant weight in biblical theology, pointing to foundational acts of God, primordial times, or original covenants. While Kedemoth is a place name, its etymological echo of "ancientness" subtly connects it to the broader divine narrative.
### Theological Significance
While Qᵉdêmôwth (`{{H6932}}`) primarily functions as a geographical marker, its inclusion in the biblical record carries implicit theological significance. As a city within the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben and, more notably, as a designated Levitical city, Kedemoth serves as a tangible example of God's faithfulness.
* Its allocation to Reuben demonstrates God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide land for His people, precisely detailing the boundaries and settlements.
* Its designation as a Levitical city highlights the divine ordering of the land and the structured provision for the spiritual leadership and instruction of Israel. The Levites, without a tribal land inheritance of their own, were sustained by these cities, ensuring their presence among all the tribes to minister in sacred things and teach God's law. This arrangement underscores God's wisdom in establishing a system for the spiritual well-being of His people.
* The very name, "beginnings" or "ancient places," though applied to a specific locale, could subtly evoke the long history of God's dealings with humanity, from the ancient promises to their eventual fulfillment in the land of Canaan. It stands as a silent testament to the enduring nature of God's divine plan and His covenant faithfulness across generations.
### Summary
Qᵉdêmôwth (`{{H6932}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, transliterated as Kedemoth, derived from the root qādam (`{{H6923}}`), meaning "beginnings" or "ancient places." Despite its etymological connection to concepts of precedence, antiquity, or the east, its sole usage in the biblical text is as the name of a specific city. Kedemoth was a city located in the Transjordan region, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. Notably, it was also designated as one of the Levitical cities, specifically for the Merarite clan. Its appearances in [[Deuteronomy 2:26]], [[Joshua 13:18]], and [[Joshua 21:37]] (or [[1 Chronicles 6:79]]) consistently identify it as a significant geographical landmark. Theologically, Kedemoth's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores God's faithful allocation of the Promised Land to His people and His meticulous provision for the Levitical priesthood, demonstrating His divine ordering of Israelite society and His enduring covenant promises.
TRV