the same as קַדְמוֹנִי; ancient, i.e. aboriginal; Kadmonite (collectively), the name of a tribe in Palestine; Kadmonites.
Transliteration:Qadmônîy
Pronunciation:kad-mo-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6935}}`, *Qadmônîy*, is derived from the root meaning "east" or "ancient." As an adjective, it conveys the sense of "ancient," "original," or "aboriginal," pointing to that which exists from primeval times or is foundational. Its semantic range thus encompasses both temporal depth (antiquity) and a sense of origin or priority. Crucially, in its singular biblical occurrence, `{{H6935}}` functions as an ethnonym, "Kadmonite," designating a specific people group. This dual nature—descriptive of ancientness and nominative for a tribe—is central to its understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term "Kadmonites" (קַדְמֹנִי) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Genesis 15:19]]. This solitary mention is profoundly significant as it occurs within the context of God's solemn covenant with Abram (later Abraham). In this pivotal passage, God reveals the precise boundaries and the peoples inhabiting the land He promises to Abram's descendants. The verse reads: "the Kenite, the Kenizzite, the Kadmonite."
The inclusion of the Kadmonites among the ten nations whose territories are promised to Israel underscores several key points:
1. **Divine Sovereignty:** God, as the ultimate sovereign, possesses the right to allot and re-allot land according to His divine purpose.
2. **Covenant Specificity:** The detailed listing of tribes demonstrates the concrete and geographical nature of God's covenant promise to Abraham, emphasizing that this was not merely a spiritual blessing but a tangible inheritance.
3. **Historical Reality:** The mention of the Kadmonites, alongside other known ancient peoples, grounds the covenant in a specific historical and geographical context, pointing to a real, existing people group. The name itself, implying "ancient" or "eastern," might suggest they were among the earliest or most established inhabitants of the land from an eastern direction.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H6935}}` is intimately related to other Hebrew terms stemming from the same root, which broadly convey ideas of "antiquity," "east," or "former times":
* **`{{H6924}}` (qadmon):** This noun also means "ancient" or "eastern." For instance, in [[Ezekiel 38:17]], it refers to "ancient days," while in [[Job 42:17]], it denotes "ancient days" in a temporal sense. Its connection to `{{H6935}}` reinforces the notion of primordial existence.
* **`{{H6923}}` (qedem):** This is a more frequently occurring term, meaning "east," "before," "ancient time," or "eternity." Examples include "from of old" ([[Psalm 74:12]]), "eastward" ([[Genesis 2:8]]), or "from the beginning" ([[Isaiah 45:21]]). The semantic field of `{{H6923}}` strongly influences the understanding of `{{H6935}}`, linking the tribal name directly to concepts of deep history and geographical orientation (the east often being associated with origins or the divine presence).
Collectively, these related words establish a robust semantic framework for `{{H6935}}`, grounding the "Kadmonites" in a context of ancient lineage and perhaps an eastern origin within the broader land of Canaan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6935}}` lies primarily in its singular appearance within the Abrahamic Covenant in [[Genesis 15:19]].
1. **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** The listing of the Kadmonites, among others, serves as a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering commitment to His promises. The detailed nature of the land grant underscores the certainty of God's word, even centuries before its full realization.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The fact that God names specific peoples whose land will be given to Abraham's descendants highlights His ultimate authority over all nations and their territories. The dispossession of these "ancient" peoples, including the Kadmonites, is not arbitrary but an act of divine justice and a necessary step in the unfolding of His redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity.
3. **Historical Providence:** The mention of the Kadmonites, even if they later faded from explicit historical records, speaks to the historical rootedness of God's covenant. It demonstrates that God's plan operates within the real-world tapestry of peoples and places, guiding history toward His intended purposes. The "ancient" nature implied by their name may even subtly emphasize the long-standing nature of God's claim over the land and its inhabitants.
### Summary
`{{H6935}}`, *Qadmônîy*, conveys the meaning of "ancient" or "aboriginal," and is singularly known as the ethnonym for the "Kadmonites." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Genesis 15:19]] places it centrally within God's covenant promise to Abraham, detailing the specific nations whose land would be inherited by Israel. Related terms like `{{H6924}}` and `{{H6923}}` reinforce its association with deep antiquity and an eastern orientation. Theologically, the mention of the Kadmonites underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, His meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, and the historical reality of His divine providence in establishing His people and their inheritance.
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