a primitive root; to be ashy, i.e. darkcolored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments); be black(-ish), be (make) dark(-en), [idiom] heavily, (cause to) mourn.
Transliteration:qâdar
Pronunciation:kaw-dar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H6937 (קָדַר, *qâdar*) is a primitive root, carrying a primary semantic range related to color and a secondary, implied range related to emotional states. Its core meaning is "to be ashy," "dark-colored," or "blackish." This foundational sense refers to a physical state of visual obscurity or discoloration, often implying a dull, somber, or grim hue. From this literal meaning, the word extends metaphorically and idiomatically to describe a state of mourning or sorrow. This implication arises from the ancient practice of wearing dark or sackcloth garments during periods of grief, or from the physical manifestation of sorrow in a "darkened" or downcast countenance. Thus, the semantic range includes:
* **Literal:** To be black, blackish, dark-colored (e.g., of the sky, sun, or skin).
* **Figurative/Idiomatic:** To be dark, to darken (transitive or intransitive), to be gloomy, to be heavy (as in spirit), to mourn, or to cause to mourn.
The transition from physical darkness to emotional distress is a natural one, as darkness is often associated with sadness, despair, and judgment in biblical thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6937 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate both its literal and metaphorical applications:
* **Physical Darkness (Cosmic and Terrestrial):**
* The word frequently describes the darkening of celestial bodies or the heavens, often in contexts of divine judgment or eschatological upheaval. For instance, [[Ezekiel 32:7-8]] speaks of God covering the heavens and making the stars, sun, and moon "dark" (*qâdar*) as part of a lament over Pharaoh. Similarly, [[Joel 2:10]] and [[Joel 3:15]] use *qâdar* to depict the sun and moon growing "dark" as signs accompanying the Day of the Lord, signifying cosmic disruption and impending judgment. [[Jeremiah 4:28]] describes the heavens growing "dark" as a consequence of God's declared purpose against the land. These instances underscore a sense of foreboding and the overturning of natural order by divine agency.
* In [[Job 30:28]], Job laments, "I go about *qâdar* (darkened/blackened) without the sun," referring to his physical appearance and internal distress, perhaps implying a face discolored by suffering or a life devoid of joy.
* **Mourning and Sorrow (Human Condition):**
* The most prominent metaphorical usage relates to human mourning and affliction. In [[Psalm 35:14]], the psalmist describes his empathetic mourning for others, stating, "I went about *qâdar* (mourning), as one who laments for his mother." Here, *qâdar* clearly denotes a state of profound grief, often accompanied by outward signs.
* [[Psalm 38:6]] expresses deep personal distress: "I am *qâdar* (bowed down or greatly depressed); I am greatly humbled; I go about all the day mourning." This conveys an overwhelming sense of sorrow and a physical manifestation of a downcast demeanor.
* In [[Jeremiah 8:21]], the prophet laments the state of his people: "For the hurt of the daughter of my people I am hurt; I *qâdar* (mourn), dismay has taken hold of me." This highlights the empathetic sorrow of the prophet for the suffering of Jerusalem.
* A unique usage in [[Malachi 3:14]] speaks of those who "walk *qâdar* (mournfully)" before the Lord, implying a state of despondency or a sense of injustice in serving God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6937 connects it to several related Hebrew words and concepts:
* **Words for Darkness/Obscurity:**
* `{{H2821}}` (חֹשֶׁךְ, *choshek*): General term for darkness, often primordial or chaotic.
* `{{H6205}}` (עֲרָפֶל, *araphel*): Thick darkness, gloom, often associated with divine presence (e.g., Mount Sinai).
* `{{H3543}}` (כָּהָה, *kahah*): To be dim, faint, often referring to eyes or light.
* **Words for Mourning/Lamentation:**
* `{{H56}}` (אָבַל, *'aval*): To mourn, lament, often with specific rituals.
* `{{H1058}}` (בָּכָה, *bakah*): To weep, often expressing sorrow.
* `{{H5594}}` (סָפַד, *saphad*): To lament, wail, often for the dead.
* `{{H6607}}` (פָּקַד, *paqad*): In a specific nuance, to be missed, to suffer loss, leading to mourning.
* **Concepts:**
* **Divine Judgment:** The darkening of the cosmos is a frequent motif for God's punitive actions.
* **Affliction and Suffering:** The human experience of hardship and grief.
* **Repentance and Humiliation:** Wearing sackcloth and ashes, often associated with a "darkened" or mournful appearance, was a sign of penitence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6937 (קָדַר, *qâdar*) is multifaceted, intertwining themes of divine sovereignty, human suffering, and prophetic imagery.
1. **Divine Judgment and Cosmic Disruption:** When applied to celestial bodies, *qâdar* serves as a powerful indicator of God's sovereign power over creation and His impending judgment. The darkening of the sun, moon, or stars signifies a disruption of the natural order, a reversal of light into darkness, which is a vivid metaphor for divine wrath and the overturning of human systems. It underscores the awesome and terrifying nature of God's intervention in history, often in response to human sin and rebellion. This imagery is particularly potent in prophetic texts, emphasizing the cataclysmic scale of God's justice.
2. **The Depth of Human Suffering and Lament:** The application of *qâdar* to human beings reveals the profound depth of affliction and sorrow experienced by individuals and communities. To be "darkened" or to "mourn" with this word implies not merely sadness, but a heavy, oppressive grief that affects one's very countenance and demeanor. It speaks to a state of being bowed down by distress, whether from personal calamity, national tragedy, or spiritual despondency. This usage validates the human experience of deep lament and provides a biblical vocabulary for expressing profound inner turmoil.
3. **Outward Expression of Inner State:** The word highlights the biblical understanding that internal emotional and spiritual states often find outward, visible expression. Whether through the wearing of dark garments, a downcast face, or a slow, mournful walk, the act of "darkening" oneself is a public acknowledgment of grief, humility, or repentance. This external manifestation serves both as a personal act of processing sorrow and as a communal sign of identification with suffering or contrition before God.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6937` (קָדַר, *qâdar*) encapsulates a powerful dual meaning: physical darkness and emotional/spiritual mourning. Primarily denoting "to be ashy" or "dark-colored," it vividly describes the darkening of celestial bodies or the heavens, often serving as a potent sign of divine judgment and cosmic upheaval. Metaphorically, it extends to the human condition, signifying a state of deep sorrow, grief, or affliction, characterized by a "darkened" or downcast countenance, or the outward display of mourning through attire or demeanor. Theologically, *qâdar* underscores God's sovereign power in bringing about judgment through the disruption of natural order, while also providing profound insight into the human experience of suffering and the visible expression of lament and humility before God. It is a word that evokes a sense of somber gravity, whether in the face of divine wrath or profound human distress.
TRV