adverb from קָדַר; blackish ones (i.e. in sackcloth); used adverbially, in mourning weeds; mournfully.
Transliteration:qᵉdôrannîyth
Pronunciation:ked-o-ran-neeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adverb קְדֹרַנִּית (qᵉdôrannîyth), Strong's number `{{H6941}}`, is derived from the verb קָדַר (qādar), `{{H6937}}`, which signifies "to be dark, gloomy, or mournful." The suffix -annîyth intensifies the adjectival sense, forming an adverb that describes the manner of an action. Thus, qᵉdôrannîyth conveys the meaning of "blackish ones," referring to those dressed in dark, somber attire, specifically sackcloth, as a sign of mourning or contrition. Adverbially, it describes walking or acting "in mourning weeds" or "mournfully." The semantic range is tightly focused on the outward, visible expression of an inward state of grief, sorrow, or humility, particularly as manifested through one's appearance and demeanor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְדֹרַנִּית (qᵉdôrannîyth) is exceptionally rare, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Malachi:
* **[[Malachi 3:14]]**: "You have said, 'It is useless to serve God. What profit is it if we keep his requirements and walk **mournfully** before the Lord of Hosts?'"
In this singular occurrence, the word describes the manner in which the people of Israel claim to have walked before the Lord. The context is one of the people's cynical questioning of God's justice and the value of serving Him. They express disillusionment, asserting that their obedience to God's requirements and their outward display of humility or contrition—signified by walking "mournfully" (qᵉdôrannîyth)—have yielded no discernible benefit. They perceive the wicked as prospering while their own piety goes unrewarded. The use of qᵉdôrannîyth here highlights a specific, visible aspect of their religious practice, implying a somber, perhaps penitential, demeanor. Their complaint suggests that this "mournful walk" was undertaken with an expectation of material or immediate divine favor, and its perceived futility leads to their bitter accusation against God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb from which קְדֹרַנִּית (qᵉdôrannîyth) is derived:
* **קָדַר (qādar), `{{H6937}}`**: This verb means "to be dark, to be black, to be gloomy, to mourn." It is used in contexts describing the darkening of the heavens [[Joel 2:10]], the darkening of faces in distress [[Jeremiah 8:21]], or individuals "mourning" or being "bowed down" in sorrow [[Psalm 38:6]], [[Psalm 42:9]]. The connection between darkness, gloom, and mourning is consistent.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates, include:
* **שַׂק (saq), `{{H8242}}`**: "Sackcloth," a coarse fabric worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or humility. The definition of qᵉdôrannîyth itself includes the phrase "in sackcloth," indicating a close conceptual link.
* **אֵבֶל ('evel), `{{H69}}`**: "Mourning" or "lamentation," referring to the state or act of grieving.
* **עָצֵב ('atsav), `{{H6087}}`**: "To grieve," "to be sorrowful."
These terms collectively paint a picture of the various ways in which sorrow, repentance, and humility were expressed and perceived in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of קְדֹרַנִּית (qᵉdôrannîyth) in [[Malachi 3:14]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a poignant descriptor of a particular form of religious practice that, in the eyes of the people, had become performative and transactional rather than genuinely transformative.
1. **Outward Piety vs. Inward Reality**: The "mournful walk" (qᵉdôrannîyth) represents an external display of piety, humility, or repentance. However, the people's subsequent complaint reveals a heart that is far from truly contrite or trusting. They are engaged in the outward motions of devotion but lack the inward spiritual disposition that God desires. This highlights a recurring prophetic critique of superficial religious observance.
2. **Misguided Expectations**: The people's question, "What profit is it... if we walk mournfully?" exposes a utilitarian and materialistic understanding of their relationship with God. They expect immediate, tangible rewards for their religious acts, viewing their "mournful walk" as a currency for divine blessing. This stands in stark contrast to a faith rooted in love, obedience, and trust in God's sovereign plan, regardless of immediate earthly returns.
3. **Divine Justice and Patience**: The Lord's response to this complaint in Malachi is not to dismiss genuine mourning or humility, but to challenge the premise of their accusation. He affirms that He does indeed distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, and that true devotion will ultimately be rewarded, albeit often in His own timing and manner, rather than according to human expectations. The "mournful walk" that is devoid of true heart-change is, in effect, a form of spiritual pretense.
### Summary
קְדֹרַנִּית (qᵉdôrannîyth), Strong's number `{{H6941}}`, is a rare Hebrew adverb, appearing solely in [[Malachi 3:14]]. Derived from the verb קָדַר (qādar), `{{H6937}}`, meaning "to be dark, gloomy, or mourn," it describes walking "mournfully" or "in mourning weeds," often implying the wearing of sackcloth or a somber demeanor. In its sole biblical context, it captures the Israelites' cynical complaint that their outward acts of piety, including a solemn walk before God, have yielded no discernible profit or reward. Theologically, this term serves as a powerful illustration of the potential for misguided or transactional piety, where external expressions of devotion are performed with an expectation of material gain, rather than flowing from a heart of genuine humility, repentance, or trusting obedience. The use of qᵉdôrannîyth in Malachi thus underscores the critical distinction between outward religious performance and authentic spiritual transformation.
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