the same as קָדֵשׁ; sanctuary; Kadesh, a place in the Desert; Kadesh. Compare קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ.
Transliteration:Qâdêsh
Pronunciation:kaw-dashe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H6946}}` (Qâdêsh) is a proper noun, a significant geographical location in the biblical narrative. Its etymological root is found in `{{H6942}}` (qādash), meaning "to be holy," "to be set apart," or "to be consecrated." Thus, the name "Kadesh" inherently carries the semantic weight of "sanctuary" or "holy place." While it refers to a specific desert oasis, its name suggests a divinely designated or set-apart area, perhaps due to its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel. It is often referred to more specifically as Kadesh-barnea, indicating a particular region within the broader desert expanse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Kadesh, and more frequently Kadesh-barnea, plays a pivotal role in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. It is first mentioned as the place from which Moses sent out the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan ([[Numbers 13:26]]). This event marks a critical turning point, as the people's lack of faith and subsequent rebellion at Kadesh led to God's decree that the entire generation would wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished ([[Numbers 14:29-35]]).
Many years later, Kadesh serves as the location where Miriam, Moses' sister, dies and is buried ([[Numbers 20:1]]). It is also at Kadesh that Moses himself commits the sin that prevents him from entering the Promised Land. When the people complained about lack of water, God commanded Moses to *speak* to the rock to provide water. Instead, Moses, in frustration, struck the rock twice, attributing the miracle to himself rather than to God ([[Numbers 20:10-13]]). For this act of disobedience and lack of sanctification of God's name, both Moses and Aaron were forbidden from leading the people into Canaan.
Geographically, Kadesh-barnea is consistently depicted as a key border town, marking the southern boundary of the Promised Land ([[Numbers 34:4]], [[Joshua 15:3]]). It served as a strategic point for both military and administrative purposes, being a significant oasis in the Negeb desert. Its repeated mention underscores its importance as a landmark in Israel's journey and a place where divine will was revealed and human faith was tested.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H6946}}` is to the root verb `{{H6942}}` (qādash), "to be holy, consecrated." This root gives rise to a family of words related to holiness, including `{{H6944}}` (qōdesh), "holiness" or "sanctuary," and `{{H6943}}` (qādōsh), "holy" or "sacred." The very name of the place, Kadesh, thus carries an intrinsic association with the divine and the sacred.
The compound name "Kadesh-barnea" (קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ) is frequently used to distinguish this specific location from other places that might share a similar etymological root. The precise meaning of "Barnea" is debated, possibly relating to "desert of wandering" or "son of wandering," which would be highly fitting given the events that transpired there. The use of the full name often emphasizes its role as the point of departure for the wilderness wanderings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Kadesh is profound and multi-layered. Despite its name meaning "sanctuary" or "holy place," Kadesh becomes a site of intense human rebellion and divine judgment. It stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith. The incident of the spies' report and the subsequent forty years of wandering illustrate God's righteous judgment against a faithless generation.
Furthermore, Kadesh is the place where Moses, God's chosen leader, falters. His sin at Kadesh underscores the absolute necessity of obedience to God's precise commands, even for those in positions of great authority. It highlights the principle that even a holy leader can be held accountable for failing to sanctify God's name before the people.
Kadesh also serves as a crucial geographical and theological boundary. It marks the transition from the wilderness to the threshold of the Promised Land. It is a place of waiting, testing, and ultimately, a point of renewed resolve for the second generation before they enter their inheritance. The irony of a "holy place" being the scene of such significant failures serves to magnify God's patience and faithfulness, even amidst human sin.
### Summary
`{{H6946}}` (Qâdêsh) refers to Kadesh, a pivotal desert oasis and border town in the biblical narrative. Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "holy" or "sanctuary," its name belies the significant events of human rebellion and divine judgment that occurred there. Kadesh-barnea, its more common designation, served as the launching point for the spies, the site of Miriam's death, and most notably, the location of Moses' sin that prevented his entry into the Promised Land. Theologically, Kadesh stands as a powerful symbol of testing, divine judgment against disobedience, and the unwavering necessity of faith and obedience to God's commands, even as it marked the crucial boundary between wilderness wandering and the promised inheritance.
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