רָדָה

râdâh /raw-daw'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto tread down, i.e. subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
KJV usage(come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule, (-r, over), take.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word râdâh, represented by H7287, is a primitive root that means to tread down or subjugate. Appearing 27 times in 25 verses, its definition encompasses the authority to have dominion, to reign, to prevail against, and to rule over something or someone.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H7287 is established in the opening of Genesis, where God grants humanity the authority to "have dominion" over the fish, birds, and every living thing on earth (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28). This concept of rule extends to human governance, such as Solomon having dominion over a vast kingdom 1 Kings 4:24 and his officers who ruled over the people 1 Kings 5:16. The word is also used to condemn corrupt leadership, as with the shepherds of Israel who ruled with force and cruelty Ezekiel 34:4, and the priests who falsely "bear rule" Jeremiah 5:31. Scripture also warns against using this authority oppressively, commanding that one should not rule over a brother with rigour Leviticus 25:43.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of dominion and authority:

  • H3533 kâbash (to subdue): This term means to tread down, conquer, or bring into subjection. It appears alongside râdâh in the command for humanity to replenish the earth, subdue it, and have dominion Genesis 1:28.
  • H6531 perek (cruelty, rigour): This word describes a harsh or severe manner of ruling. It is used to qualify the type of rule forbidden among Israelites, specifying they should not rule over one another with rigour Leviticus 25:46.
  • H8269 sar (ruler, prince): This noun identifies a head person or chief. It describes the one who performs the action of râdâh, as seen in the description of the princes of Judah and other tribes who accompanied Benjamin with their ruler Psalms 68:27.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7287 is significant, highlighting the responsibilities that accompany power.

  • Divine Mandate of Stewardship: The first use of H7287 establishes humanity's role to exercise dominion over the earth as God's representatives. This is a divine charge to govern creation responsibly Genesis 1:26.
  • The Morality of Power: The word distinguishes between just and unjust rule. God anoints leaders to rule righteously Isaiah 41:2, but He condemns those who use their authority with force H2394 and cruelty H6531, as the failed shepherds of Israel did Ezekiel 34:4.
  • Messianic Authority: H7287 is used in key prophecies pointing to a coming king. This figure is one from Jacob who "shall have dominion" Numbers 24:19 and whose reign will extend from sea to sea Psalms 72:8.

Summary

In summary, H7287 is a dynamic term for rule and dominion that is central to understanding biblical authority. It encompasses the original charge for humanity to steward creation Genesis 1:28, the administration of earthly kings 1 Kings 4:24, and the prophetic hope of a perfect, righteous ruler Psalms 72:8. The word râdâh ultimately illustrates that power is a trust, defined by whether it is exercised as benevolent governance or as oppressive subjugation.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 28 occurrences, inflected in 16 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×

+ 4 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 25 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in Leviticus (4 verses).

2
Genesis
4
Leviticus
1
Numbers
2
Judges
3
1 Kings
1
2 Chronicles
1
Nehemiah
4
Psalms
3
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah
1
Lamentations
2
Ezekiel

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