from רָדַד in the sense of spreading; a veil (as expanded); vail, veil.
Transliteration:râdîyd
Pronunciation:raw-deed'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7289}}` (râdîyd) derives from the root רָדַד (radad), which carries the primary sense of "to spread out," "to flatten," or "to hammer out." This etymological connection is crucial, as רָדִיד thus signifies something that is "spread out" or "expanded." In its biblical usage, it refers specifically to a "veil" or "shawl." Unlike other terms for coverings that might emphasize concealment or adornment, `{{H7289}}` subtly highlights the expansive nature of the cloth, suggesting a covering that is broad or widely draped. Its semantic range is quite narrow, confined to this specific type of personal covering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7289}}` occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the poetic and allegorical book of Song of Solomon:
> "The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil (`{{H7289}}`) from me." - [[Song of Solomon 5:7]]
In this poignant passage, the Shulamite, distraught and searching for her beloved, encounters the city watchmen. Instead of offering assistance, they inflict harm upon her, culminating in the forceful removal of her רָדִיד. This act is deeply significant within the narrative. The veil, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, was often a symbol of a woman's modesty, honor, and social standing. Its removal, especially by force, constitutes a profound act of humiliation, assault, and public disgrace. It underscores the vulnerability of the Shulamite and the harsh, unfeeling nature of those who should have been guardians. The stripping of the רָדִיד is not merely a physical act but a violation of her dignity and a stripping away of her protective covering, leaving her exposed and shamed.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H7289}}` is unique in its single occurrence, the concept of a veil or covering is prevalent in the Hebrew Bible, often conveyed by other terms:
* `{{H6777}}` (tsa'iyph): This word describes Rebekah's veil when she saw Isaac approaching, which she took and covered herself with ([[Genesis 24:65]]). It typically denotes a covering for the face.
* `{{H7479}}` (ra'alah): Mentioned in [[Isaiah 3:19]] among the adornments of the daughters of Zion, possibly referring to a thin or shimmering veil, perhaps a head-dress.
* `{{H4304}}` (mitpachat): A shawl or wrap, as given by Boaz to Ruth ([[Ruth 3:15]]). This term suggests a larger garment that could be draped.
* `{{H5256}}` (massekah): While primarily meaning "molten image" or "casting," it can also refer to a "covering" or "veil" in some contexts, particularly a woven fabric or net, as in [[Isaiah 25:7]].
These related terms highlight the varied forms and functions of coverings in ancient Israelite society. The רָדִיד (`{{H7289}}`) stands distinct perhaps in its emphasis on being "spread out," suggesting a substantial, encompassing piece of fabric, possibly a large shawl that could double as a head or face covering, making its forced removal particularly egregious. Concepts intertwined with these words include modesty, honor, protection, identity, privacy, and, conversely, humiliation and exposure.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance, the `{{H7289}}` in [[Song of Solomon 5:7]] carries considerable theological weight, especially when the Song is interpreted allegorically as the relationship between God and His people (Israel or the Church) or between Christ and the individual soul.
* **Vulnerability and Suffering:** The removal of the רָדִיד symbolizes the profound vulnerability and suffering that can be experienced by the soul in its earnest pursuit of the divine Beloved. It speaks to moments of spiritual distress, when the seeker encounters opposition, misunderstanding, or even spiritual assault from unexpected sources (like the watchmen).
* **Stripping of Dignity:** The act represents the stripping away of dignity, honor, or spiritual protection. In the spiritual journey, this can manifest as periods of feeling exposed, shamed, or abandoned, even when diligently seeking God. It underscores the potential cost and pain involved in seeking deeper intimacy with the divine.
* **The Veil as a Barrier/Access:** Broadly, veils in biblical theology often signify separation (e.g., the Temple veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, [[Exodus 26:31-33]]). Its tearing at Christ's crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:51]]) signifies the removal of the barrier to direct access to God. While the רָדִיד here is a personal garment, its removal can metaphorically represent a forced exposure or a painful stripping away of what once provided comfort or boundary in the spiritual realm.
* **The Cost of Love:** The entire context of the Shulamite's suffering in the Song of Solomon, including the loss of her רָדִיד, illustrates the trials and tribulations inherent in a passionate, seeking love relationship, whether human or divine. It reminds believers that the path to profound spiritual intimacy is not always smooth but can involve periods of pain, rejection, and vulnerability.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7289}}` (râdîyd) refers to a "veil" or "shawl," deriving from a root meaning "to spread out," emphasizing its expansive nature. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Song of Solomon 5:7]] depicts its forceful removal from the Shulamite by watchmen, an act of profound humiliation and violation of her honor and dignity. While other Hebrew terms exist for various types of coverings, `{{H7289}}` highlights a specific form of personal drapery. Theologically, this singular event in the Song of Solomon serves as a potent metaphor for the vulnerability, suffering, and indignity that can befall the soul in its zealous pursuit of the divine Beloved, underscoring the often-painful journey towards spiritual intimacy and the profound cost of seeking God's presence.
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