apparently from שָׂדֶה; a cultivated field; blasted, field.
Transliteration:shᵉdêmâh
Pronunciation:shed-ay-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh, `{{H7709}}`) is derived, apparently, from the more common word שָׂדֶה (sadeh, `{{H7704}}`), which denotes a "field," "countryside," or "open country." While שָׂדֶה is a broad term, שְׁדֵמָה specifically refers to a "cultivated field"—land that is tilled and expected to yield produce. However, its rare occurrences in the biblical text introduce a significant nuance, as the associated definition often includes "blasted." This suggests that while it refers to land intended for cultivation, its usage frequently implies a state of desolation, barrenness, or divine judgment upon such productive ground, rather than a flourishing field.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh, `{{H7709}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, and in both instances, it carries a strong connotation of desolation or failed productivity.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 32:32]]**: "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter."
In this poetic song of Moses, the "fields" (שְׁדֵמָה) of Gomorrah are invoked as a metaphor for the corrupt and bitter fruit produced by rebellious Israel. The reference to Sodom and Gomorrah immediately brings to mind divine judgment and utter destruction. Thus, the "cultivated fields" of these cities are not depicted as fruitful but as utterly blasted and cursed, yielding only poisonous fruit. This usage strongly supports the "blasted" aspect of the definition, linking the word to a state of divine curse and spiritual barrenness.
2. **[[Habakkuk 3:17]]**: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls."
Here, שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh) is part of a comprehensive description of widespread agricultural and pastoral failure. The prophet Habakkuk paints a picture of national devastation, where the cultivated fields (שְׁדֵמָה) fail to produce food ("meat" or "food/grain"). This context of barrenness and lack of yield aligns perfectly with the "blasted" aspect, indicating a cessation of productivity from land that should otherwise be fruitful. Despite this dire situation, the verse famously sets the stage for Habakkuk's declaration of unwavering faith in God (Habakkuk 3:18-19).
In both contexts, שְׁדֵמָה is not merely a neutral term for a field but specifically highlights a cultivated area that has been rendered unproductive, often due to divine judgment or severe hardship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is שָׂדֶה (sadeh, `{{H7704}}`), the general term for "field" or "open country," from which שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh) is likely derived. While שָׂדֶה can be fruitful or barren depending on context, שְׁדֵמָה seems to carry a more specific, often negative, connotation of a field that *should* be productive but is not.
Other related concepts include:
* **יְבוּל** (yevul, `{{H2981}}`): "produce," "yield," or "harvest," often referring to the output of fields.
* **תְּבוּאָה** (t'vu'ah, `{{H8393}}`): "produce," "harvest," "increase," similar to יְבוּל.
* **בָּצִיר** (batsir, `{{H1210}}`): "vintage" or "grape harvest," directly related to the fruit of the vine.
* **תְּאֵנָה** (t'enah, `{{H8384}}`): "fig tree," and **גֶּפֶן** (gephen, `{{H1612}}`): "vine," specific plants cultivated in fields.
The theological concepts of fertility, barrenness, blessing, and curse are intrinsically linked to the function and state of the "cultivated field" as represented by שְׁדֵמָה.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent occurrences of שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh, `{{H7709}}`) carry profound theological weight.
In [[Deuteronomy 32:32]], the "fields of Gomorrah" serve as a stark metaphor for the spiritual and moral decay of Israel. Just as the physical fields of Sodom and Gomorrah were utterly destroyed by divine judgment, so too the spiritual "fruit" of apostate Israel is depicted as bitter and poisonous. This highlights the covenantal principle that disobedience leads to curse and barrenness, both physically and spiritually. The word underscores the severe consequences of turning away from God, where even that which is cultivated for blessing yields only destruction.
In [[Habakkuk 3:17]], the failure of the "fields" (שְׁדֵמָה) is part of a broader picture of national desolation. This passage is a powerful testament to faith that transcends material circumstances. Even when the cultivated land yields no food, and all earthly provisions fail, the prophet declares his unwavering joy and trust in the Lord. Here, the blasted field becomes a backdrop against which the sovereignty of God and the resilience of faith are magnified. It reminds believers that true sustenance and hope come not from the productivity of the land, but from God Himself.
Collectively, the usage of שְׁדֵמָה emphasizes God's ultimate control over the fruitfulness of the earth and the destiny of His people. It serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of sin and the call to absolute trust in divine providence, even when the visible "fields" of life appear barren.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שְׁדֵמָה (shᵉdêmâh, `{{H7709}}`) refers to a cultivated field, deriving from the general term for "field," שָׂדֶה (sadeh, `{{H7704}}`). Despite its base meaning of a productive area, its two biblical occurrences consistently depict it in a state of desolation or unproductivity, aligning with the "blasted" aspect of its definition. In [[Deuteronomy 32:32]], it describes the cursed "fields of Gomorrah" as a metaphor for Israel's spiritual corruption and the bitter fruit of apostasy. In [[Habakkuk 3:17]], it signifies the failure of agricultural production amidst national hardship, serving as a powerful contrast to the prophet's declaration of unwavering faith in God. Thus, שְׁדֵמָה carries significant theological weight, underscoring themes of divine judgment, the consequences of disobedience, and the call to steadfast trust in God's provision even when earthly "fields" yield nothing. It highlights God's sovereign hand over the land's fertility and the lives of His covenant people.
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