חֲדַר
Chadar, an Ishmaelite
Definition
Chadar (חֲדַר) is a proper noun referring to an Ishmaelite tribal chief, one of the twelve sons of Ishmael listed in Genesis 25:15. As a personal name, it signifies an individual within the genealogical record of Abraham's descendants through Hagar. The name appears only in this singular biblical context, identifying a specific clan or lineage among the Ishmaelite tribes. It is alternatively transliterated as 'Hadar' in some English versions, like the KJV, due to variations in vocalization.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 25:15, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a proper name for one of the twelve princes descended from Ishmael. There are no other usages or contextual patterns, as it is a unique identifier within a specific family record.
Etymology
Chadar is derived from the Hebrew root חֶדֶר (H2315), meaning 'chamber,' 'room,' or 'inner room.' As a proper noun, it represents a personal name, likely chosen for its association with concepts of privacy, seclusion, or an enclosed space. It is considered another form or variant of the common noun, reflecting a practice of using descriptive terms for names.
Semantic Range
While the name Chadar itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in the Genesis 25 genealogy is significant. It affirms God's fulfillment of his promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael (Genesis 17:20), that he would father twelve princes and become a great nation. Understanding these names enriches the reading of God's covenant faithfulness even to lines outside the direct promise to Isaac.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, names often carried meaning related to circumstances, hopes, or characteristics. Naming a son 'Chadar' (related to 'chamber') might reflect themes of protection, privacy, or honor within the family or tribe. As one of the Ishmaelite chiefs, it signifies his role as a leader of a distinct social and political group among the nomadic peoples of the Arabian peninsula.
No direct synonyms as a proper name. Related genealogical terms: יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma'el, H3458) — Ishmael, the father of Chadar; קֵדָר (Qedar, H6938) — Another son of Ishmael and brother of Chadar, also a tribal name.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →