הָדַר
to swell up (literally or figuratively, active or passive); by implication, to favor or honour, be high or proud
Definition
The verb הָדַר (hâdar) carries the core idea of swelling up or rising, which develops into meanings of honor, majesty, and favor. In its literal sense, it describes the physical act of something being raised or lifted, as in the crooked places being made level (Isaiah 45:2). More commonly, it is used figuratively to mean showing honor or respect, such as honoring the aged (Leviticus 19:32) or not showing partiality to the poor in a legal dispute (Leviticus 19:15). In a majestic sense, it describes the glorious, red-stained garments of a triumphant figure (Isaiah 63:1).
Biblical Usage
הָדַר is used only seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in legal and poetic contexts. In the legal texts of Exodus and Leviticus, it governs social ethics, prohibiting partiality in court (Exodus 23:3, Leviticus 19:15) and commanding respect for the elderly (Leviticus 19:32). In wisdom and prophetic literature, it takes on more majestic tones, advising not to honor oneself in the king's presence (Proverbs 25:6), describing God's triumphant appearance (Isaiah 63:1), or lamenting the loss of honor from the elders (Lamentations 5:12).
Etymology
As a primitive root, הָדַר is not derived from another Hebrew word. Its fundamental meaning relates to swelling, rising, or being high. This physical concept naturally extended to the abstract ideas of exaltation, majesty, and the act of honoring someone by 'lifting them up' in esteem. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings of honor, splendor, and majesty.
Semantic Range
This word connects God's character of impartial justice with human social ethics. God's law uses הָדַר to forbid distorting justice by favoring either the poor or the great (Leviticus 19:15), reflecting His own righteous nature. Conversely, it commands honoring the aged, linking social respect to reverence for God (Leviticus 19:32). In prophecy, it depicts God's majestic, victorious appearance (Isaiah 63:1), showing that true honor and glory belong ultimately to Him. Understanding this range—from judicial integrity to divine splendor—enriches our view of God's just and glorious kingdom.
In ancient Israelite society, showing partiality (הָדַר) in court was a serious perversion of community justice, undermining the covenant community's foundation. Honoring the aged was not merely polite but a recognition of wisdom, experience, and the blessing of long life, which was seen as a gift from God. The concept of 'swelling' into majesty, as in Isaiah 63:1, would evoke the image of a king or warrior in splendid, regal attire, symbolizing power and victory.
כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3513) — to be heavy, weighty, or honored; focuses on the weight/gravity of glory or respect. פָּאַר (pâ'ar, H6286) — to glorify, beautify; emphasizes adornment and beautification. יָקָר (yâqâr, H3365) — to be precious, valuable, or honored; focuses on high value or esteem.
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.
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