קַדְמָה
former time
Definition
קַדְמָה (qadmâh) refers to a former or earlier time, specifically denoting a period that has passed. In its two biblical occurrences, it consistently carries this temporal sense. In Ezra 5:11, it describes the temple built 'in the former time' by the Israelites, contrasting it with the current, rebuilt structure. In Daniel 6:10, Daniel prays toward Jerusalem as he had done 'aforetime,' indicating his consistent practice from an earlier period. As an Aramaic loanword, its meaning aligns closely with its Hebrew counterpart, emphasizing precedence in time.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, appearing only in Ezra 5:11 and Daniel 6:10. In both contexts, it functions as a temporal adverb meaning 'formerly' or 'in a previous time.' It is used to contrast a past state or action with a present one, highlighting continuity or change over time. For example, in Ezra, it contrasts the former temple with the new one, and in Daniel, it underscores the consistency of Daniel's prayer habit from the past into his present crisis.
Etymology
קַדְמָה is an Aramaic noun corresponding to the Hebrew word קַדְמָה (H6927), both derived from the root ק־ד־ם (q-d-m), which conveys the core idea of 'front,' 'east,' or 'before.' This root gives rise to concepts of temporal priority (what comes before) and spatial orientation (the east, as the direction one faces). The Aramaic form used in these passages was the common language of the Persian Empire during the exile, reflecting the historical context of the texts where it appears.
Semantic Range
While not a theologically dense term, קַדְמָה enriches our understanding of biblical narrative by framing God's faithfulness across time. In Ezra 5:11, it connects the former temple—a symbol of God's past covenant and presence—with the new construction, suggesting continuity in God's promises despite exile. In Daniel 6:10, Daniel's practice 'aforetime' demonstrates unwavering devotion established long before his trial, modeling persistent faith rooted in a longstanding relationship with God. It subtly teaches that godly character is often built in 'former times' of ordinary obedience.
In the ancient Near East, including Aramaic-speaking cultures under Persian rule, concepts of time were often linear with a strong sense of past precedent. Using a word like קַדְמָה to reference 'former times' carried weight, as antiquity and tradition were highly valued. The term's root connection to 'east' (the direction of the sunrise) also culturally linked the past with what is ahead or in front, a perspective different from modern Western views that often place the past behind us.
קֶדֶם (qedem, H6924) — A more common Hebrew term for 'ancient time' or 'east,' with a broader temporal and spatial range. רִאשׁוֹן (ri'shôn, H7223) — Emphasizes 'first' in sequence or priority, often used for 'former' things in a series. תְּחִלָּה (techillah, H8462) — Focuses on the 'beginning' or 'first' stage of something.
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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