קֵדָר
Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also (collectively) Bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)
Definition
Kedar is a proper noun referring primarily to a son of Ishmael, the second listed in Genesis 25:13 and 1 Chronicles 1:29. More broadly, it denotes the powerful nomadic tribe descended from him, known for their dark tents (Song of Solomon 1:5) and skilled archery (Isaiah 21:17). In prophetic literature, Kedar often symbolizes the distant, desert-dwelling nations, sometimes in judgment (Isaiah 21:16-17) and other times included in God's future blessing and worship (Isaiah 42:11, 60:7).
Biblical Usage
The word is used 11 times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books. It first appears in genealogical lists (Genesis, Chronicles). Later, it is used metaphorically for nomadic Bedouin life in the Psalms and Song of Solomon (Psalm 120:5, Song 1:5). The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel use 'Kedar' as a representative of eastern desert tribes, often in oracles concerning judgment or future inclusion in God's kingdom (e.g., Isaiah 21:16-17, 42:11, 60:7).
Etymology
Derived from the root קָדַר (qādar, H6937), meaning 'to be dark, mourn, or grow dark.' The name likely describes the tribe's characteristic dark-colored goat-hair tents (as noted in Song 1:5) or possibly a dusky complexion. It is a descriptive name reflecting their appearance or dwelling.
Semantic Range
Kedar represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Ishmael to make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20) and illustrates God's sovereignty over all peoples. Its inclusion in prophecies of judgment (Isaiah 21) and future blessing (Isaiah 60) shows that God's redemptive plan extends beyond Israel to encompass distant nations. Understanding Kedar enriches reading by highlighting the biblical theme of God's concern for all ethnic groups.
The Kedarites were a powerful confederation of nomadic tribes in the North Arabian desert, renowned as skilled archers and traders. Their identity was closely tied to their dark tents and pastoral, desert lifestyle. To the settled Israelites, they represented the archetypal, sometimes hostile, nomadic people of the eastern wilderness. Biblical references to their tents and flocks reflect this well-known cultural reality.
Ishmael (Yishma'el, H3458) — The father and progenitor of the Kedar tribe and others. Midian (Midyan, H4080) — Another prominent nomadic tribal group from the desert regions, often associated with trade and conflict.
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 →