Bible Word Study
אָדַר
ʼâdar · to expand, i.e. be great or (figuratively) magnificent
אָדַר
to expand, i.e. be great or (figuratively) magnificent
Definition
The Hebrew verb אָדַר (ʼâdar) conveys the idea of being great, majestic, or magnificent. In its literal sense, it describes something that is expansive, exalted, or glorious. Figuratively, it is used to express the surpassing honor, power, and majesty of God, particularly in the context of His mighty acts. In Exodus 15:6 and 15:11, it describes God's 'right hand' and 'majesty' as glorious in power. In Isaiah 42:21, the meaning shifts slightly to emphasize that God's law is 'magnified' and made honorable, highlighting its supreme value and authority.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in poetic passages. It appears twice in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15:6, 11) to celebrate Yahweh's glorious and majestic power displayed in the deliverance from Egypt. The third occurrence is in a prophetic context in Isaiah 42:21, where it describes the Lord's pleasure in magnifying and honoring His law. The usage consistently attributes supreme greatness and honor to God or His attributes.
Etymology
אָדַר is a primitive root. It is related to the adjective אַדִּיר (ʼaddîr, H117), meaning 'mighty' or 'noble,' and the noun אֲדָר (ʼădār, H143), a month name possibly associated with greatness or glory. The core concept of the root relates to expansiveness, greatness, and majesty.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it directly attributes intrinsic majesty and glory to God. It enriches the reading of Exodus 15 by showing that Israel's worship celebrated not just God's powerful act of salvation, but His magnificent and glorious nature. In Isaiah, it connects God's character with His law, showing that His commands are an honorable reflection of His own greatness, worthy of being magnified. In its ancient Near Eastern context, terms for majesty and glory were often used for kings and deities. Using אָדַר for Yahweh in Exodus 15 directly confronts the claimed glory of Pharaoh and Egyptian gods, asserting Yahweh's supreme and unrivaled magnificence. The concept of 'magnifying' the law in Isaiah 42:21 elevates divine instruction above mere legal code, presenting it as a glorious revelation. אַדִּיר (ʼaddîr, H117) — An adjective meaning 'mighty' or 'noble,' often describing God, people, or things; focuses more on powerful strength. כָּבוֹד (kāḇôḏ, H3519) — 'Glory, honor, weight'; a more common and broad term for the manifest weight or splendor of God's presence. גָּדַל (gāḏal, H1431) — 'To grow, become great'; a more general verb for increase in size, age, or importance.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]