הָדָה

הָדָה

to stretch forth the hand

Definition

The Hebrew verb הָדָה (hâdâh) means 'to stretch forth the hand' or 'to put forth.' It is a rare verb, appearing only once in the Old Testament. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 11:8, it describes a child putting his hand into the den of a venomous snake without being harmed. This specific action conveys a gesture of reaching into or probing a dangerous place. The word implies a deliberate, physical extension of the hand, often with a sense of purpose or interaction with an object or space.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Isaiah 11:8. It appears in a prophetic context describing the peace and safety of the messianic kingdom, where even a child can safely interact with formerly dangerous creatures. The usage is literal, describing the physical act of a hand being extended into a snake's den. Given its single occurrence, no broader patterns of usage across different books or contexts can be established.

Etymology

הָדָה (hâdâh) is considered a primitive root. It is etymologically related to the more common root יָדָה (yâdâh, H3034), which means 'to throw, cast, or give thanks,' and both are connected to the noun יָד (yâd, H3027), meaning 'hand.' This connection suggests a core concept of hand action. The meaning of הָדָה likely developed from the basic idea of a hand-directed motion, specifically 'stretching forth.'

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word holds theological significance within its context in Isaiah 11:8. It vividly illustrates the absolute safety and reversal of the created order in the future messianic kingdom prophesied by Isaiah. The child's act of 'stretching forth his hand' into a viper's den without harm is a powerful symbol of the removal of the curse and the establishment of perfect peace (shalom) under the reign of the 'shoot from the stump of Jesse' (Isaiah 11:1). Understanding this specific Hebrew verb enriches the reading by highlighting the intentional, fearless interaction that God's restored creation will allow. In the ancient Near Eastern context, snakes like adders and vipers were universally feared as deadly threats. A snake's den or hole was a place of extreme danger to be avoided. The imagery in Isaiah 11:8 would have been shockingly counter-cultural, portraying a complete overturning of natural enmity and peril. The act of a child—a symbol of vulnerability—deliberately reaching into such a place without fear underscores the miraculous nature of the prophetic peace being described. שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — a more general verb meaning 'to send, stretch out, or extend,' used for hands, commands, and objects. נָטָה (nāṭâ, H5186) — often means 'to stretch out, extend, or incline,' used for hands, heavens, and tents, with a stronger sense of bending or extending over something.

Word Details