הָדַף

הָדַף

to push away or down

Definition

The Hebrew verb הָדַף (Hâdaph) fundamentally means to push, thrust, or drive away with force. It describes a physical act of aggressive removal, such as pushing someone down in violence (Numbers 35:20, 22) or thrusting a person away from oneself (2 Kings 4:27). The word also extends to metaphorical and spiritual contexts, signifying God driving out enemy nations from the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 6:19, Joshua 23:5) or the idea of the wicked being thrust from safety into calamity (Job 18:18, Proverbs 10:3).

Biblical Usage

הָדַף is used 11 times across the Torah, Historical Books, and Wisdom Literature. In legal contexts, it describes the violent act of pushing someone down, which can constitute murder (Numbers 35:20-22). In historical narratives, it frequently refers to God's action in expelling the Canaanite nations to make way for Israel (Deuteronomy 9:4, Joshua 23:5). In poetic books, it depicts the forceful, often disastrous, expulsion of a person from security or life itself (Job 18:18, Proverbs 10:3). A unique personal usage is found in 2 Kings 4:27, where Gehazi is told to thrust away the Shunammite woman.

Etymology

הָדַף is a primitive root verb in Hebrew. Its core meaning relates to pushing or thrusting. Cognate words exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings of pushing or repelling. The Hebrew root conveys a sense of forceful, often sudden, motion away from an origin point.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's active role as a divine warrior in securing the inheritance for His people, emphasizing His power and faithfulness to His covenant promises (Deuteronomy 6:19). It also illustrates a principle of moral consequence, where wickedness leads to being 'thrust away' from blessing and into judgment (Proverbs 10:3), highlighting the biblical theme of divine justice. In its ancient Near Eastern context, the act of 'driving out' nations was a common motif for military conquest and the transfer of land ownership, understood as directed by the deity of the victorious people. The legal usage regarding pushing reflects the high value placed on life and the detailed casuistry in Israelite law for distinguishing between intentional and unintentional homicide. גָּרַשׁ (gārash, H1644) — to drive out, often used for expulsion from land or presence; more general than הָדַף. נָדַח (nādach, H5080) — to thrust or drive away, often into exile or scattering; can imply a banishing force.

Word Details