Bible Word Study
מַד
mad · properly, extent, i.e. height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
מַד
properly, extent, i.e. height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
Definition
The Hebrew noun מַד (mad) fundamentally means 'measure' or 'extent,' referring to a standard of measurement, particularly for height or stature (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:4 describes Goliath's height). By extension, it came to denote a garment or vesture, as clothing was measured to fit the wearer (Judges 3:16, 1 Samuel 18:4). In some contexts, it refers to a carpet or covering (Judges 5:10, 2 Samuel 20:8). Thus, the word connects the abstract idea of measurement with concrete items shaped by that measure.
Biblical Usage
מַד appears 11 times, primarily in narrative books like Judges, 1-2 Samuel, and Leviticus. It is used for literal garments in Judges 3:16 (Ehud's dagger under his clothes) and 1 Samuel 18:4 (Jonathan's robe given to David). In poetic context (Judges 5:10), it refers to saddle blankets or carpets. In Leviticus 6:10, it denotes the priestly linen garments. The sense of 'measure' or 'stature' is clear in 1 Samuel 17:4 regarding Goliath's height.
Etymology
Derived from the root מָדַד (madad, H4058), meaning 'to measure' or 'to stretch.' The noun מַד directly expresses the result or instrument of measuring—an extent, standard, or measured item. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to measuring.
Semantic Range
While primarily a concrete term, מַד subtly underscores themes of divine order and human identity. God's creation involves measure (Job 38:5 uses the related verb), and clothing in the Bible often symbolizes status, authority, or priestly consecration (as in Leviticus 6:10). Understanding מַד highlights how physical items like garments can carry theological significance, representing roles given by God or human stature before Him. In ancient Israel, standardised measurement was crucial for trade, construction, and ritual. Clothing was hand-tailored, making the link between 'measure' and 'garment' natural. Saddle coverings (Judges 5:10) reflected wealth and status. The term's range shows a culture where abstract measures and tangible, measured objects were closely connected in daily life. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a general term for garment or clothing. מִדָּה (middah, H4060) — another noun from the same root, more commonly meaning 'measurement' or 'portion.' שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8008) — a cloak or outer garment.
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]