מָדוֹן

מָדוֹן

extensiveness, i.e. height

Definition

The Hebrew noun מָדוֹן (mâdôwn) refers to 'extensiveness' or 'height,' specifically describing the physical stature of a person. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 21:20, where it describes the extraordinary height of a Philistine warrior. The word conveys the concept of great vertical measurement or tallness. In its sole biblical usage, it emphasizes a remarkable and imposing physical characteristic.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in 2 Samuel 21:20, within a narrative listing the exploits of David's warriors against giant Philistine descendants. The context is a military report describing an enemy combatant of exceptional size. The usage is purely descriptive of physical stature, with no figurative application found in the biblical text.

Etymology

מָדוֹן derives from the root מדה (m-d-h), which relates to measuring or extension. It is connected to the noun מֶדֶו (medev, H4063), meaning 'garment' or 'robe,' likely through the shared concept of something that extends or covers. The development of meaning moved from the general idea of extension to the specific measurement of human height.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is descriptive, its single use in 2 Samuel 21:20 contributes to the theological theme of God granting victory to His chosen king (David) over seemingly insurmountable physical foes, which were often symbolized by giants (like Goliath). Understanding this term highlights how the biblical narrative contrasts human might with divine deliverance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, great height and physical size were often associated with military might and fearsome reputation. The description of an enemy's 'stature' (מָדוֹן) would immediately signal a significant threat to an Israelite audience, making the subsequent victory by David's men more dramatic. קוֹמָה (qômâ, H6967) — a more common term for height or stature, used for both people and objects (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7). גָּבוֹהַּ (gâbôah, H1364) — an adjective meaning 'high' or 'lofty,' often used for physical height, pride, or God's exalted nature.

Word Details