אׇבְדַן (ov.dan)
ov.dan
destruction
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun avdan signifies destruction or ruin. It is a rare term that appears only twice in the entire Old Testament, both times within the Book of Esther. In these specific instances, it describes the violent devastation faced by the Jewish people during the events of Purim.
Its usage is tightly bound to physical violence and death. The word occurs in lists detailing the methods of killing, such as "by the sword, slaughter, and destruction" (Esther 9:5). This context highlights its meaning as total annihilation or lethal harm, rather than abstract moral failure.
Because it is so infrequent, avdan does not develop a broad theological range. It serves as a stark descriptor of physical peril in the narrative. Translators typically render it simply as "destruction" to maintain the gravity of the threat described in these historical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word avdan appears in the Old Testament only twice, both within the dramatic narrative of Esther. It describes a concrete reality: physical ruin and violent devastation. In the story, it is not an abstract concept but a terrifying prospect faced by a people under threat. The character Esther uses this term when she asks how she can bear to watch her relatives perish.
For your faith life, this word grounds us in the seriousness of evil. It reminds us that sin and hatred have real, destructive consequences in our world. Yet, the context of Esther also shows God’s hidden hand in preserving His people. We are not left alone in the face of such threats.
This term invites us to trust in God’s protection when we feel vulnerable. It acknowledges the harshness of life while pointing to a Savior who delivers. In times of fear, we can look to the One who turns destruction into deliverance for those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on/ [the] destruction of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/אָבְדַ֖ן1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?”
This verse captures Esther's personal anguish over the impending physical ruin of her people, highlighting the word's focus on lethal harm rather than abstract sin.