אֲדַד (a.dad)
a.dad
Hadad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name אֲדַד (a.dad) appears only once in Scripture, in 1 Kings 11:14, referring to an Edomite who became a persistent adversary of King Solomon. The text identifies him as a royal figure from Edom, noting that he married the sister of Tahpenes, a woman connected to the Egyptian court. This marriage likely secured his political standing and resources during his time in Egypt before he eventually returned to challenge Israel.
Lexical sources identify this individual as another spelling of the Edomite deity Hadad (Strong's H1908), suggesting that the name carries theological weight beyond mere personal identification. The meaning "I shall move softly" or "I shall love" is often associated with the storm god Hadad, implying that this enemy was not just a political rival but a symbol of the persistent opposition God allowed to test Solomon’s faithfulness.
His role in the narrative is specific: he is one of three adversaries raised up by the Lord to punish Solomon for his sins. While Solomon’s heart had turned away from God, Hadad represents the external pressure that accompanied this internal decline. The brevity of his mention underscores how even minor figures in Scripture can play significant roles in divine judgment and historical consequence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hadad appears in Scripture as an adversary to King Solomon, illustrating how spiritual drift often invites external pressure. When our hearts turn away from God, we may find ourselves facing challenges that test our resolve. This brief mention reminds us that even small figures can play significant roles in divine judgment and historical consequence.
For your faith life, this word highlights the importance of staying close to God despite difficulties. Hadad’s story shows that opposition often accompanies a departure from God’s ways. By remaining faithful, you can navigate seasons of trial with confidence, knowing that God uses all things for His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hadad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲדַ֡ד1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 11:17
Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, to go into Egypt, when Hadad was still a little child.
This verse marks the turning point where Hadad’s flight to Egypt sets the stage for his future role as Solomon’s adversary.