אַדִּיר (ad.dir)
ad.dir
great
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word adir describes something or someone that is great in a way that commands respect and awe. It carries connotations of majesty and power, often used to depict overwhelming natural forces like the roaring waters of the sea or the imposing height of a tree. In biblical poetry, this term elevates the subject beyond mere size to suggest a dignified, formidable presence.
Adir frequently modifies human figures of authority, such as kings, nations, and nobles, highlighting their status and influence. It also appears in descriptions of divine attributes, emphasizing God’s majestic nature. The word functions both as an adjective and a noun, referring to the "great one" or "majestic one" within social hierarchies.
Its usage spans key books like Psalms and Isaiah, where it helps paint vivid pictures of grandeur. For instance, in Psalm 93:4, adir describes the mighty waves of the sea, underscoring God’s superior power over chaos. This lexical choice reinforces the theme that true greatness lies in authority and splendor, whether earthly or divine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word adir points to a greatness that commands respect and awe. It is not just about size but about a dignified presence that inspires confidence. When we encounter this term in Scripture, we see it applied to both human leaders and the mighty forces of nature, reminding us that true authority comes from God.
In Psalm 93:4, the text describes the mighty breakers of the sea to highlight Yahweh’s superior power over chaos. This imagery helps us understand that no matter how overwhelming our circumstances may seem, God remains on high and in control. His majesty surpasses the loudest voices and the strongest waves.
Reflecting on this word encourages trust in divine sovereignty. Whether facing personal challenges or observing the grandeur of creation, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s strength is ultimate. This perspective brings peace to those who seek to align their lives with His enduring authority.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mighty2×
- majestic2×
- the/ nobles1×
- of/ [the] nobles1×
- nobles1×
- noble [one]/ its1×
- majestic [trees]1×
- from/ [the] noble [ones] of1×
- by/ a mighty [one]1×
- and/ nobles/ their1×
- and/ noble [ones]/ their1×
- and/ [the] majestic [ones]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַדִּירֵ֣י2×
- אַדִּ֖יר2×
- מֵ/אַדִּירֵ֥י1×
- לְ/אַדִּירִ֖ים1×
- וְ֝/אַדִּירֵ֗י1×
- וְ/אַדִּֽירֵי/הֶם֙1×
- וְ/אַדִּ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם1×
- הָֽ/אַדִּירִים֩1×
- הָ/אַדִּירִ֖ים1×
- בְּ/אַדִּ֥יר1×
- אַדִּרִ֖ים1×
- אַדִּירִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 93:4
Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, Yahweh on high is mighty.
This verse uses adir to describe the sea's breakers, contrasting natural chaos with Yahweh's supreme power on high.
-
Exodus 15:10
You blew with your wind. The sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
Here the term modifies the waters that covered Pharaoh’s army, emphasizing the overwhelming force of God’s judgment.
-
Isaiah 10:34
He will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One.
The word refers to the Mighty One who will fell Lebanon, portraying God as the judge of earthly powers.