אֲדֻמִּים (a.dum.mim)
a.dum.mim
Adummim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun Adummim refers to a specific geographical location described as a pass or ridge of hills situated west of Gilgal. The name itself carries the meaning "ruddy," likely derived from the reddish hue of the surrounding earth or rock formations in that region.
This place appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Joshua (15:7 and 18:17). In these passages, it serves as a boundary marker for the tribal allotments of Judah and Benjamin. Its mention helps define the territorial borders during the division of the land among the Israelite tribes.
While the text does not elaborate on the physical characteristics beyond its color and location, the name provides a vivid image of the landscape. The "ruddy" descriptor anchors the place in the visual reality of the terrain, distinguishing it from other landmarks by its distinctive earth tones.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Adummim marks a specific ridge in the landscape of ancient Israel, named for the reddish soil that colored its slopes. In Joshua, this location serves as a fixed boundary marker between the territories of Judah and Benjamin. It is not merely a dot on a map but a tangible reminder of how God guided the tribes to their inheritance with precision.
For believers today, this detail highlights the care God takes in ordering our lives. Just as the borders were clearly defined to prevent conflict and ensure each tribe received its portion, God establishes boundaries in our faith journeys to protect us and guide our steps. The physical reality of the land points to a spiritual truth: He knows exactly where we are placed.
When we feel uncertain about our direction, we can trust that our Creator has already marked out our path. His guidance is as real and grounded as the earth beneath our feet, offering stability in a changing world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Adummim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲדֻמִּ֔ים1×
- אֲדֻמִּ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:7
The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that faces the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel.
This verse places Adummim south of the river as a visual landmark facing Gilgal, helping to define the northern edge of Judah's inheritance.
-
Joshua 18:17
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
Here the boundary extends past Geliloth opposite the ascent of Adummim, showing its role in separating the land allotted to Benjamin from neighboring territories.