אוֹדָה (o.dah)
o.dah
because
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun oḏāh literally means "cause" or "reason," functioning as a conjunction to introduce the explanation behind an action. In the Hebrew Bible, it translates to "because" or "on account of," linking a result to its specific source. This usage appears ten times across the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Genesis, Numbers, and Joshua.
Its root relates to concepts of confession or praise, yet here it serves a purely logical purpose: identifying the ground for a statement or event. For instance, in Genesis 26:20, Isaac names a well "Esek" (contention) because the herdsmen contended with him; the word oḏāh introduces this causal link. Similarly, in Numbers 14:35, God declares that the rebels will die in the wilderness because they have spoken against Him.
Unlike other Hebrew words for "because" that might imply mere temporal sequence or simple condition, oḏāh emphasizes the substantive reason or occasion. It anchors the narrative in a clear cause-and-effect relationship, showing how divine judgment or human reaction stems directly from specific actions or circumstances described in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oḏāh serves as a bridge between an event and its reason. It translates to 'because' or 'on account of,' linking what happens to why it happens. In Genesis 21:11, Abraham feels distress on account of his son. This simple conjunction grounds our emotions in specific realities rather than vague feelings.
Understanding this link helps us see cause and effect in Scripture. When Numbers 14:35 says rebels die because they spoke against God, the word highlights direct responsibility. It reminds us that actions have consequences. We do not need to guess at hidden meanings; the text often states the reason plainly.
This clarity offers peace. Life can feel chaotic, but Scripture shows us that events are not random. They connect to choices and circumstances. Recognizing these links helps us respond with wisdom. It invites us to look closely at our own lives and see where our actions lead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] causes of8×
- causes/ your1×
- causes/ my1×
- causes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹדוֹת֙2×
- אֹד֥וֹת2×
- אוֹדֹ֥ת1×
- אוֹדֹ֣ת1×
- אוֹדֹ֞ת1×
- אֹדוֹתַ֛/י1×
- אֹדוֹתֶ֖י/ךָ1×
- אֹד֣וֹת1×
- אֹד֛וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 21:11
The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.
This verse uses the word to explain Abraham's deep distress, linking his emotional state directly to the situation with his son.
-
Judges 6:7
When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh because of Midian,
The word introduces the reason for Israel's cry to Yahweh, identifying Midian as the specific source of their oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oḏāh mean in the Old Testament?
How is oḏāh different from other words for 'because'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.
Genesis 21:25Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
Genesis 26:32The same day, Isaac’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have…