בְּדָן (be.dan)
be.dan
Bedan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Bedan appears in Scripture as an alternative spelling for Barak, the military leader from the tribe of Manasseh. This identification is explicitly noted in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7:17, where he is listed as the son of Ulam, distinguishing him from the more commonly cited Barak who served under Deborah.
The name itself carries a meaning related to judgment or judging. While the historical figure is best known for his role in leading Israel’s armies against the Canaanite forces commanded by Sisera, the linguistic root connects his identity to the judicial office of the judges period. This dual association highlights how leadership in ancient Israel often blended military command with civic authority.
Recognizing Bedan as Barak helps readers navigate the slight variations in biblical names across different textual traditions. It underscores the consistency of the narrative regarding Manassite contributions to Israel’s early history, while reminding us that scribes sometimes recorded personal names with phonetic variations without altering their core identity or role.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bedan appears in Scripture as a variant for Barak, the military leader from Manasseh who fought alongside Deborah. This connection reminds us that God uses ordinary people with imperfect records to accomplish extraordinary things. In 1 Samuel 12:11, Bedan is listed among those who delivered Israel from its enemies, showing how God raises up leaders when His people need rescue.
Understanding these name variations helps us see the consistency of God’s story across different biblical texts. Whether called Barak or Bedan, this leader played a key role in Israel’s history. It encourages us to trust that God works through diverse individuals and traditions to bring about His purposes for His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bedan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּדָ֔ן1×
- בְּדָ֑ן1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 12:11
Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety.
This verse lists Bedan among the deliverers raised up by Yahweh, highlighting his role in Israel's historical rescue from enemies.
-
I Chronicles 7:17
The sons of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh.
Here Bedan is identified as a son of Ulam and grandson of Machir, clarifying his lineage within the tribe of Manasseh.