הֲדוֹרָם (ha.do.ram)
ha.do.ram
Hadoram
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hadoram means "noble honor" or "glorious dignity." It appears in Scripture as a personal name for three distinct figures, linking different eras of Israel’s history through this shared title. The first is an early patriarch, the fifth son of Joktan and founder of an Arabian tribe listed in Genesis 10:27.
Two other men bear the name during the United Monarchy. One serves as an ambassador from Toi, king of Hamath, delivering congratulations to David after his victory over Hadarezer (2 Samuel 8:10). The third is a high-ranking official in charge of forced labor, known as Adoniram or Adoram in other passages but called Hadoram in 2 Chronicles 10:18 when he is stoned by the rebellious Israelites.
The recurrence of this name suggests that "noble honor" was a valued concept in ancient Near Eastern naming practices. Whether identifying a distant tribal ancestor or a controversial royal administrator, the name carries a weight of status and public standing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hadoram carries a meaning of noble honor and glorious dignity. In Scripture, this title connects different eras of Israel’s history, appearing as both a tribal ancestor and a royal official. For believers today, it reminds us that true honor is not merely about status or position, but about how we serve others within God’s broader story.
Whether identifying a distant ancestor in Genesis or an administrator in the days of Rehoboam, the name reflects the weight of public standing. We are invited to consider how our own lives might reflect dignity that honors God, rather than seeking fleeting recognition from the world around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hadoram4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲדוֹרָ֥ם2×
- הֲדֽוֹרָם\־1×
- הֲדֹרָם֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 18:10
he sent Hadoram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him (for Hadadezer had wars with Tou); and he had with him all kinds of vessels of gold and silver and bronze.
This verse highlights Hadoram as a diplomatic envoy bringing gifts to David, showing how honor can be expressed through peaceful relations and tribute.
-
II Chronicles 10:18
Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the men subject to forced labor; and the children of Israel stoned him to death with stones. King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
Here the name marks a tragic moment where an official in charge of forced labor is rejected by the people, illustrating the dangers of pride and oppressive power.
-
Genesis 10:27
Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
This occurrence places Hadoram among the descendants of Joktan, linking the name to early tribal identities and the spread of nations after the flood.