מִדָּה (mid.dah)
mid.dah
measure; tribute; `great stature`
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun mid.dah generally denotes a specific measurement, size, or extent. In most biblical contexts, it refers to physical dimensions, such as the length and width of structures or the stature of individuals. This concrete usage appears in detailed accounts of the Temple’s construction and the city walls, where precise spatial boundaries are essential for understanding the narrative.
One notable exception occurs in Nehemiah 5:4, where the word shifts to mean a tax or tribute imposed on the people. This specific instance highlights the economic pressures faced by the community during the post-exilic period, showing how the concept of a "measured portion" could apply to financial obligations as well as physical space.
The term also appears in genealogical lists, such as in 2 Samuel 21:20, where it describes the stature or size of a giant warrior. Here, mid.dah emphasizes physical presence and imposing height, reinforcing its core meaning of measurable magnitude. Across these varied uses, the word consistently points to something defined by limits or quantity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mid.dah points to something defined by its limits and quantity. In the Bible, it often describes physical dimensions, such as the precise measurements for the Tabernacle curtains or the height of giants. This concrete usage reminds us that God cares about order and detail in the physical world.
Yet the term also appears in unexpected places, like Nehemiah 5:4, where it refers to a king’s tribute. Here, mid.dah highlights the heavy financial burdens placed on the people. It shows how a concept of measurement can shift from spatial boundaries to economic obligations, reflecting the real pressures of daily life.
Whether describing the size of stones or the weight of taxes, this word grounds our faith in reality. It invites us to see God’s hand in both the grand design of creation and the specific needs of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a measured portion7×
- size4×
- stature3×
- according to/ measurements of2×
- a measurement2×
- with/ a measure1×
- stature<s>1×
- size<s>1×
- robes/ his1×
- in <the>/ measurement1×
- for/ [the] tribute of1×
- by the/ measurement1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִדָּ֣ה9×
- מִדָּ֥ה4×
- מִדּוֹתָֽי/ו\׃1×
- מִדּֽוֹת\׃1×
- מִדָּה֒1×
- מִדָּ֣ה\׀1×
- מִדָּ֗ה1×
- מִדּ֔וֹת1×
- לְ/מִדַּ֣ת1×
- כְּ/מִדֹּ֣ת1×
- כְּ/מִדּ֥וֹת1×
- וּ/מִדָּֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:2
The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
This verse establishes mid.dah as a standard for uniformity, ensuring every curtain matched the others in size.
-
Nehemiah 5:4
There were also some who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral.
Here the word shifts to mean a financial tribute, illustrating the economic strain on the community.
-
I Kings 6:25
The other cherub was ten cubits. Both the cherubim were of one measure and one form.
The cherubim are described with one measure and form, emphasizing symmetry in the holy place.
-
Job 28:25
He establishes the force of the wind. Yes, he measures out the waters by measure.
This poetic line shows God measuring waters by mid.dah, highlighting His control over natural forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mid.dah mean in the Bible?
How is mid.dah different from other words for measure?
Where does mid.dah appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 12 books)
Exodus 4 verses
The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains…
Exodus 26:8The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall…
Exodus 36:9The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one…
Exodus 36:15The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the width of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one…