מָדוֹן (ma.don)
ma.don
stature
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun madon refers to physical stature or bodily size. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 23:20, where it describes the imposing height of Benaiah, a warrior who killed two of Moab’s best men. In this context, the word emphasizes his remarkable physical presence and strength.
Its root relates to concepts of measurement or extension, suggesting a body that is substantial or large in scale. While often translated simply as "stature," it conveys more than just height; it implies a commanding physical form. The term highlights how Benaiah’s size contributed to his reputation as a formidable fighter.
Translators render madon as "stature" or "size," capturing the idea of a person who stands out physically. This single usage shows how ancient Hebrew valued physical presence in descriptions of heroes, linking bodily dimensions with martial prowess and leadership capability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word madon describes physical stature or bodily size. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Samuel 23:20, where it highlights Benaiah’s imposing height and strength. This single usage shows how ancient culture often linked physical presence with leadership capability.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that God uses people of all sizes and shapes. While the text emphasizes Benaiah’s remarkable physical form, Scripture consistently teaches that true strength comes from the Lord. Your value is not measured by your height or appearance, but by your heart and your walk with God.
When you feel overlooked or insignificant, remember that God sees you fully. He values your unique contributions to His kingdom, regardless of how you look on the outside. Trust in His purpose for your life, knowing that He equips those He calls with whatever they need to serve faithfully.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stature1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָד֗וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 21:20
There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on every hand and six toes on every foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was born to the giant.
This verse uses a related term for stature to describe a giant's physical size, illustrating the cultural context of how bodily dimensions were viewed in ancient warfare.