מָדָאָה (ma.da.ah)
ma.da.ah
Mede
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The noun māḏāʾah refers to a Mede, an inhabitant of Media, a region situated northwest of Persia proper and south of the Caspian Sea. The sources note that this spelling is frequently used as an alternative form for Medan (H4091), with the underlying meaning pointing toward the "middle land." In biblical geography, Media lay to the east of Assyria and Armenia, bordering the great salt desert.
This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Daniel 11:1. Here it identifies the political power that succeeded Babylon as the dominant empire in the Near East. The usage highlights the historical shift from Babylonian to Median-Persian rule, anchoring the prophetic narrative in a specific geopolitical reality familiar to its original audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term 'Mede' appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, anchoring us in Daniel 11:1. This brief mention marks a pivotal moment in history when the Median-Persian empire rose to power after Babylon. For the original audience, this was not just political news but a confirmation that God’s prophetic words were unfolding in real time.
When we read about shifting empires and changing rulers, it can feel overwhelming. Yet this single word reminds us that historical events are part of a larger divine narrative. The rise and fall of kingdoms do not catch God by surprise; He is sovereign over the course of history.
This assurance invites peace in our own uncertain times. We can trust that God remains faithful to His promises, even when the world around us changes rapidly. Our hope rests not in political stability but in the unchanging character of the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Mede1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/מָּדִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 11:1
“As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.
This verse uniquely identifies Darius as 'the Mede,' highlighting the transition of power from Babylon to the Median-Persian empire and confirming the accuracy of prophetic timelines.