מוֹדַע (mo.da)
mo.da
kinsman
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mo.da refers to a kinsman or close relative. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the Book of Ruth, highlighting the specific role of family ties in ancient Israelite society. In these passages, it identifies the person responsible for redeeming land and caring for widowed family members.
This term underscores the legal and social obligation binding relatives together. It is not a general word for friend or acquaintance but denotes a blood relation with defined duties. The scarcity of its usage emphasizes how critical this specific relationship was for preserving family lineage and property during that era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word moda points to a kinsman, a close relative bound by blood and duty. In ancient Israel, this was not just a family title but a legal responsibility. It meant someone had to step in when a family faced loss or poverty. This concept shows that faith is lived out through tangible care for those who share our history.
When we look at Ruth 2:1, we see Boaz identified as this kinsman. He did not have to act, but he chose to protect Naomi and Ruth. His actions remind us that true community involves looking out for the vulnerable among us. God often uses people in our lives to provide unexpected support.
This word teaches us that we are never truly alone. Even when circumstances seem bleak, there is a network of care designed by God. We can trust that He provides helpers and that we are called to be such helpers for others. This shared responsibility strengthens the bonds of love and faith within our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a relative1×
- a relative1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מוֹדַ֣ע1×
- וּ֝/מֹדָ֗ע1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 2:1
Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz.
This verse introduces Boaz as the kinsman who becomes the protector of Naomi and Ruth, establishing the central theme of redemption through family ties.
-
Proverbs 7:4
Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” Call understanding your relative,
Here the term is used metaphorically to urge the pursuit of wisdom and understanding as if they were intimate family members, highlighting their essential value.