מֵידָד (me.dad)
me.dad
Medad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Meidad, a relatively rare Hebrew proper noun, appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the narrative of Numbers 11. It identifies one of the seventy elders chosen by God to share the burden of leadership with Moses. When the Spirit rested upon these appointed leaders, they prophesied in the camp, confirming their new role in guiding Israel during the wilderness journey.
Etymologically, the name is generally understood to mean "my father is loving" or simply "love," derived from roots associated with affection and familial bonds. This meaning offers a quiet contrast to the heavy political and spiritual responsibilities these elders were given. The sources highlight Meidad not for independent action, but as part of a collective group whose prophetic activity served as a sign of God’s widespread presence among His people.
While Joshua was concerned that this unauthorized prophecy might undermine Moses’ unique authority, the incident ultimately demonstrated that God’s Spirit could flow through many. Meidad’s brief mention serves as a reminder that divine empowerment is not always confined to a single leader but can extend to others within the community of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meidad appears only twice in Scripture, nestled within the story of Numbers 11. It identifies one of the seventy elders chosen to help Moses lead Israel. When God’s Spirit rested on these men, they prophesied right there in the camp, even though they had not gone to the Tent of Meeting like the others.
This moment offers a gentle reminder that God’s presence is not limited to a single person or place. While Joshua worried about the authority structure, Moses rejoiced, wishing all God’s people were filled with His Spirit. Meidad’s brief mention highlights that divine empowerment can extend to many within the community of faith.
For your own life, this story encourages you to recognize God’s work in others around you. It is not always about standing at the front or holding a title. Sometimes, it is simply about being open to the Spirit’s movement, wherever and however it happens among believers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Medad1×
- [was] Medad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵידָ֜ד1×
- וּ/מֵידָ֔ד1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 11:26
But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad; and the Spirit rested on them. They were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.
This verse identifies Meidad as one of the two men who received the Spirit while remaining in the camp, confirming that divine empowerment was not restricted to those at the Tent.
-
Numbers 11:27
A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”
Here, a young man reports Meidad’s prophetic activity to Moses, showing how the unexpected spread of the Spirit sparked concern that required leadership's response.