עֲדָה (a.dah)
a.dah
to pass on/over/away
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb adah describes the simple act of passing by, moving on, or going away. In its basic form, it captures motion from one point to another, often implying a transition that leaves the previous location behind. It is a word of movement and departure, used to depict people or things traversing space or time.
When used in the Hiphil stem, the meaning shifts slightly toward removal or deposition. Here, it conveys the idea of taking something away or removing a person from their position. This usage appears in contexts where authority is stripped or an individual is sent into exile, emphasizing the finality of the departure.
Although rare, with only six occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, the word carries significant weight in the book of Daniel. It helps describe the shifting tides of power and the transient nature of earthly kingdoms, marking moments when rulers are deposed and empires move on to new phases of history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word adah captures the simple act of passing by or moving on. In the book of Daniel, this verb describes how earthly powers rise and fall. It reminds us that human authority is temporary. Kings are removed, and empires shift. This movement is not random but part of a larger divine plan.
When we face changes in our own lives, this word offers comfort. Just as rulers pass from power, our struggles also have an end. God remains constant while circumstances change. We can trust that He guides history and cares for us through every transition.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they removed2×
- they will remove1×
- it will pass away1×
- it had touched1×
- [he is] removing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲדָ֖ת1×
- מְהַעְדֵּ֥ה1×
- יֶעְדֵּ֔ה1×
- יְהַעְדּ֔וֹן1×
- הֶעְדִּ֥יוּ1×
- הֶעְדִּ֖יו1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
This verse uses the verb to show God's authority to remove kings, highlighting His control over political power.
-
Daniel 5:20
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.
Here the word describes Nebuchadnezzar’s deposition, illustrating the sudden loss of glory when pride takes hold.
-
Daniel 7:12
As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
The verb indicates that while earthly dominion is taken away, life continues for a time, showing God’s patience even with judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to…
Daniel 3:27The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these…
Daniel 5:20But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly…
Daniel 7:12As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
Daniel 7:14Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His…
Daniel 7:26“‘But the judgment will be set, and they will take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end.