עָדַר (a.dar)

a.dar

to help; to hoe; to lack

H5737 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 8 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The verb `adar` carries a dual meaning in Hebrew: to hoe or cultivate, and by extension, to help or provide what is needed. In its most concrete sense, it describes the physical act of tending to soil, as seen in Isaiah 5:6 where God declares that His vineyard will no longer be hoed. This agricultural image grounds the word’s broader spiritual application, linking care for the land with care for people.

When used in a non-agricultural context, `adar` signifies providing help or ensuring that nothing is lacking. In 2 Samuel 19:28, Mephibosheth describes how Ziba helped him, using this term to denote reliable support. Similarly, Zephaniah 3:17 speaks of God resting in love and rejoicing over His people, implying a provision that leaves them without want. The word suggests an active, sustaining presence rather than passive allowance.

This connection between farming and helping reveals a key insight: true assistance is often practical and ongoing. Just as a vineyard requires regular hoeing to thrive, human needs are met through consistent, tangible care. Translators sometimes render `adar` as "help" or "provide," capturing the idea of filling a gap or meeting a deficiency. The word reminds readers that support is not abstract but involves direct action and attention.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word adar bridges the gap between physical labor and spiritual care. In its primary sense, it describes the act of hoeing soil to keep weeds at bay so crops can thrive. This agricultural image grounds a broader meaning: providing what is needed so that nothing is lacking. When we see this word applied to people, it suggests that true help is not abstract but involves direct, sustaining action.

In daily life, this reminds us that support often looks like practical attention. Just as a vineyard requires regular tending, our needs are met through consistent care. Whether in the form of reliable assistance during difficult times or the assurance that God provides for His people, adar points to an active presence that fills gaps and prevents loss.

This understanding offers comfort in seasons of uncertainty. It assures us that we are not left to manage everything alone. The same God who tends the earth also ensures that those who trust in Him receive what they need. This tangible care invites us to rest in the knowledge that our provider is both attentive and faithful, meeting our deficiencies with steady grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

they were hoed/ !1×
lacking1×
it will be missing1×
it will be hoed1×
it was missing1×
it is missing1×
he fails1×
[was] missing1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

נֶעְדָּ֔ר2×
נֶעְדָּֽר\׃\ \ס1×
נֶעְדָּ֔רָה1×
נֶעְדַּר\־1×
נֶעְדֶּ֔רֶת1×
יֵעָדֵ֔ר1×
יֵעָ֣דֵר֔וּ/ן1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 30:19
There was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither plunder, nor anything that they had taken. David brought them all back.

This verse uses the concept of lacking nothing to highlight the completeness of David's restoration, showing how divine help restores total loss.
Isaiah 5:6
I will lay it a wasteland. It won’t be pruned or hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it.”

Here the agricultural meaning is central, as God declares He will cease the hoeing, leading to desolation and illustrating the consequence of removed care.
Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these, who brings out their army by number. He calls them all by name. By the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is lacking.

The text emphasizes that not one star is lacking, using the word to affirm God's precise and sustaining power over creation.
Zephaniah 3:5
Yahweh, within her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame.

This occurrence contrasts human failure with God's reliability, stating He does not fail or lack in bringing justice each morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word adar mean?

Adar primarily means to hoe or cultivate soil, but it extends to helping or providing what is needed. It describes an active process of tending so that nothing is lacking, whether in agriculture or human relationships.

How is adar different from other words for help?

While other Hebrew verbs may mean general assistance, adar carries the specific imagery of cultivation and removing obstacles. It implies a hands-on approach to ensuring growth and preventing deficiency, much like hoeing a field.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears in eight verses, including I Samuel 30:19, Isaiah 5:6, and Zephaniah 3:5. These passages use the term to describe both agricultural practices and God's reliable provision for His people.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)

I Samuel 1 verse

I Samuel 30:19

There was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither plunder, nor anything…

II Samuel 1 verse

Isaiah 5 verses

Zephaniah 1 verse